Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Audcom AP-110 Preamplifier (Tube) by sonorasam

Model:	AP-110
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$299.00 standard./$549 modified
Description:	Vacuum Tube Pre-Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Audcom
Model Picture:	View

Review by sonorasam ( A ) on September 03, 2002 at 01:13:56
IP Address: 12.231.144.110

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for the AP-110

This tubed pre-amp is just simply fantastic, especially for the price. Inserted between my 2 bi-amped McIntosh MC225's, it is pure magic. I have the modified by Paul Grzybek at Bizzy Bee's in Naperville, Ill. www.2baudio.com. After the break-in for the Auricaps and the tube rolling of the 2 12ax7's for 2 12au7's, the sound was clear, smooth, very natural, with a wide and deep soundstage. Right out of the box, the 12ax7's did not sound right, being too etched and there being too much energy in the highs. After talking with Paul, we decided to try the 12au7's.....Bingo, magic! Strings sounded like strings, not congealed and squashed. Voices were just plain stunning, floating in-between my speakers with a natural ease. Before the McIntosh 225's and this tubed pre-amp, I was solid state all the way, but now, forget the solid state.
This pre-amp has an infrared remote control controled by a motorized Alps analog switch. The gold plated RCA jacks are micro relay switched. All in all, a fantastic remote controled tubed pre-amp for $549 that should cost a lot more.

Product Weakness: None.
Product Strengths: Open, natural, smooth mids and highs, and a wide, deep soundstage.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McIntosh MC225's bi amped
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audcom AP-110
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Music Hall MMF-7
Speakers:	Legacy Audio Classics, 1987 vintage
Cables/Interconnects:	Van den Hull Thunderline, Monster Cable Interconnect 2
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Pop
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable HTS3500 Power Conditioner
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None.
Product Strengths:	Open, natural, smooth mids and highs, and a wide, deep soundstage.