Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Analogue Puccini Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Todd A

Model:	Puccini
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$695
Description:	40W solid state integrated amp
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Analogue
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Analogue

Review by Todd A ( A ) on January 11, 2005 at 19:40:10
IP Address: 4.11.245.154

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This is my comparative review of two solid state integrated amplifiers: the Audio Analogue Puccini (original standard version, 40W @ 8ohm), and the Audio Analogue Puccini SE Remote (MkII version, 55W @ 8ohm). I purchased the standard Puccini amp (which I will refer to as "Puccini") about 3 years ago, new via mail-order. I really enjoyed the Puccini, so much so that I was curious how it's bigger brother might compare. I purchased the Puccini SE Remote MkII (which I will refer to as "Puccini SE") about 1 year ago, used via the internet. The standard Puccini originally retailed for $695, the Puccini SE originally retailed for $1295. The amps look very similar on the outside (simple yet elegant). The Puccini includes a single transformer and 4 output transistors; the Puccini SE includes dual transformers, 8 output transistors, pre-amp outputs, 2 sets of speakers connections (for bi-amping), and a remote. Both amps include a MM/MC phono stage, which I have yet to try.
I am using the Puccini in my 14'x28' family room/dining/kitchen area to drive NHT SB3 bookshelf speakers. The SB3's provide nearly full range output (solid 40Hz in my room), but they are relatively insensitive (86dB/2.83v) due to their sealed design. The SB3's have excellent midrange clarity, sweet highs, and tight, tuneful bass; they tilt slightly to the warm side of neutral. My CD player (California Audio Labs DX-2) also tilts slightly to the warm side of neutral, so you can already tell I prefer a smooth "musical" sound to a highly resolved "hi fi" sound. The Puccini presents music in a smooth manner, with good detail and surprising bass power. Top volume in my room is limited to about 90 dB, due to the combination of relatively low speaker sensitivity and modest amplifier power. However, I rarely listen to music louder that 80dB, so for me the combination works. The Puccini responded well to a power cord upgrade (Custom Power Cord Company Model 11) - improvements included more bass "punch", more resolution in the highs, and more "expressiveness" overall.
The Puccini does particularly well with acoustic music, vocals and smooth jazz (e.g. Fourplay, Jim Brickman, Sade, Rebecca Pidgeon, Take 6). The Puccini also does well with country music (e.g. Johnny Horton, John Denver, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band). What the Puccini lacks is bass drive and slam, which is most noticable on rock music (e.g. Boston, ZZ Top, Queen, U2, Fleetwood Mac). It's not that rock music sounds bad through the Puccini, but the bass line doesn't always "pop", if you know what I mean. Since I don't listen to rock music that much, I do not find this bass character a serious limitation. However, I did wonder what the Puccini SE might have to offer - would the Puccini SE have the same smooth character but with increased bass drive?
I purchased the used Puccini SE so I could compare it back-to-back with my standard Puccini. I immediately noticed the Puccini SE is more transparent, and somewhat leaner in character. The Puccini SE has better bass control, but at first it did not sound as powerful. I realized this is possibly the result of a mid-bass boost on the standard Puccini, which gives the impression of weightier and fuller bass. The Puccini SE is probably more linear, and more extended, in the bass and treble regions. The Puccini SE provides more focused placement of instruments and vocals, more resolution (detail), and more bass drive. I found the Puccini SE superior with rock music, where the added bass control makes a big difference. With acoustic music, vocals and smooth jazz, however, the Puccini SE is different but not necessarily superior. I heard things in the music I hadn't heard before, which was nice, but the music no longer had the weighty mid-bass character I was accustomed to. The Puccini SE is smooth, but the overall presentation is more neutral, more extended, more transparent. Through the Puccini SE, music is definately enjoyable, but I wasn't immediately convinced, would I prefer the Puccini SE over my standard Puccini for the long haul?
I left each amp in my system for days at a time, trying to decide over a period of weeks which amp I preferred in my system. As you may have guessed by now, I eventually decided on the standard Puccini. I think the decision is really a matter of taste. I have read that many people prefer the Puccini SE to the standard Puccini. I have also read that some consider even the Puccini SE to be too smooth and lacking in bass drive. I have concluded the standard Puccini appeals to those who prefer a "smooth, weighty mid-bass" sound, and the Puccini SE appeals to those who prefer a more "detailed, neutral" sound. I think which amp sounds "better" depends on your partnering equipment, what type of music you typically listen to, and what type of presentation you prefer. The Puccini SE is better in the hi-fi sense, but the Puccini is better in the musical sense, at least for me. I hear music better through the Puccini. In a word, music through the Puccini SE is "impressive"; music through the Puccini is "beautiful". I could live with either amp - if I listened to both amps during a quick store demo, I might even choose the Puccini SE. But after my in-home experience with both amps, I slightly prefer the standard Puccini.
Sorry, I don't have any comparisons to offer with other amps. I hope to eventually try out an integrated amp from NAD, Creek or Rotel. However, based on my experience with the Puccini and Puccini SE, I might try out an integrated tube amp first, to see if I am really a "tube" guy. (Please let me know if you have any suggestions, especially as compared to the Puccini.) I also intend to buy a turntable in the future. Perhaps I am really a "tube & vinyl" guy, and I don't even know it yet!?

Product Weakness: Its "tube-like" character and modest power might be a drawback for some
Product Strengths: Beautiful sound, elegant appearance, built-in MM/MC phono stage

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audio Analogue Puccini
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	California Audio Labs DX-2 CD player
Speakers:	NHT SB3 on 24
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus Clear Oval speaker cable, Analysis Plus Oval One interconnects, CPCC Model 11 power cord (amp), Bolder Type 1 power cord (CD player)
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	See review
Room Size (LxWxH):	28 x 14 x 10
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Its "tube-like" character and modest power might be a drawback for some
Product Strengths:	Beautiful sound, elegant appearance, built-in MM/MC phono stage