For several months, I also sat on fence thinking and reading everything I could about the H2O amplifiers. I contacted some of the owners and each told me they were very pleased with the performance of the H2O.
I then decided to purchase the H20 S250 amplifier without having heard it - based mostly upon the trust of the Apogee owners' discussion group. It replaced a Krell KSA-150 amplifier in my setup.
I drove 5 hours to pickup the amplifier from Henry Ho. In person, the H20 is simple, elegant and gorgeous. After spending some time with Henry, I felt very confident the amplifier would work out for me. I did hear the H20 powering the Apogee Diva with Henry and the sound was spendid.
At home, the H2O actually sounded good immediately despite what other owners have mentioned about lengthy break-in periods. It runs cold to the touch and does not require warm-up time. The rather difficult load of the Apogee Duetta Signature speakers is handled with total ease - the H2O never seems to struggle at any time.
I often hear the New York Philharmonic live. When I come back and listen to the H2O, there is a definite link back to Avery Fisher Hall. No artificial bloom or undisplined bass are present at any time. Notes are reproduced as recorded - the attack, tonality, sustain, decay bring the musical event back to life each time an LP is played. This is truely a gentleman's amplifier.
You seldom hear from Henry in the discussion forums and you never see the H2O adverised anywhere. I believe Henry is simple interested in building world-class equipment regardless of financial rewards.
I know the H2O amplifiers will be exhibited at the upcoming Home Entertainment Show here in New York. They will be powering the Apogee-like Analysis Audio speakers from Greece. Also sharing the room will be VPI - an upcoming turntable manufacturer from New Jersey. If you plan to attend the show, make sure you don't miss this room.
I then decided to purchase the H20 S250 amplifier without having heard it - based mostly upon the trust of the Apogee owners' discussion group. It replaced a Krell KSA-150 amplifier in my setup.
I drove 5 hours to pickup the amplifier from Henry Ho. In person, the H20 is simple, elegant and gorgeous. After spending some time with Henry, I felt very confident the amplifier would work out for me. I did hear the H20 powering the Apogee Diva with Henry and the sound was spendid.
At home, the H2O actually sounded good immediately despite what other owners have mentioned about lengthy break-in periods. It runs cold to the touch and does not require warm-up time. The rather difficult load of the Apogee Duetta Signature speakers is handled with total ease - the H2O never seems to struggle at any time.
I often hear the New York Philharmonic live. When I come back and listen to the H2O, there is a definite link back to Avery Fisher Hall. No artificial bloom or undisplined bass are present at any time. Notes are reproduced as recorded - the attack, tonality, sustain, decay bring the musical event back to life each time an LP is played. This is truely a gentleman's amplifier.
You seldom hear from Henry in the discussion forums and you never see the H2O adverised anywhere. I believe Henry is simple interested in building world-class equipment regardless of financial rewards.
I know the H2O amplifiers will be exhibited at the upcoming Home Entertainment Show here in New York. They will be powering the Apogee-like Analysis Audio speakers from Greece. Also sharing the room will be VPI - an upcoming turntable manufacturer from New Jersey. If you plan to attend the show, make sure you don't miss this room.