Tekton Double Impacts

Kenny,
Agree regarding the preamplifier gain issue, 35 db is far too much for virtually any audio system to utilize. You’d literally have no range of the volume control i.e. one click above the 8 o’clock V.C. knob and it’d be too loud even in systems with very inefficient speakers. My Line Stage has 10 dB of gain and that amount is ideal for me.

Kenny if the Aric 2A3 is "more" musical and engaging than the LTA ZOTL and your First Watt amplifiers that’s quite a strong testament and compelling endorsement. So indeed this seems to be an exceptionally good sounding amplifier by your account.

Now the Aric SET versus Lyngdorf 2170 is to say the least truly a contrast on several levels most notably the technology. The bottom line (for me) is music reproduction and which of these two products pulls you closer and deeper into the music you love. Kenny this is going to be a particularly interesting and also an informative comparison. I eagerly await your listening impressions given the high reference point established by the Aric amplifier.
Charles

@kdude66   Kenny, thanks for sharing your impressions of the Aric Audio 2A3 amp, built to your specs.

Did you use it with Preamps, other than the LTA MZ2S?  If not, it would be good to get a read from you on synergy with the LTA vs other preamps.

Also, are you planning on pairing it with another set of speakers to get more insight into the amp?

Thanks.

charles1dad

... regarding the preamplifier gain issue, 35 db is far too much for virtually any audio system to utilize. You’d literally have no range of the volume control i.e. one click above the 8 o’clock V.C. knob and it’d be too loud even in systems with very inefficient speakers.

Sorry, but you are completely mistaken. There is no inherent correlation between the position of a volume control and the actual output of a preamplifier.  Different volume controls have varying tapers, and it's the taper that establishes the link between the control's position and the output of the preamplifier. You can design a control's taper to set the output anywhere you like along the control's rotation.

Cleeds, I wouldn’t by any means say that Charles is "completely mistaken." While it is of course true that there are differences in the taper characteristics of various volume controls, it is also true that, as he said, "35 db is far too much for virtually any audio system to utilize. " And I would add emphasis to the word "far," especially in applications involving digital (as opposed to vinyl) sources.

And while "you can design a control’s taper to set the output anywhere you like along the control’s rotation," a preamp which provides 35 db of gain but has a volume control taper that results in the control being positioned in the area of say 12 o’clock when used by most listeners in most systems would be an unusual design to say the least.

Regards,
-- Al

Hey guys, just a generic note on my test preamp. I use this as a unit for my bench only (it's not something I design for consumption), and it has a variable output level as well as input control that can reach up to 35 db (generally 35 db is not used in everyday testing). I was simply stating that using that preamplifier, I was able to get plenty of drive into the 6SN7 driving the 2A3. Using a lower gain preamp, the 6SN7's can still be driven, but needed a bit more volume on the preamp to do so. The 6SL7 simply has more gain in front of the power tube- needing less preamp drive at it's input.