LLano Amps.

I have the Trinity 200, driving Wilson-Benesch Act Ones. I love the incredible tight control of the bottom end, black background and yet the "magic" of the tubes for the midrange. I highly recommend you give Llano a try.

Go to audioreview.com for feedback on several of the LLano older amps. I own the stereo amp (100 S) which is rated at 100 watts pure class A per channel. I am very happy with the amp driving (low impedance) Apogee Stage Loudspeakers and Swans. I use a Sonic Frontiers Line One as my pre amp (tube). I don't think you can find a better amp anywhere near the price (no middleman). I have not had a chance to hear the latest LLano's that use tubes. Good hunting.

I've been waiting for this thread to pop up so I could help "spread the gospel according to Llano".

I had Randy White (one of THE BEST guys in this whole crazy industry) custom build a "Trinity 400R" for me, after a short, but very convincing audition of the Trinity 200.

I'm currently using this little monster to "snap proper life" into my Martin-Logan Odyssey's -- with fantastic results.

I know where you're comimg from "BOZO", I too have to share my humble abode with the wife (AND kids), so , while I lusted after a good set 'o tubes, it just wasn't practical.

Well, let me tell you straight-up, with the Trinity, I don't miss 'em (tubes that is) at ALL. I really think the Trinity is the absolute best blending of SS & tubes (under $10k). My Trinity sounds like a S.E. tube amp, with BIG cajones.

After much deliberation and studying of Randy's design at the Llanno web site, the Trinity just seemed to make a LOT of sense; only 2 gain stages, zero neg. feedback, Class A operation, toatl of FOUR seperate transformers, SPERATE ac cord for the Triode front-end (which you of course, plug into your P300), etc., etc. Again, it just made too much sense to ignore. Also, you have over 20+ different tube types to try, without bias adj., to "voice' the amp to YOUR idea of the "right sound".

No, Randy's not my brother, nor am I affiliated with Llano in any way, it's just that I haven't been as pleased or pleasantly got MORE than I expected with a pc. of gear, in a long time (OK, maybe my Audio Aero 24/192).

Anyway, it has all the smooth, liquid midrange of any tube amp I've heard, with an incredible soundstage (both depth & width) with the most visceral, deep, clean, kick-ass bass I've yet heard, from ANY amp.

Am I in love here or what??

It really is the best amp -- by far, that this audio-junkie has ever owned.

The restless Audio Spirits have, at least for the time being, been put to rest, in my system.

Fell free to e-mail me with any other Q.'s. Also, see my "review" under the Trinity 300 heading @ AudioReview.com

Remember, Randy offers a 30 day "trial", so I don't think you can go wrong.

Best of luck,

Dennis

I have a trinty a-100 and I'm extremely happy. The amp is the best that I've heard. I use a pair of siemens/halski 7308's which are providing some excellent bass and detail.

I've been told the amp improves directly with the tubes you use and I've found the depth and overall tonal quality of the sound will change noticeably from tube to tube. The amp is great.

I want to chime in on this Llano love fest---don't say "you can't go wrong"--------cause I have had a nightmare experience in dealing with Llano, and I have come to find that many others have as well. It's now been 1 year that I've been trying to get my money back on 2 amps that were GREATLY DELAYED in being shipped (if I listed all the reasons you would not believe me and would swear that I was exaggerating). When I did finally get my amps they did not work in one channel. The blame was placed on the shipper but the boxes were fine when I got the amp, the exterior of the amp was fine and the interior was fine--I even had one of the engineers from my office come to my house and check them out---there was however one major flaw the transformer had a nice gash in it---but there were no loose screws, sharp edges that pertruded--etc. I sent the amps back to him and again waited months---nothing returned no word. Trying to get in tough with Randy is a night mare---whether by phone or by e-mail. So that is my unfortunate, and ongoing I might add, experience

All in all, make sure you take into account that this is a one man show, the custmer service (in my 2 years of dealing with him) is shabby, and to boot when I've been able to get in touch with him he says "I don't have the money to pay you"---which leaves me to believe he's either a liar or the company is not in good shape. I really do not like to have to spread such a negative word but these are the facts. And I have come to find there are a lot of "bodies" in the wake of having done business with this company. If you do decide to do business with Llano I hope you have a better experience then I did (I really do)....but IMO you're better off to do business with a "real" company---even if it does cost you a grand more to get a comparitive product (and that's the max you will save if you do your homework and look around). I will not drop names of other products you should try (not here anyway, but if you send me an e-mail I'll be glad to help). I hope this helps you out a bit