2. amps-preamps
  3. 1413230398

Bladelius-Thor mk3/Leema-Tucana 2/Norma IPA-140?

Currently have a Valve Audio Predator which has exceeded my expectations but eventually want to seek a more refined amplifier. Three "relatively" affordable European made integrated amps have garnered my interest. They all have excellent build/parts quality in addition to positive reviews. I have not heard any of these amps but did have a short demo with the first generation Leema Pulse and was impressed with its PRAT and openness despite having such a modest power rating. I can only assume the Tucana 2 is much superior. I know speaker synergy will determine which amp is best(for me) but would appreciate any comments/opinions from anyone has heard these integrated amps.
dayglow
trainleader
16 posts
 
Well Dayglow..
There are lot of nice sounding amplifiers of different kinds.. thats for sure!
I have the Bladelius Thor mk iii at the moment and noise is not the issue with that amp. Blackness and 3D in power is the thing with that amp I think.
But then again.. f.ex. tube amps maybe are a little bit less 3D but are nice as well.. big.. musical..
The only time my hair rised on the sound and picture show in Gothenburg in September this year was in Old Scool Hifi 's showroom wit a pair of old macintosh 30 monos running.. ☺
dayglow OP
1,895 posts
 
Trainleader-Thx for your input. What speakers are you using? Do you detect any treble grain, which some claim was a flaw in the previous Thor mk2 version? Look forward to your reply.
dayglow OP
1,895 posts
 
I would like to add another Euro integrated amplifier to the mix, the Gamut DI 150. My research has found that the DI 150's only weakness "could" be it's overly analytical and presents a 1st row type of soundstage. Since the Gamut has been produced for nearly a decade have any updates been made during it's production run? I would appreciate comments from anyone that has owned the DI 150 or has had a serious demo.
Thx in advance.
sonicbeauty
324 posts
 
I own the norma IPA-140.

I happen to think that there are no flaws on anything about this amplifier, and just commenting from specs and graphs can only get you so far, and is in fact, not very credible.

The real test is of course listening, and letting yourself be totally carried away to another place. And this is what the norma unit does brilliantly.

Parts quality, exquisite craftsmanship and pride of ownership are just icing on the cake. It is that good.

dayglow OP
1,895 posts
 
Sonicbeauty thx for the response. The Norma first caught my attention due to the build quality and being a true dual-mono design. My only caveat was it's not a true balanced design. In a review the designer claimed the XLR inputs were just there for show and does not recommend using them due to compromised sound quality. I assume this is not an issue for you? Do you think the preamp section is on par with amplifier? Finally what is the strongest attribute of the Norma? Thx in advance for taking your time to reply.
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