Coincident Frankenstein mk.2 amps

Hi
Tswisla,
Congratulations on acquiring the Frankenstein MK III. I f Israel declares it an improvement of the MK II I believe him based on previous updated products from him. As you may know not every Coincident owner has been pleased with their encounters with Israel Blume even though they loved the performance of his products. I’ve enjoyed first rate treatment from him and I hope that your experiences with him are the same.

I’ve owned the Coincident Frankenstein MK II and Statement Line Stage for 10 years and as I’ve written before my joy and appreciation for them has actually grown. As long as you have an appropriate speaker match I can’t imagine that you’ll be anything but very happy with the Frankenstein. Its one of the most natural and pure sounding amplifiers I’ve ever heard. Outstanding rendering of vocal and instrumental tone/timbre/harmonic overtones. Again this assumes a proper matching speaker.

I didn’t hear the First Watt S.I.T.1 or 2. I heard the Nelson Pass D.I,Y. push pull version he designed for those desiring more power (about 35 watts per channel). I had a broken-in model in my system for several weeks. Excellent sound quality and really a terrific transistor power amplifier. Ultimately I preferred the Frankenstein. Just a bit more organic and emotional in its reproduction of music which increased the sense of realism for me. . However the push pull S.I.T. is a wonderful amplifier and would serve some systems better depending on the particular speakers in use.

As you know these preferences, SET,SS,OTL,Class D etc. are all subjective and influenced by individual circumstances and objectives. For my needs the Frankenstein has been superb and is my last amplifier.
Sincerely,
Charles

Charles,

Thank you.  I recently decided to go away from inefficient loudspeakers.  After enjoying this hobby for 30+ years, I finally am able to see what I have always been looking for.  The pairing of a SET amp to high efficiency speakers is a life changing revelation for me.  I initially purchased the Dynamo and was amazed with the speed and detail and "air".  It felt a bit thin at times though and it was brutal with poorly recorded/mastered music.  I felt that I was on to something though and demoed a few other SETs and decided to also try the FW (low power, simple circuit).  I had the Dynamo out of my system for a few days and I don't know if I can attribute it to break in or simply that I had forgotten it's sound, but when I put it back in, my jaw dropped.  Nothing compared to that amp.  Israel proclaimed that as good as the Dynamo is, that the Frankensteins are better in ever way and "on a completely different level".  I really did not want to spend the additional money, but with what I heard and with a proclamation like that from someone who does not exaggerate, I knew that I had to act!  What I am trying to say is that, like you, I believe I have found my last amp.  

Tswisla
"Life changing revelation" I understand this reaction as it’s how I felt 10 years ago with my first listening of the Frankenstein in my home. It immediately clicked with me and was precisely what I was seeking. It is the foundation of my audio system . If you don’t mind  sharing, what comprises the rest of your system? IMO you won’t regret the direction you’ve chosen of SET/ low power simple circuit amplifier driving easy load/efficient speakers.
Charles

Of course I would not mind sharing at all!  For years now, I have been driving my amplifiers without a preamp, directly from my CDP.  I am using an Esoteric K-07.  I used to own Harbeth SHL5+, but in moving toward HE speakers, I decided to try Zu DWs.  With the upgrade of my amplifier to the Frankensteins, I knew that the speakers would need an upgrade as well, so I am trading in the DWs for Soul Supremes (16 ohm, 101 dB!).  I am incredibly excited.

tswisla,
When you have the time I’d love to know your listening impressions of the Esoteric- Frankenstein- Zu audio chain. The Frankenstein should mate beautifully with the 16 ohm load Soul Supremes.  My Coincident Total Eclipse II are 14 ohms and are a wonderful pairing.
Charles