Octave V70SE vs Qualiton X200
@chipcalzone -- I'm driving the Harbeth SHL5+ with the a50i with no issues at all. The SHL5+ are 86db/6 ohms. I can crank it up to the point where I don't care to stay in the room. And even then I'm probably at 50% of the volume dial. But either way, both models are excellent. Good luck! https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9424 |
X200 vs A50i both are very nice and I own the X200 and did demo the a20i and for my needs the X200 was the choice. V70 is very nice and a friend has one and she said it took a long while for it to well sound right. Those are her words. She said the first few weeks she was ready to send it back that's how bad it sounded. With the X200 you do have a lot of tube choices and many people are all "you have to run the KT170" well I did and they are okay but I prefer the all around great sound of the KT120 and when wanting to listen to classical critically I pop KT88's in. I listen to all formats, Streaming Q, CD and Analog or LP. I have QLN Prestige Three's at 88 ish dB the X200 sounds fantastic with them. |
Thanks to all for the input. I have no doubt the Octave sounds good with Dynaudio as it was the first amp that was on my radar as the synergy between both is well documented. From what I've gathered both amps are at the same level of performance and it will boil down to preference. If I had not come from having an SS amp I would probably be choosing the Octave. However, the idea now is to move towards something warmer and tube-like. @jerryg123 Were you able to demo both models? X200 vs A50i? How do they compare? |
@chipcalzone -- I know you directed your question at Jerry, but I thought I'd share my 2 cents anyways :) I had compared both a50i and x200, but not at the same time unfortunately. I preferred the a50i by a wide margin. IMO, it has more clarity, refinement and slightly more holographic imaging. The X200 offers more features for sure, but in case of a50i all the cost goes towards higher quality parts and design. The one thing that I love most about this amp is the soundstage depth. It's the first time in my system that I can hear sound coming from a few feet behind the front wall. I've owned Audio Research GSi75, VAC Sigma 160i SE, Raven Audio Blackhawk, and Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II prior to the a50i, and there is simply no comparison. This amp is that much better. The only thing you'll miss is the bass slam of SS, but that's true for most tube amps. However, the bass you get with the a50i is somehow more nuanced and satisfying. I'm currently borrowing a VTL I-85 (EL34 but 60 watts) from a friend for my second system. Amazing amp but not as refined and holographic as the a50i. I suggest you contact Well Pleased A/V who is a dealer for Audio Hungary. They are good people and will give you honest advice. |
