2. amps-preamps
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AVA Vision Set 400 v Belles SA-100

What amp would you recommend of these two, AVA Vision Set 400 or the Belles SA-100 amp, to be used with either a Don Sachs pre amp or a Supratek Cabernet pre, my speakers are Graham Audio LS 5/9.

Would very much appreciate your input on the two amps, especially how they fair with tube pre amps.
What is the sound difference between them and is there a quality difference?
I know that the Belles is much more expensive, but I can maybe make a deal on a demo unit, that puts it into the same price bracket as a new Set 400.

I don’t like clinical sound, or thin upper mid/treble, I prefer rich and organic sound with clarity, but never harsh,
also it is very important for me to be able to listen for many hours without any fatigue.

Hope to hear from some members that have or have heard either amp.
Thanks.
gryphongryph
jackd
1,068 posts
 

@gryphongryph 

 

So you can adjust the gain to a correct level with the 300B output?  For the fixed 6SN7 output have you thought about trying a pair of Rothwell attenuators or something similar.  They will let you take 10db off of the maxed out gain for the 6SN7 outputs. There are also other makers but I have used the Rothwell's and they work.  Their company specializes in MC phono preamps in the UK.

gryphongryph OP
373 posts
 

I use two Rothwell’s at my power amp inputs which helps a little bit, no the 300B is still too high, I asked Mick if the power amp would work with the Cabernet and he said no problem!!!

I didn’t think I would have this problem, so never looked for it, after doing some research it seams this is getting to be a common problem with high gain pre amps, as most power amps today can be driven with passive pre amps!

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

AFAIK, the Benchmark AHB2 has the most range of adjustable gain of any currently available power amp.

jackd
1,068 posts
 

@gryphongryph 

If you cannot turn one of the outputs down to zero (back toggle flipped toward the rear) then your preamp is not functioning as it should and you need to contact Mick.  If the adjustment is on the 300B output and you are trying to use the full 26db gain output on the 6SN7  output with the Belles then even with the Rothwell's you are still getting 16db gain which is to much for that amp.  There are plenty of amps on the market that will work with your preamp/speaker combo but if the Cabernet Dual is not operating as advertised then you need to contact Mick or at least reach out to Johnny @jslateiv and see if he has any suggestions. 

 

jslateiv
64 posts
 

jackd is correct..   the gain adj. knob, when activated with the toggle switch,  will reduce the gain to zero,.  ie, mute.   it shunts all the output to grd.    something is amiss if you are if you turn it fully counterclockwise and still get output.  You should confirm this with Mick as there is some very remote possibility he wired this particular unit differently but I doubt it.   He's pretty consistent with that aspect of the builds.   Also make sure the rear (back panel/jack) toggle is towards the RCA's if you are using RCA's,..   positioned away from the RCA's if you are running balanced.

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