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Aric Audio

I have a pair of Audio Note AN-K/SPe speakers which have been pushed by a Pass XA 30.8 for the past two years. Although I've enjoyed this combination I wanted to try valve amplification. The problem was finding something appropriate to pair at a price point I could afford. The goal was to obtain something while still hanging on to the Pass until I knew for sure which direction I wanted to go in. Enter Aric Kimball. He and I engaged in several conversations regarding my needs and spec options for an amp. As a result Aric produced a custom single ended EL-84 stereo power amplifier of a pentode design. Each channel has a single power tube and driver tube (12AT-7's). Rectification is provided by a single 54UGB tube. I couldn't be happier and feel this is an improved pairing for my speakers.Through this process Aric's communication was timely and precise. His level of customer service is outstanding and I'm very pleased with this outcome. I would not hesitate doing business with this man. Just wanted to pass this along.

scottya118
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,160 posts
 

I have had Radu Tarta build me custom SET  amps and DHT preamps 

SET is low wattage  but. As clean as signal path there  is ,your speakers have to be pretty sensitive  though  Radu who has at least 40 years in vacuum tube equipment

and any type of. Woods  mits nice when you can pick out your own design.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@scottya118

It is good to read that you are very happy with your new Aric Audio amplifier. You already have an excellent amplifier reference point via the Pass XA 30.8. What does the el84 single ended amplifier do that you consider an improvement?

Charles

scottya118 OP
157 posts
 

Clarity in the midrange at lower volumes.

laaudionut
263 posts
 

Aric, and his gear, are true audio gems! I go out of my way to recommend reaching out to him at every opportunity.

mesch
3,490 posts
 

I purchased his Special 6SN7 preamp about 4 years ago. Later his Transcend PP amplifier. Recently had Aric upgrade the Special so it is more like a souped up Transcend pre.  As others herein have stated Aric is wonderful to work with. Highly recommended.

I also own a Pass XA25 amplifier which i swap out with the PP tube amplifier depending on the speaker under use. Aric or Pass for Fritz Carbon 7s, Pass for Magnapan LRS+ in a smallish room.  

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