ASR EmiterII exclusive, follow up?

Ah! There are only two challenges IMO:
a)the price that makes it inaccessible to most mortals,
b)there is no perceptible "bloom" s/where in the audible spectrum (usefully found in the lower mids with many amps) AND it's widebandwidth. So, a harsh spkr set-up will continue to sound harsh -- even though the bass will be well driven (that amp can drive any load within reason).

Associated equip: doesn't really matter, the amp's not a particularly difficult load. Anyways, apparently you can tweak a specific input to match yr source component's driving ability, so the electrical "compatibility" issue is moot. I used an old Symphonic Line cdp as well as a new Burmester and Naim: no problems.

I also used a TT. There the matter of loading was very simple, I did it myself (it was user adjustable on the amp I had).

I can tell you it doesn't much sound like a tube; it sounds a little bit like an old Pass. It's not warm sounding (but then, it's not "cold" either).

I'm sorry Kops, I'm having a hard time explaining -- possibly because I didn;t notice any "distinctive" sonic features...
Short version: it's easily one of the best commercially produced power amps and, chances are, if you can afford it and do buy it, you'll keep it. It's also extremely well built.

Mind you, however, it's NOT diy friendly at all -- so mods are probably out of the question (forget about adding your favourite brand of super caps, etc)! Also let me add that I don't own one (can't afford it) -- I had one on loan Cheers

Hi Greg. Sure would like to know how the ASR amp compares to the Encore.
Frank

Thanks Gregm for your reply. I don't want it for diy. The only thing that wonders me it's the VA capacity only 2x700 VA transformers (if I am not wrong).
The price in Europe where I live is lower (I am not sure about the latest exclusive version).
Of course I 've heard the Emitter I which was very good and the Emitter II the simple version (older) with no batteries and less mF.

Any other ASR users please comment.

Hi,

I have owned the ASR Emitter II HD with Battery power supply and the ASR I HD w. Battery before that. I used them first with Merlins and then with Von Schweikerts.

The ASR II leaves very little to be desired and I have no doubt that the Exclusive will be a small improvement on the one I owned. The developer has very carefully evolved the amplifier over time and I don't expect him to make a mistake on this product.

I can only describe the sound as very smooth, powerful and comfortable. The ASR is in my opinion for long term listening satisfaction. So if you play music usually for hours each session I think you will be very happy with it. It is not an amp that makes you go uh and ah over sound effects fired up for 5 minute demonstration. It does enough, but there would be more "Exciting" amps around than the ASR for that purpose. I would say with more jump factor. I found the ASR to be always satisfying and really liked it. I have replaced it with Audionet Pre G2 and AMP 2 Max, which have just a bit more speed and resolution, but are not maybe that smooth or slightly warm as the ASR.

That is of course only me observations, I hope other ASR owners can say more to fill in the picture. The ASR has a bit of cult following here in Germany and I fully understand why. I miss mine from time to time :-)

Joerg

Sorry Frankg -- just noticed yr question.
I can only give you a hazy imporession based on memory... the Gryphon is warmer and somewhat "brighter" (pleasant mid-high light). Cheers