2. amps-preamps
  3. 1140363414

Advice from Thor, AS, Vac owners

I have just very reluctantly sold my Jadis JOR - simply because I dont want to bias it - too much of a pain - and cant find a used Jadis DA 60 for love or money. (In second system, used 12 hours a day) I cant afford the Jadis DA 88 Signature, which would be my first choice. I can drive an amp with the preamp stage of my balanced APL 3910 CDP, so I can get an amp or int amp.
I cant wait 3 months for Bobby's Ars Sonum.
Speakers: Merlin TSM-Mx.
Priorities: To approximate the magical, liquid midrange of the Jadis - bass authority less important; highs have to be sweet and transparent. I realise the AS, which would be my first choice, since I own the MA-2s and am crazy about them, paired with an AS MP-1 (ain main system)may not be as good fed by the line stage of an APL 3910 (balanced)
Current candidates, used on A'gon: Atma-Sphere M-60 MkII mod to 3, Vac Avatar Super, Thor TPA 30, ?Art Audio with EL 34s. I am intrigued by the hype on Thor, know AS inside-out but dont know Vac Avatar Super.
Budget: $4K (preferably used - all the above are within that budget)
Any other suggestions?
Advice please.
springbok10
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Thorman,
How would you characterize the midrange and treble of the TPA 30? It needs to be as spectacular as the Jadis with EL 34s.........
simone
29 posts
 
Make sure if you decide on the VAC Avatar Super that it isn't older than a couple of years. If you purchase an older one send it back to
VAC for an upgrade, the 2-3 hundred is well spent!
Mike
jtimothya
612 posts
 
I haven't heard the Jadis for a comparison. The midrange and treble on the TPA-30s are gorgeous, and the mid-bass may surprise you. I really liked 'em.

Thor Audio TPA-30 Mk II Mono Amplifiers
.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Springbok10: I can't vouch for Jadis, but my best description for the midrange would be, Open Natural and about as real as it gets. The trebles is crisp, clean and without edginess. I guess neutral for me would be the best one word answer. Also as mentioned ,the bass is very quick ,tight and has great impact with no bloat. One other note is that you don't have to mess with NOS tubes at all the Stock tubes sound great.I am currently trying a pair of Cryo Svetlana el34 now. ( svetlana el34 are stock tubes )
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
I guess I should have included Joule Electra VZN80.
More to discover