Wig,
I lived with the 21A w/Auricaps for 4-5 years (Mullard tubes). I can unconditionally say it is one of the great values out there. I had used it with the Belles 150A Ref. until last year when I upgraded to the MB200 Mono-blocks. WOW. Even though Dave voiced the 21A with the 150A Ref, the 21A still matched up pretty well with the MB200's.
About 2 months ago I felt a need for a change. I wanted the VT-01, but couldn't afford it, so I settled for a 22A. The first thing I noticed is the bass through the 22A is a lot more pronounced and punchier, but the mids seemed a bit congested and the highs were rolled off. It just didn't have the "sparkle" of the 21A. My speakers are Dyn Special 25's, and believe me, with the Esotar tweeter and the unforgiving nature of the 25's, if something ain't right, they let you know. But when everything comes together, the treble of the 25's can be truly "special".
I let it run in for about 200 hours or so, and then gave a serious listen again. My initial impression of the bass was still there and the midrange had sorted itself out somewhat, but the highs were still rolled off and lacked that sparkle. I was still disappointed with the soundstage and the imaging. Although the dynamics had come in, there was still something missing. One thing I noticed though, was how incredibly quiet the 22A is. Much quieter than the 21A. You would think that with how black the background is, that it would image better. But not yet.
Through this whole break-in period I had been communicating with Dave, as he wanted my impressions of the difference between the two. He suggested new tubes, because he said he used inexpensive tubes so he could hit a certain price point. I said "I thought you designed your new circuitry so different tubes makes less difference." He said that different tubes will still make a huge difference but his new circuitry is "designed to remove variances between the pair and to changes as the tubes age". Aha.
I called Upscale Audio for a recommendation They told me for what I was after to try the Radiotechnique Vintage 1965. So i ordered a pair. They have been in for a month. These are my new observations:
The bass is incredible, much deeper than the 21A. But is the bass more accurate than the 21A? I can't say for sure as I no longer have the 21A so I can't A/B them and my aural memory is starting to fade. But I can honestly say the bass is deeper and very, very good. The midrange now approaches the 21A. The soundstage has become wider and more 3-dimensional. Vocals and instruments now image more realistically throughout the soundstage, instead of everything vying for space in the middle. Most important to me is the "sparkle" is now there. It is really amazing the transformation the new tubes created.
How would I rate them?
Bass: Definitely the 22A
Midrange: very close, but slight edge to the 21A.
Soundstage and Imaging: 21A
Treble: although the 22A has pulled a dramatic turn-around here, I have to go with the 21A.
Overall the 21A is slightly superior.
I believe the quietness of Belles' new circuitry is what allows the 22A to come as close to the 21A as it does, as the 21A has more expensive components.
To be totally fair, the 22A was designed to hit the $2500 price point. If the 21A w/Auricaps were to be manufactured today and include Belles' new casework, the price would probably be $3500.00 or more and at that point you move up to the $4700 VT-01. The VT-01 is another one of those miracle performers from Dave Belles that betters preamps costing 2 and 3 times more.
While Dave maybe didn't hit a home run with the 22A, with a little bit of scampering you can turn it into an in-park homer. Considering it's $2500 price, it is a bargain! And the 21A w/Auricaps at $1500 on the used market is an insane bargain.
I lived with the 21A w/Auricaps for 4-5 years (Mullard tubes). I can unconditionally say it is one of the great values out there. I had used it with the Belles 150A Ref. until last year when I upgraded to the MB200 Mono-blocks. WOW. Even though Dave voiced the 21A with the 150A Ref, the 21A still matched up pretty well with the MB200's.
About 2 months ago I felt a need for a change. I wanted the VT-01, but couldn't afford it, so I settled for a 22A. The first thing I noticed is the bass through the 22A is a lot more pronounced and punchier, but the mids seemed a bit congested and the highs were rolled off. It just didn't have the "sparkle" of the 21A. My speakers are Dyn Special 25's, and believe me, with the Esotar tweeter and the unforgiving nature of the 25's, if something ain't right, they let you know. But when everything comes together, the treble of the 25's can be truly "special".
I let it run in for about 200 hours or so, and then gave a serious listen again. My initial impression of the bass was still there and the midrange had sorted itself out somewhat, but the highs were still rolled off and lacked that sparkle. I was still disappointed with the soundstage and the imaging. Although the dynamics had come in, there was still something missing. One thing I noticed though, was how incredibly quiet the 22A is. Much quieter than the 21A. You would think that with how black the background is, that it would image better. But not yet.
Through this whole break-in period I had been communicating with Dave, as he wanted my impressions of the difference between the two. He suggested new tubes, because he said he used inexpensive tubes so he could hit a certain price point. I said "I thought you designed your new circuitry so different tubes makes less difference." He said that different tubes will still make a huge difference but his new circuitry is "designed to remove variances between the pair and to changes as the tubes age". Aha.
I called Upscale Audio for a recommendation They told me for what I was after to try the Radiotechnique Vintage 1965. So i ordered a pair. They have been in for a month. These are my new observations:
The bass is incredible, much deeper than the 21A. But is the bass more accurate than the 21A? I can't say for sure as I no longer have the 21A so I can't A/B them and my aural memory is starting to fade. But I can honestly say the bass is deeper and very, very good. The midrange now approaches the 21A. The soundstage has become wider and more 3-dimensional. Vocals and instruments now image more realistically throughout the soundstage, instead of everything vying for space in the middle. Most important to me is the "sparkle" is now there. It is really amazing the transformation the new tubes created.
How would I rate them?
Bass: Definitely the 22A
Midrange: very close, but slight edge to the 21A.
Soundstage and Imaging: 21A
Treble: although the 22A has pulled a dramatic turn-around here, I have to go with the 21A.
Overall the 21A is slightly superior.
I believe the quietness of Belles' new circuitry is what allows the 22A to come as close to the 21A as it does, as the 21A has more expensive components.
To be totally fair, the 22A was designed to hit the $2500 price point. If the 21A w/Auricaps were to be manufactured today and include Belles' new casework, the price would probably be $3500.00 or more and at that point you move up to the $4700 VT-01. The VT-01 is another one of those miracle performers from Dave Belles that betters preamps costing 2 and 3 times more.
While Dave maybe didn't hit a home run with the 22A, with a little bit of scampering you can turn it into an in-park homer. Considering it's $2500 price, it is a bargain! And the 21A w/Auricaps at $1500 on the used market is an insane bargain.