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Possible move from Hovland amps?

Regards to everyone in A'gon Land. I've been running a Hovland HP-200 tube preamp and Radia SS poweramp since 2005, and have always been really happy with them. The combination of liquidity without softness (pre amp) and understated control without hardness (pow amp) has resulted in an excellent synergy that I've found hard to replicate in any other amp combination.
I've just upgraded to Zu Audio Definitions Mk 4 speakers which employ xoverless full range drivers, and are v. eff at 103dB, with a v. neutral, fast, tonally dense sound that I've matched nicely with my tt and cd.
So I am valueing speed and neutrality more than ever.
My question, esp. to those who are familiar with the Hovlands, is that whether I should be investigating any interesting alternative amp choices in the context of my system/preferences.
My current list of items to poss. listen to incl. Dave Berning VOTL 230 pre/pow amps, ASR 4 box amp and Audion Black Shadow 845 SET/pre. There are undoubtedly others.
This thread is tempered by the overriding concept that I love the Hovs, and feel that the constant impulse to upgrade is a sophisticated manifestation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I mean, where does it all end?! LOL! When one runs out of cash obviously!
Btw, I was so upset years ago when Hovland went bust as a company, such a great product and history, communication with Bob Hovland was always a pleasure.
spiritofmusic
keithr
1,306 posts
 
How big is your room? With Def4s, my preference is for P/P amplifiers over SETs, but I have a rather large room.

I also really enjoyed my Mcintosh gear, which probably sound more in the vicinity of your Hovland SS amp.

I'd personally try a tube amp and see what you think---since it's been since 2005, nothing to lose and if anything would cement your position with the Hovland for another 10 years if they don't work out.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
My choice would be Lamm ML2.1
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
I definitely agree with the consensus that I'll listen for a good few months before considering any possible change from the Hovlands. It's a pair of components that have really proved their worth in the last 7 years, and any alternative would have to be a significant step up, not just a moderate improvement.
I do feel that we audiophiles as a group are too ready change equipment without a clear view of where any upgrade may take the whole system.
Additionally I love the hybrid sound of the tube pre and SS pow, and love the design ethos of the Hovs.
glory's avatar
glory
1,614 posts
 
Tax,

Lamm Industries ML2.1
Tube amp with NOS 1970s Mullard CV4004 Box Plate made in UK, modified with Ultra Performance Parts inside offers timbal truth, a top to bottom coherency, explosive speed locked with a accurate and uncolored reproduction.

Sure and while Spirit is at it he can Motor down to Brighton and take a few of Peter's AN amps to take home and demo. These guys will make the Audion seem like Best Buy at best. And there's always Kevin's warehouse to vsit to grap some Kondo amps.

What say you Spirit?
spiritofmusic OP
828 posts
 
Sorry, Glory, never found Lamm my cup of tea, a little too cool, when heard at shows, AN gear a little too euphonically warm for my tastes.
Both also a little out of my price range.
Will def investigate Berning and Audion when funds allow.
If money was no object, I'd love to audition Ypsilon and Robert Koda amps poss. thru Zu Dominance spkrs.
Just would like to hear from Hovland owners esp.
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