I use the AVA set 120 control amplifier with the LRS+ maggies and this combination is just audiophile heaven. Both beautiful American brands that provide exceptional value for the money.
I love the system of the day. Just what I couldn't afford when I was in college. I'd love to hear it. So nice that companies like Van Austin and Belles are still out there and making great products.
my CA-1 and I spent some time today at a hi-end boutique dealer listening to Rosso Ferentino Stand Mounts powered by the well regarded 8 grand Canor Virtus I2 Integrated amp, a KT88 tube design. When I swapped in the CA-1, the dealer's jaw dropped, as the CA-1 was every bit the equal of the Canor. The dealer said, "Wow, I guess I won't be selling you an amp ever! I know a great amp when I hear one, and that's a great amp." Guttenberg undersold the CA-1 in his review.
One of my special memories as an occasional audio journalist back in the late 70s was trekking out to a Minneapolis suburb to interview Frank Van Alstine. I recall that he did very well regarded mods of Dynaco preamps and such; Haflers maybe, not sure As well as Grado cartridges. I remember him as quite an interesting guy, holding forth in his bathrobe in the basement of his suburban rambler. I couldn't afford one of his amps, but I did buy one of his Grado mods and it was really good.
My highschool band director introduced me to the world of Frank Van Alstine back in 1974. He picked up Frank's Double 400 along with a modified PAT5 preamp for his amazing Magnaplanar system. While in college my roommates and I would occasionally hang out at Frank's on weekend nights. Frank tolerated us well and never hesitated to clean up our substandard soldering in the Dynaco gear we built. I bought a turntable, cartridge, speakers and had a ST70 mod'd by Frank. Great times.
I bought a Van Alstine AVA Omega III (1980s Dynaco chassis) amp “needing repair.” I contacted Frank thru his Audio Circles forum, and received assistance with documentation and was able to solve all issues. A very well designed and built 85 watt /8ohm amp. Top notch products in their current lineup, worth checking out.
@@zizendorf I was thinking about getting the Rouge but I saw some videos on build quality and some say it’s not that good. I don’t know and I don’t know how any of these even sound. I was looking for a very reliable a/b design intergraded amp that I can used as a pre later down the road to start my end game system. Or I just might get the schiit vidar and their headphone amp and modi dac to start.
@@christopherspiro9857 Interesting… All the reviews I have seen save one have been positive raves. I too rave because that amp has a great synergy and sound with my Tannoy speakers. The one negative review from a well known site - which I don’t remember the name of - but is all about metrics and measurements (not specs). It doesn’t measure well. But my greatest “measurement” is done with my ears. The build quality is great! Appearance is rather “industrial”.
@@christopherspiro9857Don’t listen. Made in the US my arse! It’s all Chinese junk inside. And I’ve yet to hear one good review from anyone I trust. I’ll never understand why people keep recommending them. Probably because they’ve never actually owned them. ✌️
Everything AVA I’ve owned has been extremely enjoyable. Currently have their top tier tube preamp, excited about this new amp architecture. The SET120 is lovely and sounds insanely natural.
Wow, one of my favorite “viewers systems” segment. What a beautiful rig. I enjoyed seeing how they have a mixture of vintage and more current production gear. I do the same, and it can absolutely work out beautifully.
@@Chris.from.1950 Mine along with my AR walnut speakers and whole system got destroyed by a broken water pipe while I was on vacation. My only reminder is a few old album covers that got water damaged too. Life sucks sometimes, lol.
@@chrislj2890 It’s a quote from the movie Casablanca. Bogart says it to the Ingrid Bergman character, meaning, “Whatever happens, we’ll always have our memories.”
Thanks Steve, appreciate your commens here. This is also available as a stand alone amp for anyone who can use that or wants a preamp/line stage with more controls.
Alstine new to me, thanks! Love these smaller HiFi companies that keep chugging along! Gil-Scott, "Pieces of a man" 1971 is a well recorded classic worth a listen! The prisoner features Ron Carter on bass. Ron begins piece using a bow which is rare for him to do so. "Home is where the hatred is" cut, speaks on addiction; very relevant today.
@@nc3419 I’m surprised by the power for a 50watt at 8ohm amp. It drives my 86db 6ohm speakers with ease. It has very good clarity and instrument separation. A little airy at the top end, which I like. Bass is good and probably true to the recording. Don’t expect more bass than what’s in the recording. It’s definitely high value for the price and a keeper.
Part 1: I have bought the CA-1 used and at a price I couldn't say to being only several months old. My initial interpretation of its performance is that it is a more lively sounding amp and using it on both Dali Opticon 1 and Triangle Plaisir Zetas (a less adorned Color series). While budget speakers they are no slouches. Comparatively from what I have, a Keces E40 and a Hegel h160, I think the SQ improves upon the Keces with more detail, resolution and note weight like the Hegel does. The Keces adds some low end warmth, rounds sharpness and notes a bit in the mids and highs, particularly in the upper mids and highs but remains decently resolving and transparent. The CA-1 seems more transparent by revealing more of the frequencies the Keces rounds. Some may prefer the warmer Keces, some the more energetic CA-1 I suppose as it also depends on speakers and personal preference. The CA-1 does not suffer from graininess, bass bloat/loose bass or excessive harshness but also not a warm amp avoiding going over the edge as bright. Due to its nature, it may have been a bit much with the Zu but I feel it is suitable for warmer to neutral speakers, or even those like the Triangle I have which are a bit V curved but softer sounding. It's been awhile since I listened to my Hegel but from my memory between the Keces and Hegel, the Hegel gave more note weight which particularly well recorded piano. I had considered the Keces my little Hegel as it does alot really well, with the Hegel improving on or at least presenting differently. Notes are weightier, dialogue a bit more resolved and fleshed out, energetic particularly in movies but the Keces doesn't stray far in many respects and aside from hard to drive speakers, offers a good slice of better performance, smooth and still transparent enough to satisfy in a really small package. The Hegel is smooth with good bass for me anyhow while some thought the lower mids were too thin, for me it wasn't. Both the Keces and Hegel never felt dull or colorless, vague as some lessor amps could. The Hegel offers more micro details but both are great choices within their budgets and capabilities. The CA-1 ups the SQ from the Keces in a similar way the Hegel does but there is no accentuation in the bass. Listening to Nick Cave's No More Shall We Part, I think the CA-1 is doing well with clarity in which both resolution and detail works well together, with a liveliness that all goes beyond the rounded sound of the Keces and seems to avoid going over the top in harshness that sometimes the Hegel gave (from memory). The CA-1 probably fits somewhere between the two others I have and closer to the Hegel in performance but I can't say where exactly it could be better or less so to the Hegel. I do not hear any additional low end/low mid warmth with the CA-1 as I do with the Keces and perhaps the Hegel. I think in comparison to the Keces this may be due to the greater prominence of notes in the mids, upper mids and highs. So, the bass and low mids may be similar but the CA-1 brings more liveliness across the board. This livliness also brings some sibilant sounds to come through as both other amps do but more so than the more rounded sound of the Keces and from memory similar to the Hegel. But I "think" the Hegel can be too much or a bit overbearing from memory in the song Oh My Lord, the Hegel throws alot at you and so does the CA-1 but seems a bit easier to listen to, perhaps handling the energetic sound a bit better? Maybe, not as spitty? Not yet sure. As to loudness, I have the Triangle pretty loud in my room and the dial is on the 10 oclock position. This would be probably near 11:30 or higher position on the Keces and perhaps 55 on the Hegel. What this means is the volume on the CA-1 seems to get pretty powerful sooner on the turn of the dial kind of like an NAD but not as bad as NADs at least those I have tried respond to power fairly early. For me, volume is more useful in increments that make volume more usable across nearly the entire turn of the dial. I would prefer this level of energy around 11 to noon so I could utilize the dial to even 4 o'clock position but its hard to find in many amps, the so called audiophile volume control. I drove the Keces with a Menuet SE, a pretty hard to drive speaker up to the 2:30pm position or so before wimpering out (not hashy) as it probably has some soft clipping design. On easier speakers it could probably go further. The Keces is a well designed across the board good sounding plays everything well kind of amp. Easy listening with engagement. The Hegel I brought up to 78 out of 100 with the Menuet SE and it sounded similar to the Keces, didn't really up the game with that speaker. Both drove it well musically speaking but the little Keces got quite hot. The CA-1 I am not sure where it would break down (and returned the Menuet SE...too dark sounding for me/overly refined), I just brought it to just past the 11 position and it was louder than I listen to but still composed on my Triangles (max power rated 50 watts). "I think" a bit less energetic and easier on the ears versus the Hegel. It rides a line well there. Seems to delineate instruments well with separation. Can't say its best at that but its good. Still not sure about micro details, texture in notes, etc., but there seems to be less sharpness versus the Hegel from memory, hence fitting somewhere in between these two amps and the Hegel is still considered smooth as far as amps go. I am actually liking what I am hearing but can't say its better than the Hegel or worse in whatever respect. It is less powerful for sure but no one has actually measured the CA-1, we don't know SNR, distortion, etc. but I feel they would be decent. The Keces is low enough distortion and that which is there is that more pleasant sounding so it doesn't interfere with SQ and seemingly sounds kind of class A to some who have reviewed it.
Part 2: The Hegel is well a Hegel. Cooler side of neutral in comparison to say a Parasound, Marantz, from my experience. Not quite sure if I call the CA-1 dead neutral, definitely not warm, perhaps not quite as cool as the Hegel. Small but perceptible in comparisons. Don't expect bass that isn't in the source material and it is seemingly fast, tight...like I like. No bass bloat. So Steve, what do I really think? I seem to like the CA-1, it's different than the Keces which I really like and I think more similar to but still different than the Hegel which I also like. Definitely has clarity, power, transparency but perhaps not as much as the Hegel (really not sure) but also doesn't have the color of a tube amp or class A. More like the Hegel as it should be given its a class AB solid state design. It's fast, dynamic and fun. I wouldn't balk if has had a bit more color and texture but look at the speakers I am using and the dac, it could be that too. Perhaps on higher end gear those qualities may come out a bit more. Definitely not a weak link in my current system. As to the Hegel, I tend to use the internal dac of the Hegel which may account for some of the differences in SQ I am perceiving. I have a Topping D70s on the CA-1 which itself is a bit rounded versus the sharper one in the Hegel. The Hegel dac offers a bit more clarity and separation and the D70s softness and roundness with some bass heft, leading me to assess the Hegel adds a bit more bass, maybe from its higher damping factor. The Keces actually adds a smidge of low bass per its frequency curve with the D70s and has a df of around 150 from measurements, while many amps fall well under 70. I expect the CA-1 to be in the 80 or higher range which I think is needed to avoid loose, bloated bass. Still have to compare with other music. Watching shows and movies are different sounding. The Keces was fine for that, the Hegel upped the game and so does the CA-1 but not sure about where it fits or if its giving a truer account of the recording as shows and movies seem to be processed differently. Closer to the Hegel for sure. Is it worth it? Only you can decide. I got it at a discounted used price and had to jump on it. Looking for a lighter alternative to the Hegel as I am getting older. There are alot of god used options today, both in older and newer amps on the used market. Except for the best, it seems to be slightly a buyers market for deals. For those with enough $$$ anyways. I could have gotten some good pieces, while not better than the Hegel perhaps different but most seemingly heavy or heavier. If you can accommodate a large amp, lots to choose from. But for performance in a lower powered amp, the CA-1 is an option and manageable at approx. 20 lbs. It is Spartan in design and function, only having 4 RCA inputs, one of which is for vinyl which I do not use. Looking at say an Iota SA40, you get similar weight with more power, more connectivity and options including a decent but not class leading dac at less cost. But Iota has to prove they improved their service, internal parts, etc. So I stayed away form that one for now. Rega, Arcam and such, the more well known brands have their own deals with outgoing equipment too. So, lots of choices. But, Van Alstine has had such a long lived reputation, is seemingly solidly made and sounds good to me so far. It's also quirky enough to not be so mainstream or common brand like alot of the others. Will it be a keeper for me...perhaps. I think it will require more careful matching with speakers due to its design, how the volume control works, etc. But with the right speakers, I think it is well placed in its price category. If I could have made changes to it. I would only need 2 RCA inputs, definitely a variable Pre out for a sub and XLR connections even if SE performance to utilize those on many dacs available today to maximize dac performance from increased voltage output. If I would have gotten the NP-1, I think something like the Musician Monoceros, or a Schiit pre would have been a good match. Take this verbose personal experience for what its worth...my early impressions and a means to work out what's in my head regarding this amp. I do not think it's a giant killer but does offer very good performance. Whether its one's preferred sound is up to them.
Audio by van Alstine’s flagship preamp (fet Valve CFR), along with CA-1 would form my retirement from audio, system. That dac from Denafrips, the Enyo 15 would also definitely be on the list as well! Although Parasound’s JC-3+ phono stage would get used FAR more than that Enyo, Initially! As dinner gatherings progressed, I’d play far more Cd’s of course. An excellent job as always, Steve! (We dread the time if you retire).
I'm not sure, but I think you'd be better served with the AVA NP-1 amp than the CA-1. The "CA" stands for Control Amp, which is more of an integrated. It's not as full-featured as the fet Valve CFR, but it's more than you'd need and the NP-1 should suffice.
good review Steve! i've purchased two speaker brands you reviewed, and they are wonderful, BUT ,90% of the newer amp ,preamps or dacs just do not evoke beauty, emotion, or a sense of pride of ownership. I look at these cheap flat black or flat silver painted boxes and they just turn me cold. For example. on this amp , look at minute 2:22. the speaker terminals look like they cost five cents! on the top left rear side, the panels don't even line up....right? I am about your age (70) . For my daily driver im using a yamaha A-s1100 integrated with beautiful VU meters ,real wood side panels and the rear panel is a work of art! I still think Yamaha still exudes that real 70's vibe. I found this open box deal on ebay..$1,500.00 bucks 10 years ago and never looked back. Steve , you gotta admit late 60's - 70's was the best..These components had gravitas! thank you.
Great call out on Wanna be Loved, I'm hooked on that as well. I too love Lucinda W. Check out Thomas County Law by Iron & Wine, another track that has me hooked. Also check out Jamestown Revival and Mandolin Orange for lovely harmonizing, that's my jam.
Although there isn't a pre out or sub out, SVS has come out with their SoundPath Speaker Level Subwoofer Adapter in the event, the inputs and outputs of one's sub isn't up to par as a pass thru option. Still, would like to have seen an XLR input on it. Either way, tempted to try it as an upgrade that still has a reasonable sized footprint and weight.
For music, get a sub with speaker cable inputs. Its the best way to integrate a sub. Also, an xlr input means nothing. Its just a connector. If want a balanced connection, the 2 components you are connecting need to be balanced, not just the cable. And if you don't have all that in place, the connection defaults to single ended. That means only 2 of the 3 conductors in the balanced cable are used, and the result and its electrically identical to using a pair of rca cable. There will be no difference whatsoever.
@@052RC Only reason I would want an XLR connection is to make use of a dac where it seems there may be better performance to be achieved, maybe, per measurements or what others purport to have heard.
In my honest opinion after all these years of reading and watching his You Tube channel i can honestly say i trust Steve Guttenberg enthusiastic assessment of these products !
I wholeheartedly support your selection! I have found that these incredible Audio by Van Alstine M225 monoblocks are truly musical amplifiers with a stratospheric performance-to-value proposition. Add all of that to the uncommon level of helpful guidance and direct support I received from the friendly folks there, and a discerning music lover might have to go a long way (and likely spend a lot more $$$) to find any US audio company as deserving of their business.
Still listening without having done any comparisons between my other amps. My speakers are generally regarded to be brighter side of neutral and are budget in the Triangle Zetas and Dali Opticon 1. What I immediately notice is the transparency and imaging. Definitely hearing more into a recording or soundtrack but also seems on the cooler side itself. There is bass but its fast, it doesn't linger. It can be a bit harder on the ears in comparison to warmer amps as it can accentuate shh sounds, as does my hegel h160 so its a combination of the recording, how it was processed and the speakers. Speaker pairing with a very transparent would be important. I still like the presentation and wonder if EQing the dips and rises a bit would help. Still, I wouldn't call its performance bright but perhaps a bit lean, so on leaner speakers it could sound a bit harder. Note weight is good, but may not be as weighty as my hegel, note I am only going by memory. It has more weight and transparency, against my Keces E40 which is a small, smooth but still transparent small integrated with a pre section that is biased towards class A. Limited by power in comparison. The CA-1 has more energy and PRAT, from what I can ascertain. I am going to unbox and delist my Focals in a day or two to try it on the CA-1 unless it sells. The Keces drove it nicely. The Hegel pretty much doesn't add much more except when things get busy and the energy level is even more pronounced which I necessarily do not want but it's also due to how a recording was processed (that makes a difference few really address). As Steve stated, I do hear the clarity and the space when it is in the recording. I would like to see this amp measured as to current output, damping factor, etc. Trying to find a speaker that is smaller than my Focals but not a step down. Most are still relatively large 2 ways shaving off just 2-3 inches or thereabouts so I could just live with the size. I looked at Totem Bison as an alternative at just about 13 inches tall but looking at the frequency curve, it seems to follow very similarly to the Focals except there's more mid bass and low mid lift where the Bisons are lower relative to their mids and hi's. The Bisons hi frequencies are even more extended after 10K hz. So the Focals have a lift, by 2 to 3 dB relative to alot of the mids, upper mids and lower hi' freq. Except for a bump starting around 700hz to about 1.4kHz in which they both have it. The Bison's is more pronounced. While this doesn't imply they would sound similar, I think I can infer the Bisons also to sound a bit cooler side of neutral as well. If the CA-1 plays well with the Focals, perhaps I would consider the Bisons but I think I would get a bit more warmth for the mids with the Focals. Which is more resolving as a speaker, I do not know. The Focals are more resolving than the other two although the Opticon 1 is decent too. Not as much as a Menuet SE but not as dark sounding either. Perhaps what was overly refined for me on my other two amps could be better presented with the CA-1? I can see how a more transparent amp could counter too much refinement in a speaker...as long as it can handle the under 4 ohm loads over much of its low mids/mids the SE had.
Thanks for watching, the catch is really exceptional affordable Audio is rare. Most of it is generic, cookie cutter same old same old. I'm looking for products that really stand out, that's harder to pull off in the affordable category.
Steve, I think you reviewed the Van Alstine SET 120 control amp a few years back. That one doesn’t have a remote or phono input but presumably has 60/120wpc into 8/4 ohms. You liked that one quite a bit. If you are able, can you comment on any differences from your notes or memory as it is still offered?
@@thrimnak1 Sometimes too much time has gone by that the reviewer doesn't believe he can give a good answer. Or, perhaps in this case the mfr asked him not to make a comparison (for whatever reason). It is what it is. Whoever is interested should contact Van Alstine and inquire as to any sonic differences. I would expect them to provide an honest answer as they are a small company which has built their business based on integrity and providing value.
How does the CA1 compare to the Van Alstine Set 120 integrated amplifier you reviewed just 2 years ago? They seem to be very similar. Would be nice to know the differences. Thanks.
YESSS makes sense that LP, cartridge, and table isolation/ motor quality are about the same difficulty as CD or stream quality, and DAC ability, or Tape quality, motor/machine and or deck rebuild quality Here as with LEAK you get the sufficient stages of amplification for all but moving coil? 55w solves so many issues IMO My bet, half the market is TT only - wonder what per cent uses reel to reel, maybe TT - but no DAC?
Here's what I've learned, all speakers, electronics, and sources are imperfect. We each have to find the gear that matches our tastes in sound and music.
Hello Steve from Meaford Ontario Canada : Steve, Angela Gilbert Yeung here in Canada is a super genius audio electronic engineer, This gear can outperform equipment three times it's price the features Angela Gilbert Yeung puts into there pre amps and amps is outstanding with a tube dial and upgrade abilities that bring the gear to top audiophile sound ....have you reviewed thsee products ? If not highly recommended
Yo Steve, I got a 10yr old Denon AVR-1613 from the thrift (with remote) for $10. That's affordable. $1600 isn't that easy to come by for all of us. Very nice unit. Had it been below $1k I might agree with you.
Red Clay Strays... is a religious County group. The song mentioned is about wanting divine love not a lost lover. No judgement here, just not as Steve interpreted it.
Steve, long time subscriber - I am looking at 3 integrated amps you have reviewed this one (ca1) musical fidelity a1 & heaven ll billie - I listen mainly to vinyl through wharfedale lintons - your (or anyones) thoughts on which one would be the best fit - thanks
I forgot who it was, perhaps someone on the Audiogon boards when I was inquiring about the CA-1 that preferred the MF a1 for its liquid smooth mids and warmth but also found the CA-1 to be excellent for its transparency. I wouldn't call it liquid smooth but it is very transparent, resolving and has vg separation and i like it for that and it still sounds musical. Different flavor for sure. The heaven II Billie was also on my short list but no idea how it fits except the reviews seem to state class D transparency with tube warmth. Perhaps in between the CA-1 and A1? Note as to power output, the A1 is most limited and runs hot. The CA1 is in the middle re power 55/85 watts while the Billie is more than double the power and the most expensive but might be more flexible with speakers needing more grunt. I purchased the CA-1 slightly used at a great discount and am very satisfied so far. Looking at upgrading speakers has been difficult as I tend to over analyze specs, graphs, etc. to determine if speakers and amps are compatible and whether they would fit my needs without ever hearing them first. Past up a couple of speakers from hesitation but the CA-1 should drive most fine anyhow. The CA-1 is also fairly limited in connectivity but I use 2 dacs and enjoy both on the speakers I have used so far so its enough for me. So, for absolute liquid sound, the a1, for the highest transparency and netrality, the CA-1 and for something in-between and more powerful and versatile, the Billie. Yes, there are alot of other amps as well and I was also eyeing the Unison Research Unico Primo which gives sub out among other things. If this came up at a good discount I would really be pressed to buy one too. With the CA-1 I either find a speaker not needing a sub or find a way to hookup. My current sub sufficed on my small speakers but I may need an SVS speaker/sub adaptor which supposedly works well but you are going from an elegant design with everything built in to adding boxes. I believe there is no preout on the CA-1 becasue the volume control is strictly designed for the amp in mind and not an external one. But a simple sub-out would have been nice. There's 4 choices for your Lintons. Just figure what you want the speakers to do they are not already doing quite so well.
Hi Steve, Are the PAP speakers MIA? I bet that would be an interesting combination. I need to hear some Maggies looking forward to your thoughts. Do you have your 3 room dimensions and listening position from each speaker? This is super valuable info to extrapolate all of your reviews into our own set ups. The room is as important a component as any other in evaluation. l saw Lucinda live at House of Blues here in Atlanta. All star band and a fantastic show. She has a double live album ( Live at the Fillmore) from that period about 20 years ago that is 115 minutes of bliss. Very well recorded.
The Pure Audios are still here! It's very hard to describe my room because it's not a rectangle, it goes off different directions. The longest dimension of the wall behind the speakers you see is 32 feet and it's about 17 feet deep. But it's divided into different sections. There's no long parallel walls, that's why it sounds so good.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks. So you probably have a variety of seating positions, always good to know the distance between the speakers and the listening position which in a room like that gives you several options. With Herb and Art :(< I am (was) trying to ascertain if what is working for them would work for me. My room is much like yours but smaller and only 7 ft. acoustic ceiling but sounds very good. That would be a perfect mid power amp to try on the PAPs l would think.
Care to dare? Steve compare with Rogue Audio Sphinx V3. I’m pretty sure the Rogue is better at same price, with more power, and an excellent phono stage. You even reviewed the Sphinx!
Curiosity here about another comparison, which is the similarly priced Gallion ts75 from Thomas & Stereo. I noticed that the speaker binding posts looked a little cheap for $1600 amp.
Has anyone else spotted 6 (most likely tda series) integrated amplifiers mounted onto 2 skinny heat sinks ? They could at least have used 2 pairs of mos-fets at the output stage ….just saying …
I wish Van Alstin had EU sales and representatives. On this Mongo Santamaria's album there played two great flutists as soloists, Dave Valentin and maestro Hubert Laws, didn't they?
My friend has the CA-1 with Zu DW6 Supremes, and to my ears it's a great match. It's her third and least expensive amp she's had with her Zus and easily the best match in her room, but maybe Steve doesn't have the Supreme model which migh effect matching.
@@robk5745 particularly compared to the 4x more expensive Moonriver that it replaced, the CA-1 has better bass definition and clarity. Steve, it appears from his videos, has a lively and Zu-unfriendly room, imo. Zus work better in a somewhat damp room. The CA-1 is a great Zu match, imo. Again, I've had lots of Amps, and this is my fav all around regardless of price, below 10k.
Just a comment here… I’ve noticed while researching amps. That the audiophile niche has a scam feel to it.. it revolves around the big bucks. When I was young . 1 example... Amplifiers came with tone controls standard. The audiophile mantra is they don’t want to distort the signal to keep music pure . On entry level units you can get tone controls on some at 40 watts or so . But basically the higher level models they come with no tone controls while preaching this purity doctrine. But if you start to look at high dollar amps … 2000 bucks, what do ya know. Tone control reappear . So you can have a choice to adjust it. So to sum it up. Tone availability on low end systems. Because .. well… there cheap sounding anyway. Limited tone or no tone control on mid level then tone control reappears as a choice on upper level units. Oh , you want tone control on a good unit ? Hand over some cash bud !
Steve, I usually don’t make requests but I hope that you will be reviewing both Galion amplifiers in the future. I purchased his solid-state power amplifier and holy moly… $1495 going on $8,000 to $9000.
I'd rather put that money towards a Rega or Exposure intergated amplifier purchased from an authorised dealer, although the company will ship internationally.
for the millionth time stop calling things over $1000 affordable. most people have to save up for months to muster up that much money to burn. affordable is more like saving up 2-4 paychecks of spare cash.
OK, but note that you're the only one that has this problem! So maybe going forward when you see me claim something is affordable you can disregard it. Thanks for watching.
I'm with you, I couldn't afford some of the headphones Steve talks about. That's why I watch these videos like I watch car porn, or xxx porn, then fantasize 😅
Hate to tell you friend, but that has nothing to do with the reality of HiFi pricing. This is an affordable HiFi piece. Period. Maybe you should go watch videos about Low Fi, and/or Mid Fi gear. Besides, I always thought that shopping for, and saving up for, and waiting for the gear was half the fun. Like waiting for Christmas morning. ✌️
Actually these amps look better in person than the photos or videos convey. The lettering on the front faceplate is physically etched Into the aluminum, not a cheap sticker or stencil
Unfortunately, I have to agree with @burton7023 ...That's $1600 USD (and I'd have to convert that to CAD)... plus shipping... plus customs. Only analogue inputs? Not a good fit for me.
@steven3557 I'm not saying it's not a good integrated amplifier but for the money there are plenty out there that you can get as good if not better performance and and much more connectivity
![Commodore 64 Longplay [315] Sky High Stuntman (EU)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ip1UoQ0l5yU/mqdefault.jpg)
I use the AVA set 120 control amplifier with the LRS+ maggies and this combination is just audiophile heaven. Both beautiful American brands that provide exceptional value for the money.
I love the system of the day. Just what I couldn't afford when I was in college. I'd love to hear it. So nice that companies like Van Austin and Belles are still out there and making great products.
Was always curious about this brand’s products. Thanks for giving them some attention.
diddo
I bought Van Alstine Omega III 260 amp and Omega III preamp over 30 years ago and I am still listening to them and they sound great.
my CA-1 and I spent some time today at a hi-end boutique dealer listening to Rosso Ferentino Stand Mounts powered by the well regarded 8 grand Canor Virtus I2 Integrated amp, a KT88 tube design.
When I swapped in the CA-1, the dealer's jaw dropped, as the CA-1 was every bit the equal of the Canor. The dealer said, "Wow, I guess I won't be selling you an amp ever! I know a great amp when I hear one, and that's a great amp."
Guttenberg undersold the CA-1 in his review.
One of my special memories as an occasional audio journalist back in the late 70s was trekking out to a Minneapolis suburb to interview Frank Van Alstine. I recall that he did very well regarded mods of Dynaco preamps and such; Haflers maybe, not sure As well as Grado cartridges. I remember him as quite an interesting guy, holding forth in his bathrobe in the basement of his suburban rambler. I couldn't afford one of his amps, but I did buy one of his Grado mods and it was really good.
My highschool band director introduced me to the world of Frank Van Alstine back in 1974. He picked up Frank's Double 400 along with a modified PAT5 preamp for his amazing Magnaplanar system. While in college my roommates and I would occasionally hang out at Frank's on weekend nights. Frank tolerated us well and never hesitated to clean up our substandard soldering in the Dynaco gear we built. I bought a turntable, cartridge, speakers and had a ST70 mod'd by Frank. Great times.
Wow, I've been looking at AVA since the mid 80s. Glad to see some recognition.
I bought a Van Alstine AVA Omega III (1980s Dynaco chassis) amp “needing repair.” I contacted Frank thru his Audio Circles forum, and received assistance with documentation and was able to solve all issues. A very well designed and built 85 watt /8ohm amp. Top notch products in their current lineup, worth checking out.
I’m glad they hit this price point. Very much needed for an American made amp. A big consideration for my first amp.
Dude! Get a Rogue Audio Sphinx V3! Hybrid, tube amp with great built in phono stage and 100 watts per channel 8 ohms. Also made in USA
@@zizendorf I was thinking about getting the Rouge but I saw some videos on build quality and some say it’s not that good. I don’t know and I don’t know how any of these even sound. I was looking for a very reliable a/b design intergraded amp that I can used as a pre later down the road to start my end game system. Or I just might get the schiit vidar and their headphone amp and modi dac to start.
@@christopherspiro9857 Interesting… All the reviews I have seen save one have been positive raves. I too rave because that amp has a great synergy and sound with my Tannoy speakers. The one negative review from a well known site - which I don’t remember the name of - but is all about metrics and measurements (not specs). It doesn’t measure well. But my greatest “measurement” is done with my ears. The build quality is great! Appearance is rather “industrial”.
@@christopherspiro9857
Whelp...
Get something:
Get MUSIC!
🎵🎶😊🎶🎵
Not sure you need Rouge!
😊😅
@@christopherspiro9857Don’t listen. Made in the US my arse! It’s all Chinese junk inside. And I’ve yet to hear one good review from anyone I trust. I’ll never understand why people keep recommending them. Probably because they’ve never actually owned them. ✌️
Everything AVA I’ve owned has been extremely enjoyable. Currently have their top tier tube preamp, excited about this new amp architecture. The SET120 is lovely and sounds insanely natural.
Wow, one of my favorite “viewers systems” segment. What a beautiful rig. I enjoyed seeing how they have a mixture of vintage and more current production gear. I do the same, and it can absolutely work out beautifully.
I have a Van alstine super pas 3. It is a great preamp. Frank is a great guy.
Love that system of the day and that room looks very cool. I had an AR XA turntable with a Pickering Cartridge back in the early '70s.
I bought an XA in ‘72, with a Shure cartridge, and used it until ’05, when it was smashed in a move. Broke my heart. 💔
@@Chris.from.1950
Mine along with my AR walnut speakers and whole system got destroyed by a broken water pipe while I was on vacation. My only reminder is a few old album covers that got water damaged too. Life sucks sometimes, lol.
@@chrislj2890 “We’ll always have Paris!”
@@Chris.from.1950
Huh?
@@chrislj2890 It’s a quote from the movie Casablanca. Bogart says it to the Ingrid Bergman character, meaning, “Whatever happens, we’ll always have our memories.”
Steve. I've said this before. You're my favorite reviewer. Thanks. I may buy this!
Thanks!!
Thanks Steve, appreciate your commens here. This is also available as a stand alone amp for anyone who can use that or wants a preamp/line stage with more controls.
Yes, they have the NP1 amp. See their website.
I really like the viewer system of the day.
Alstine new to me, thanks! Love these smaller HiFi companies that keep chugging along! Gil-Scott, "Pieces of a man" 1971 is a well recorded classic worth a listen! The prisoner features Ron Carter on bass. Ron begins piece using a bow which is rare for him to do so. "Home is where the hatred is" cut, speaks on addiction; very relevant today.
Talking about Gill-Scott! Love your observations about music.
The godfather of rap !
I was turned on to him in 69 I believe when I first heard In The Bottle. Maybe the first time hearing " progressive music like that. I really dig Gil!
Another fine piece of equipment out of the Twin Cities. Audio Research, Magnepan, Van Alstine...
repreSENT 😤
Bel Canto too?
awesome shirt!
Steve! , Thanks for posting this video.
I recently purchased the NP1 power amplifier from Van Alstine. I can't wait to get it into my system.
How's it sounding so far? Can you describe the SQ and how it compares with what you have had previously?
@@nc3419 I’m surprised by the power for a 50watt at 8ohm amp. It drives my 86db 6ohm speakers with ease. It has very good clarity and instrument separation. A little airy at the top end, which I like. Bass is good and probably true to the recording. Don’t expect more bass than what’s in the recording. It’s definitely high value for the price and a keeper.
@@a3marketing991 That's kind of how I find the CA-1. Just bought a used one and have it hooked up. Good results so far.
Part 1:
I have bought the CA-1 used and at a price I couldn't say to being only several months old. My initial interpretation of its performance is that it is a more lively sounding amp and using it on both Dali Opticon 1 and Triangle Plaisir Zetas (a less adorned Color series). While budget speakers they are no slouches. Comparatively from what I have, a Keces E40 and a Hegel h160, I think the SQ improves upon the Keces with more detail, resolution and note weight like the Hegel does.
The Keces adds some low end warmth, rounds sharpness and notes a bit in the mids and highs, particularly in the upper mids and highs but remains decently resolving and transparent. The CA-1 seems more transparent by revealing more of the frequencies the Keces rounds. Some may prefer the warmer Keces, some the more energetic CA-1 I suppose as it also depends on speakers and personal preference.
The CA-1 does not suffer from graininess, bass bloat/loose bass or excessive harshness but also not a warm amp avoiding going over the edge as bright. Due to its nature, it may have been a bit much with the Zu but I feel it is suitable for warmer to neutral speakers, or even those like the Triangle I have which are a bit V curved but softer sounding.
It's been awhile since I listened to my Hegel but from my memory between the Keces and Hegel, the Hegel gave more note weight which particularly well recorded piano. I had considered the Keces my little Hegel as it does alot really well, with the Hegel improving on or at least presenting differently. Notes are weightier, dialogue a bit more resolved and fleshed out, energetic particularly in movies but the Keces doesn't stray far in many respects and aside from hard to drive speakers, offers a good slice of better performance, smooth and still transparent enough to satisfy in a really small package.
The Hegel is smooth with good bass for me anyhow while some thought the lower mids were too thin, for me it wasn't. Both the Keces and Hegel never felt dull or colorless, vague as some lessor amps could. The Hegel offers more micro details but both are great choices within their budgets and capabilities.
The CA-1 ups the SQ from the Keces in a similar way the Hegel does but there is no accentuation in the bass. Listening to Nick Cave's No More Shall We Part, I think the CA-1 is doing well with clarity in which both resolution and detail works well together, with a liveliness that all goes beyond the rounded sound of the Keces and seems to avoid going over the top in harshness that sometimes the Hegel gave (from memory).
The CA-1 probably fits somewhere between the two others I have and closer to the Hegel in performance but I can't say where exactly it could be better or less so to the Hegel. I do not hear any additional low end/low mid warmth with the CA-1 as I do with the Keces and perhaps the Hegel. I think in comparison to the Keces this may be due to the greater prominence of notes in the mids, upper mids and highs. So, the bass and low mids may be similar but the CA-1 brings more liveliness across the board.
This livliness also brings some sibilant sounds to come through as both other amps do but more so than the more rounded sound of the Keces and from memory similar to the Hegel. But I "think" the Hegel can be too much or a bit overbearing from memory in the song Oh My Lord, the Hegel throws alot at you and so does the CA-1 but seems a bit easier to listen to, perhaps handling the energetic sound a bit better? Maybe, not as spitty? Not yet sure.
As to loudness, I have the Triangle pretty loud in my room and the dial is on the 10 oclock position. This would be probably near 11:30 or higher position on the Keces and perhaps 55 on the Hegel. What this means is the volume on the CA-1 seems to get pretty powerful sooner on the turn of the dial kind of like an NAD but not as bad as NADs at least those I have tried respond to power fairly early. For me, volume is more useful in increments that make volume more usable across nearly the entire turn of the dial. I would prefer this level of energy around 11 to noon so I could utilize the dial to even 4 o'clock position but its hard to find in many amps, the so called audiophile volume control.
I drove the Keces with a Menuet SE, a pretty hard to drive speaker up to the 2:30pm position or so before wimpering out (not hashy) as it probably has some soft clipping design. On easier speakers it could probably go further. The Keces is a well designed across the board good sounding plays everything well kind of amp. Easy listening with engagement.
The Hegel I brought up to 78 out of 100 with the Menuet SE and it sounded similar to the Keces, didn't really up the game with that speaker. Both drove it well musically speaking but the little Keces got quite hot.
The CA-1 I am not sure where it would break down (and returned the Menuet SE...too dark sounding for me/overly refined), I just brought it to just past the 11 position and it was louder than I listen to but still composed on my Triangles (max power rated 50 watts). "I think" a bit less energetic and easier on the ears versus the Hegel. It rides a line well there. Seems to delineate instruments well with separation. Can't say its best at that but its good.
Still not sure about micro details, texture in notes, etc., but there seems to be less sharpness versus the Hegel from memory, hence fitting somewhere in between these two amps and the Hegel is still considered smooth as far as amps go.
I am actually liking what I am hearing but can't say its better than the Hegel or worse in whatever respect. It is less powerful for sure but no one has actually measured the CA-1, we don't know SNR, distortion, etc. but I feel they would be decent. The Keces is low enough distortion and that which is there is that more pleasant sounding so it doesn't interfere with SQ and seemingly sounds kind of class A to some who have reviewed it.
Part 2:
The Hegel is well a Hegel. Cooler side of neutral in comparison to say a Parasound, Marantz, from my experience.
Not quite sure if I call the CA-1 dead neutral, definitely not warm, perhaps not quite as cool as the Hegel. Small but perceptible in comparisons. Don't expect bass that isn't in the source material and it is seemingly fast, tight...like I like. No bass bloat.
So Steve, what do I really think?
I seem to like the CA-1, it's different than the Keces which I really like and I think more similar to but still different than the Hegel which I also like. Definitely has clarity, power, transparency but perhaps not as much as the Hegel (really not sure) but also doesn't have the color of a tube amp or class A. More like the Hegel as it should be given its a class AB solid state design. It's fast, dynamic and fun. I wouldn't balk if has had a bit more color and texture but look at the speakers I am using and the dac, it could be that too. Perhaps on higher end gear those qualities may come out a bit more. Definitely not a weak link in my current system.
As to the Hegel, I tend to use the internal dac of the Hegel which may account for some of the differences in SQ I am perceiving. I have a Topping D70s on the CA-1 which itself is a bit rounded versus the sharper one in the Hegel. The Hegel dac offers a bit more clarity and separation and the D70s softness and roundness with some bass heft, leading me to assess the Hegel adds a bit more bass, maybe from its higher damping factor. The Keces actually adds a smidge of low bass per its frequency curve with the D70s and has a df of around 150 from measurements, while many amps fall well under 70. I expect the CA-1 to be in the 80 or higher range which I think is needed to avoid loose, bloated bass.
Still have to compare with other music. Watching shows and movies are different sounding. The Keces was fine for that, the Hegel upped the game and so does the CA-1 but not sure about where it fits or if its giving a truer account of the recording as shows and movies seem to be processed differently. Closer to the Hegel for sure.
Is it worth it? Only you can decide. I got it at a discounted used price and had to jump on it. Looking for a lighter alternative to the Hegel as I am getting older. There are alot of god used options today, both in older and newer amps on the used market. Except for the best, it seems to be slightly a buyers market for deals. For those with enough $$$ anyways.
I could have gotten some good pieces, while not better than the Hegel perhaps different but most seemingly heavy or heavier. If you can accommodate a large amp, lots to choose from.
But for performance in a lower powered amp, the CA-1 is an option and manageable at approx. 20 lbs. It is Spartan in design and function, only having 4 RCA inputs, one of which is for vinyl which I do not use. Looking at say an Iota SA40, you get similar weight with more power, more connectivity and options including a decent but not class leading dac at less cost. But Iota has to prove they improved their service, internal parts, etc. So I stayed away form that one for now.
Rega, Arcam and such, the more well known brands have their own deals with outgoing equipment too. So, lots of choices.
But, Van Alstine has had such a long lived reputation, is seemingly solidly made and sounds good to me so far. It's also quirky enough to not be so mainstream or common brand like alot of the others. Will it be a keeper for me...perhaps. I think it will require more careful matching with speakers due to its design, how the volume control works, etc. But with the right speakers, I think it is well placed in its price category.
If I could have made changes to it. I would only need 2 RCA inputs, definitely a variable Pre out for a sub and XLR connections even if SE performance to utilize those on many dacs available today to maximize dac performance from increased voltage output.
If I would have gotten the NP-1, I think something like the Musician Monoceros, or a Schiit pre would have been a good match.
Take this verbose personal experience for what its worth...my early impressions and a means to work out what's in my head regarding this amp. I do not think it's a giant killer but does offer very good performance. Whether its one's preferred sound is up to them.
All the Van Alstine are terrific bargains, if you're looking for purist design....
Great to know about this amp!
Audio by van Alstine’s flagship preamp (fet Valve CFR), along with CA-1 would form my retirement from audio, system. That dac from Denafrips, the Enyo 15 would also definitely be on the list as well! Although Parasound’s JC-3+ phono stage would get used FAR more than that Enyo, Initially!
As dinner gatherings progressed, I’d play far more Cd’s of course. An excellent job as always, Steve!
(We dread the time if you retire).
I'm not sure, but I think you'd be better served with the AVA NP-1 amp than the CA-1. The "CA" stands for Control Amp, which is more of an integrated. It's not as full-featured as the fet Valve CFR, but it's more than you'd need and the NP-1 should suffice.
@@beans4jc Excellent advice!
I appreciate it, thank you.🌹
They’ve been great for 50 years too.
Amazing Shirt! Great week Steve!
Great review… love the affordable price…
good review Steve! i've purchased two speaker brands you reviewed, and they are wonderful, BUT ,90% of the newer amp ,preamps or dacs just do not evoke beauty, emotion, or a sense of pride of ownership. I look at these cheap flat black or flat silver painted boxes and they just turn me cold. For example. on this amp , look at minute 2:22. the speaker terminals look like they cost five cents! on the top left rear side, the panels don't even line up....right? I am about your age (70) . For my daily driver im using a yamaha A-s1100 integrated with beautiful VU meters ,real wood side panels and the rear panel is a work of art! I still think Yamaha still exudes that real 70's vibe. I found this open box deal on ebay..$1,500.00 bucks 10 years ago and never looked back. Steve , you gotta admit late 60's - 70's was the best..These components had gravitas! thank you.
Great call out on Wanna be Loved, I'm hooked on that as well. I too love Lucinda W. Check out Thomas County Law by Iron & Wine, another track that has me hooked. Also check out Jamestown Revival and Mandolin Orange for lovely harmonizing, that's my jam.
I run Frank’s electronics with Jim Salk’s Song 3. At my age it’s my last system! Ha! Love Steve’s channel too.
What a great system!
I bought the power amp only version (NP1) after watching this. Plan to pair it up with a LTA Mz2
Although there isn't a pre out or sub out, SVS has come out with their SoundPath Speaker Level Subwoofer Adapter in the event, the inputs and outputs of one's sub isn't up to par as a pass thru option.
Still, would like to have seen an XLR input on it. Either way, tempted to try it as an upgrade that still has a reasonable sized footprint and weight.
For music, get a sub with speaker cable inputs. Its the best way to integrate a sub. Also, an xlr input means nothing. Its just a connector. If want a balanced connection, the 2 components you are connecting need to be balanced, not just the cable. And if you don't have all that in place, the connection defaults to single ended. That means only 2 of the 3 conductors in the balanced cable are used, and the result and its electrically identical to using a pair of rca cable. There will be no difference whatsoever.
@@052RC Only reason I would want an XLR connection is to make use of a dac where it seems there may be better performance to be achieved, maybe, per measurements or what others purport to have heard.
In my honest opinion after all these years of reading and watching his You Tube channel i can honestly say i trust Steve Guttenberg enthusiastic assessment of these products !
I have an AVA SET 120 power amp and Transcendence 10 SLR preamp driving Spatial Audio M3 Triode Master speakers. A match made in heaven.
I wish my amp had a remote like that. Keep the remote simple.
"Mongo Santamaria"? "Hey, you can't park that horse there! It's illegal!"
“See that hand?”
“Steady as a rock”
“Yeah, but THIS is my shooting hand” 😂
I've had the pleasure of going to Frank's house in Woodbury to audition some pieces. I ended up buying a pair of his M225 monoblocks.
Same here, love the M225's; paired w/ Vision SLR preamp.
I wholeheartedly support your selection! I have found that these incredible Audio by Van Alstine M225 monoblocks are truly musical amplifiers with a stratospheric performance-to-value proposition. Add all of that to the uncommon level of helpful guidance and direct support I received from the friendly folks there, and a discerning music lover might have to go a long way (and likely spend a lot more $$$) to find any US audio company as deserving of their business.
Still listening without having done any comparisons between my other amps. My speakers are generally regarded to be brighter side of neutral and are budget in the Triangle Zetas and Dali Opticon 1. What I immediately notice is the transparency and imaging. Definitely hearing more into a recording or soundtrack but also seems on the cooler side itself. There is bass but its fast, it doesn't linger.
It can be a bit harder on the ears in comparison to warmer amps as it can accentuate shh sounds, as does my hegel h160 so its a combination of the recording, how it was processed and the speakers. Speaker pairing with a very transparent would be important. I still like the presentation and wonder if EQing the dips and rises a bit would help.
Still, I wouldn't call its performance bright but perhaps a bit lean, so on leaner speakers it could sound a bit harder. Note weight is good, but may not be as weighty as my hegel, note I am only going by memory. It has more weight and transparency, against my Keces E40 which is a small, smooth but still transparent small integrated with a pre section that is biased towards class A. Limited by power in comparison. The CA-1 has more energy and PRAT, from what I can ascertain.
I am going to unbox and delist my Focals in a day or two to try it on the CA-1 unless it sells. The Keces drove it nicely. The Hegel pretty much doesn't add much more except when things get busy and the energy level is even more pronounced which I necessarily do not want but it's also due to how a recording was processed (that makes a difference few really address).
As Steve stated, I do hear the clarity and the space when it is in the recording.
I would like to see this amp measured as to current output, damping factor, etc.
Trying to find a speaker that is smaller than my Focals but not a step down. Most are still relatively large 2 ways shaving off just 2-3 inches or thereabouts so I could just live with the size. I looked at Totem Bison as an alternative at just about 13 inches tall but looking at the frequency curve, it seems to follow very similarly to the Focals except there's more mid bass and low mid lift where the Bisons are lower relative to their mids and hi's. The Bisons hi frequencies are even more extended after 10K hz. So the Focals have a lift, by 2 to 3 dB relative to alot of the mids, upper mids and lower hi' freq.
Except for a bump starting around 700hz to about 1.4kHz in which they both have it. The Bison's is more pronounced.
While this doesn't imply they would sound similar, I think I can infer the Bisons also to sound a bit cooler side of neutral as well. If the CA-1 plays well with the Focals, perhaps I would consider the Bisons but I think I would get a bit more warmth for the mids with the Focals. Which is more resolving as a speaker, I do not know. The Focals are more resolving than the other two although the Opticon 1 is decent too. Not as much as a Menuet SE but not as dark sounding either. Perhaps what was overly refined for me on my other two amps could be better presented with the CA-1? I can see how a more transparent amp could counter too much refinement in a speaker...as long as it can handle the under 4 ohm loads over much of its low mids/mids the SE had.
Keep spreading the news about affordable audio components!
Thanks for watching, the catch is really exceptional affordable Audio is rare. Most of it is generic, cookie cutter same old same old. I'm looking for products that really stand out, that's harder to pull off in the affordable category.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac And you do it so well, hats off to 'ya maestro.
Built in DAC is not a deal breaker. No frills unit. An amp worthy of saving my lunch money with.
Steve, I think you reviewed the Van Alstine SET 120 control amp a few years back. That one doesn’t have a remote or phono input but presumably has 60/120wpc into 8/4 ohms. You liked that one quite a bit. If you are able, can you comment on any differences from your notes or memory as it is still offered?
Sorry I cannot comment on any differences between two.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac No problem. Thx for responding.
I have one too .Why would he not comment ?
@@thrimnak1 Sometimes too much time has gone by that the reviewer doesn't believe he can give a good answer. Or, perhaps in this case the mfr asked him not to make a comparison (for whatever reason). It is what it is. Whoever is interested should contact Van Alstine and inquire as to any sonic differences. I would expect them to provide an honest answer as they are a small company which has built their business based on integrity and providing value.
@@johntucker5994 Thank you sir.
That Is a fun shirt you're wearing
How does the CA1 compare to the Van Alstine Set 120 integrated amplifier you reviewed just 2 years ago? They seem to be very similar. Would be nice to know the differences. Thanks.
No sales reps. No dealer mark-up. No expensive ads in Stereophile and TAS. No rooms at hi-fi shows.
YESSS makes sense that LP, cartridge, and table isolation/ motor quality are about the same difficulty as CD or stream quality, and DAC ability, or Tape quality, motor/machine and or deck rebuild quality
Here as with LEAK you get the sufficient stages of amplification for all but moving coil? 55w solves so many issues IMO
My bet, half the market is TT only - wonder what per cent uses reel to reel, maybe TT - but no DAC?
Noticed the Ciccone Youth LP next to the Maggies. !
Thinking this could be a good match with the Galion TS Voyager Transmission Line speaker? A Rouge Sphinx V3 might work nicely with those as well.
Frank Van Alstine is awesome. So are AVA products.
I would suspect the select buttons are for input selection?
The button is for power, the selector knob selects input.
Used to have an AVA upgraded dynaco ST-150 and it was an impressive amp
AVA says on their site they're happy to ship international orders, so that likely should be corrected.
I watched many audio equipment reviews. It seems to me you have to have different audio equipment for different songs to be completely happy.😆
Here's what I've learned, all speakers, electronics, and sources are imperfect. We each have to find the gear that matches our tastes in sound and music.
Hello Steve from Meaford Ontario Canada : Steve, Angela Gilbert Yeung here in Canada is a super genius audio electronic engineer, This gear can outperform equipment three times it's price the features Angela Gilbert Yeung puts into there pre amps and amps is outstanding with a tube dial and upgrade abilities that bring the gear to top audiophile sound ....have you reviewed thsee products ? If not highly recommended
I have not, thanks for bringing them to my attention.
My pleasure Steve , have a great day good sir
Yo Steve, I got a 10yr old Denon AVR-1613 from the thrift (with remote) for $10. That's affordable. $1600 isn't that easy to come by for all of us. Very nice unit. Had it been below $1k I might agree with you.
Can you please put a better set of binding posts for heavensake?
I've had 10+ amps, some way more expensive, and this is easily my favorite running Zu Soul 6s.
Is this the unit you mentioned in the Caladan video I believe
Nice Shirt math.
Thank you for nice informative video's
You never mentioned car or portable speakers, could you recommend portable speakers or car audio
Thank you for watching, sorry I don't cover portable speakers or car audio.
Red Clay Strays... is a religious County group. The song mentioned is about wanting divine love not a lost lover. No judgement here, just not as Steve interpreted it.
Just listened to it… and I agree with ya
LM3886 chip tripled? Looks like.... thus sound similar to LEAK 150 which has it for sure....
Lucinda Williams Wakin' Up belongs in a Quentin Tarantino movie.
Love its classic looks...any chance you can review a similar looking amp, the Vincent Audio SV-500? ATB, Gerlach Sven.
Steve, long time subscriber - I am looking at 3 integrated amps you have reviewed this one (ca1) musical fidelity a1 & heaven ll billie - I listen mainly to vinyl through wharfedale lintons - your (or anyones) thoughts on which one would be the best fit - thanks
I forgot who it was, perhaps someone on the Audiogon boards when I was inquiring about the CA-1 that preferred the MF a1 for its liquid smooth mids and warmth but also found the CA-1 to be excellent for its transparency. I wouldn't call it liquid smooth but it is very transparent, resolving and has vg separation and i like it for that and it still sounds musical. Different flavor for sure.
The heaven II Billie was also on my short list but no idea how it fits except the reviews seem to state class D transparency with tube warmth. Perhaps in between the CA-1 and A1? Note as to power output, the A1 is most limited and runs hot. The CA1 is in the middle re power 55/85 watts while the Billie is more than double the power and the most expensive but might be more flexible with speakers needing more grunt.
I purchased the CA-1 slightly used at a great discount and am very satisfied so far. Looking at upgrading speakers has been difficult as I tend to over analyze specs, graphs, etc. to determine if speakers and amps are compatible and whether they would fit my needs without ever hearing them first. Past up a couple of speakers from hesitation but the CA-1 should drive most fine anyhow.
The CA-1 is also fairly limited in connectivity but I use 2 dacs and enjoy both on the speakers I have used so far so its enough for me.
So, for absolute liquid sound, the a1, for the highest transparency and netrality, the CA-1 and for something in-between and more powerful and versatile, the Billie.
Yes, there are alot of other amps as well and I was also eyeing the Unison Research Unico Primo which gives sub out among other things. If this came up at a good discount I would really be pressed to buy one too. With the CA-1 I either find a speaker not needing a sub or find a way to hookup. My current sub sufficed on my small speakers but I may need an SVS speaker/sub adaptor which supposedly works well but you are going from an elegant design with everything built in to adding boxes.
I believe there is no preout on the CA-1 becasue the volume control is strictly designed for the amp in mind and not an external one. But a simple sub-out would have been nice.
There's 4 choices for your Lintons. Just figure what you want the speakers to do they are not already doing quite so well.
Hi Steve, Are the PAP speakers MIA? I bet that would be an interesting combination. I need to hear some Maggies looking forward to your thoughts. Do you have your 3 room dimensions and listening position from each speaker? This is super valuable info to extrapolate all of your reviews into our own set ups. The room is as important a component as any other in evaluation. l saw Lucinda live at House of Blues here in Atlanta. All star band and a fantastic show. She has a double live album ( Live at the Fillmore) from that period about 20 years ago that is 115 minutes of bliss. Very well recorded.
The Pure Audios are still here! It's very hard to describe my room because it's not a rectangle, it goes off different directions. The longest dimension of the wall behind the speakers you see is 32 feet and it's about 17 feet deep. But it's divided into different sections. There's no long parallel walls, that's why it sounds so good.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks. So you probably have a variety of seating positions, always good to know the distance between the speakers and the listening position which in a room like that gives you several options. With Herb and Art :(< I am (was) trying to ascertain if what is working for them would work for me. My room is much like yours but smaller and only 7 ft. acoustic ceiling but sounds very good. That would be a perfect mid power amp to try on the PAPs l would think.
CA1 vs the Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 driving the LS50 meta?
Care to dare? Steve compare with Rogue Audio Sphinx V3. I’m pretty sure the Rogue is better at same price, with more power, and an excellent phono stage. You even reviewed the Sphinx!
Curiosity here about another comparison, which is the similarly priced Gallion ts75 from Thomas & Stereo. I noticed that the speaker binding posts looked a little cheap for $1600 amp.
Which one is better? This or set 120?
1600.00 is not cheap but it’s a reputable old brand and American made still. So it’s a good buy.
Steve, where do you stash all these speakers😂😂
Everywhere I can
I can’t be worried about what some people say
dang, I own an AVA set120 amp and their tube amp, but my current setup are DW6's, I almost ordered it but ......
It's a shame that the CA1 doesn't pre outs or or a sub out (for those of us that don't a high level input on our subs),
Would have liked a pre out or subout too. Oh well. I think svs has a product as a workaround.
Has Steve ever called out any gear?... everything is smooth, Musical, magical... cmon man
Ran 1.7is w SOA ll AB 350w@4ohms 😊
Love my enyo. At least until I play a record..
Has anyone else spotted 6 (most likely tda series) integrated amplifiers mounted onto 2 skinny heat sinks ? They could at least have used 2 pairs of mos-fets at the output stage ….just saying …
I wish Van Alstin had EU sales and representatives. On this Mongo Santamaria's album there played two great flutists as soloists, Dave Valentin and maestro Hubert Laws, didn't they?
Great review Steve 👍
It has a phono section!!!!! Yay! No DAC? Who cares?
America first
Make audio great again
My friend has the CA-1 with Zu DW6 Supremes, and to my ears it's a great match. It's her third and least expensive amp she's had with her Zus and easily the best match in her room, but maybe Steve doesn't have the Supreme model which migh effect matching.
I’m tossing between this amplifier and an exposure 2510 for my dwx supremes so this is good news. What did you like about the amplifier with the Zus?
@@robk5745 particularly compared to the 4x more expensive Moonriver that it replaced, the CA-1 has better bass definition and clarity. Steve, it appears from his videos, has a lively and Zu-unfriendly room, imo. Zus work better in a somewhat damp room. The CA-1 is a great Zu match, imo. Again, I've had lots of Amps, and this is my fav all around regardless of price, below 10k.
Just a comment here… I’ve noticed while researching amps. That the audiophile niche has a scam feel to it.. it revolves around the big bucks. When I was young . 1 example... Amplifiers came with tone controls standard. The audiophile mantra is they don’t want to distort the signal to keep music pure . On entry level units you can get tone controls on some at 40 watts or so . But basically the higher level models they come with no tone controls while preaching this purity doctrine. But if you start to look at high dollar amps … 2000 bucks, what do ya know. Tone control reappear . So you can have a choice to adjust it. So to sum it up. Tone availability on low end systems. Because .. well… there cheap sounding anyway. Limited tone or no tone control on mid level then tone control reappears as a choice on upper level units. Oh , you want tone control on a good unit ? Hand over some cash bud !
Steve, I usually don’t make requests but I hope that you will be reviewing both Galion amplifiers in the future. I purchased his solid-state power amplifier and holy moly… $1495 going on $8,000 to $9000.
I make new upgraded crossovers for the Altec Valencia 846.
I'd rather put that money towards a Rega or Exposure intergated amplifier purchased from an authorised dealer, although the company will ship internationally.
Why review an amplifier that's unavailable to MOST PEOPLE?
I live in the EU and buy EU gear. Over the pond try and do the same thing......
for the millionth time stop calling things over $1000 affordable. most people have to save up for months to muster up that much money to burn. affordable is more like saving up 2-4 paychecks of spare cash.
OK, but note that you're the only one that has this problem! So maybe going forward when you see me claim something is affordable you can disregard it. Thanks for watching.
I'm with you, I couldn't afford some of the headphones Steve talks about. That's why I watch these videos like I watch car porn, or xxx
porn, then fantasize 😅
For the millionth time? Your manners are appalling. Who says that your definition of affordable is anything like correct.
@@jeffjames4064 you're right it's no surprise when you follow the link and find an audio item that you could trade for a used car lol
Hate to tell you friend, but that has nothing to do with the reality of HiFi pricing. This is an affordable HiFi piece. Period. Maybe you should go watch videos about Low Fi, and/or Mid Fi gear.
Besides, I always thought that shopping for, and saving up for, and waiting for the gear was half the fun. Like waiting for Christmas morning. ✌️
Rather boring in appearance
Appearance vs. sound quality, which is your priority?
@@postalgrunt480 You can have both!
Actually these amps look better in person than the photos or videos convey. The lettering on the front faceplate is physically etched Into the aluminum, not a cheap sticker or stencil
$1600 is not affordable
This amp will last decades, much longer than a laptop or cellphone of similar cost that you'll be lucky to get 4 good years of use out of.
@@jC-kc4si by that logic, a rocket ship for a 100 thousand dollars is affordable too
1600 dollars for 55 watts no digital inputs 😅😅 nope
Unfortunately, I have to agree with @burton7023 ...That's $1600 USD (and I'd have to convert that to CAD)... plus shipping... plus customs. Only analogue inputs? Not a good fit for me.
It will probably be a better, higher quality sounding amp than one selling for the same price with built in DAC, like the Schiit Ragnarok.
@rhwinner just can't agree with that anymore maybe in the past but not now
@steven3557 I'm not saying it's not a good integrated amplifier but for the money there are plenty out there that you can get as good if not better performance and and much more connectivity
@@burton7023Yup, Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 - hybrid tube-integrated. Awesome sound and great phono stage!
They’ve been great for 50 years too.
Gil Scott Herron and Oscar Brown Junior. Two of the best male vocalist that had something to say about society.
@@stimpy1226Diddo that man!