i had the opportunity to try out the following at Phasetron yesterday with sir hans adrianne:
1. 6BQ5 amp
2. KT-88 amp
3. EL-34 amp
4. 300B amp
using the following setup:
1. DIY speakers with vintage Corral driver
2. Denon CD Player
given the short warm-up time of less than 30 minutes, my observation are as follows:
1. 6BQ5 amp
this amp didn't quite sing with the above setup. i missed the usual lusciousness of Keiko Lee's voice when we played several tracks from her "Voices" album.
perhaps, it would have sounded better if it is properly warmed up or when paired with a higher sensitivity speaker.
2. KT-88 amp
this amp sounded better than the 6BQ5 in all departments especially when it has warmed up after several tracks. Keiko Lee's "Imagine" is more passionate when played using this amp.
i noticed, though, that the male second voice is more subdued. i would love it to be more forward as it emphasizes the quality of Keiko Lee's voice.
3. EL-34 Amp
i was surprised to hear this amp to sound better than the KT-88. It has a much clearer & better balanced sound. it sounded good on both vocals & instrumental tracks.
we played several tracks from the Starbucks West Coast Jazz album. ganda! it is as if the bands are playing right in front of you.
4. 300B Amp
dito ako saludo. i love the way this amp sounded. ang lambing! wala na akong masabi...
before you go after my neck
, let me say that the above are purely my personal observations/opinions. i didn't follow any scientific method when i did the audition... i just tried to listen to the same tracks when i went through each of the amps.
i suggest that you visit the shop & request for an audition. i feel that they are worth checking out given their prices.
oks lang naman sa kanila, eh. the people in Phasetron are very accommodating. actually, i enjoyed talking to Mr. Sevilla, the shop owner, as much as listening to the amps.
o sir hans adrianne... ikaw naman...