Wanted to echo rocray's comments with one minor change, in my case I would change the 2 1/2 months to 2 1/2 years. I long ago lost track of the hour count, but I'm retired and spend most of the day, every day, sporting that "huge smile" borne of an ever so rare sense of complete satisfaction. When Aric described his process to me as "building amps the way they used to be built but using the best parts available to us today" I liked the way it sounded; when I'm listening to his equipment, the "listening" becomes a different experience altogether.
Aric Audio Systems Unlimited Preamp
They have a tube model called Unlimited that appears to be a decent value for < $800. It is tube rectified and with pair of tube voltage regulators and 12AX7 driver tubes. It even has a phono stage. Anyone is familiar with this preamp?
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@teajay 's review of Aric Audio's Transcend Push-Pull amp went live yesterday. Here it is: https://hometheaterreview.com/aric-audio-transcend-push-pull-tube-amplifier/ |
Aric- Thank you for your talented craftsmanship. I love my Unlimited. Where do I start!! I am not an Audiophile, but I do love to HEAR the music . My 20 year-old equipment is what I listen to and that is what I can afford. It was good enough but I knew it could be better. 4 years ago, I took a chance on a Aric Expressions tube preamp as my first foray into tube sound. I really liked it, but I still could not "hear" all of the music. It sounded boring!! 2 weeks ago, I thought what the hell, I want another preamp. Screw the bills!! It needed to be done!! So I FINALLY took the plunge and contacted Aric. He was so patient with my questions and requests!! Yesterday I received my burgundy-colored Unlimited. When I unboxed the amp I just stared at how beautiful it looks and how well constructed it was!!! 1 hour later I had everything rewired and turned everything on. The longest 5 minutes EVER!!! I loaded my favorite song onto Jriver, pressed start, and turned up the volume!! Now, after 20 years listening to this particular song, I thought I knew every note, that there is nothing new the Unlimited will show me!! How wrong I was!!! I heard cymbals that "finished" their run. The bass notes were so clear and defined. Not artificial boominess! When the singing started, I just closed my eyes and could "see" the soundstage!! Where the musicians lined up!! I have never once heard that from my equipment!! This is out of the box, with new tubes. No burn-in.The joy and the sense of "searching for the sound" was happening in MY living room. I kid you not!! Well, 3 hours flew by as I listened to Miles Davis, Donny Hathaway, The Dead, Phish, Aretha, Allman brothers, JRAD, Little Feat "Waiting for Columbus" (Felt as if the band stopped by for a private concert), The Unlimited is opening up some, soundstage is so delicious. I can go on, but don't want to bore you!!! If you are on the fence about getting the unlimited Preamp, Lovingly hand made by Aric, take the plunge and don't look back!!! 2 things I have in my life that are totally mine is my name and my promise. I don't give promises lightly, but I promise you this. Get the Unlimited an you will not regret it!! |
- 111 posts total