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Still Audio EL84 Integrated Amplifier - my initial impressions

Hi everyone,

I've had the new Still Audio EL84 Integrated Amplifier ($2895USD + shipping) for about a week, and I just thought I'd share my initial impressions.  I learned about the amp from the review in Postive Feedback.  After reading through Still Audio's website I contacted Mark Still.  He was very quick to respond, even though it was a day or two after Christmas.  From that initial email exchange, I've found him to be very attentive and helpful.  

The integrated amp puts out 10wpc using a total of 4 EL84 output tubes.  The unit is tube rectified (EZ34/5AR4) and has two 12AU7s in the input stage.  Mark calls this a "bookshelf amplifier," and it most certainly would fit on a bookshelf due to its dimensions - about 18" in width but only 6.5" in depth.  The front panel has a volume knob and an input selector, and the back panel has the IEC and fuse holder, three RCA inputs, and speaker taps for 4ohm, 8ohm, and 16ohm speakers.  There is a small remote control for the volume.  

The entire unit is very solid and looks like a more expensive component.  The RCA input jacks are excellent the best I've come across.  I find the speaker connectors very easy to tighten by hand.  They seem to stay put as you tighten them.  There is no release of tension when you take your hand off the connector.  The remote works well in providing small volume adjustments.  There is a nice touch that a small red or green light on the amp indicates whether the volume is increasing (red) or decreasing (green) when using the remote.  When adjusting the volume slightly between songs or during a quiet passage, it's very convenient to know whether the amp has gotten the signal from the remote.  

I am still looking for speakers to go with this amp.  As a temporary solution I'm using a pair of Klipsch RP-106Ms, and the sound is very pleasing - smooth and easy to listen to with good dynamics and plenty of volume in my smaller room (13x16ft.).  I never need to raise the volume knob past halfway (even though there is a lot more clean volume to be had beyond that point).  

I will post a more comprehensive review once I upgrade my speakers and give the amp some time to break in.  For now, though, I'm extremely pleased with it! 

Happy New Year!
Scott

p.s.  My system is analog only - Acoustic Signature Wow XL turntable and Avid Pellar phono stage.
smrex13
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
@ghasley Thanks for the recommendations on tubes.  I guess my dilemma is that I very much like the Contrast Audio speakers and the Still EL84.  Trying the solid state amp showed me that the speakers have more than enough bass for my room.  

So, I'm torn between finding an amp to drive the speakers and finding speakers that will work well with the amp.   

I know that speakers can significantly change the sound of my system.  The experiment with the ss amp confirmed that a change in amplification doesn't alter the basic sonic character of the system that I like so much.

Ideally, I would try both combinations - a more efficient speaker with the Still amp, and a more powerful amp with the Contrast Audio speakers.

Keep y'all posted,Scott




kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
I think what you need is a Pass XA30.5 or .8, depending on your budget. You’ll get the best of both worlds. Or keep the amp and consider 94+ dB speakers like Klipsch or Zu, etc. I’ve heard Klipsch Cornwalls with 8wpc SET amps and the bass was very satisfying.
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
143 posts
 
Happy new year! You bought the El84 amp 😊 now do yourself a favor and speak with Louis at Omega. His speakers are so involving and transparent with low powered set amps, it's mind-blowing. 

freediver
585 posts
 
I just spent a week demo with the Fritz Carbon 7SE driven by my 17wpc.EL84 Quad amp & can HIGHLY recommend this speaker for low power tubes..In my medium size treated room there was KILLER bass,liquid mids & sweet treble..Plenty of headroom they are so easy to drive..
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
@freediver Good timing - I have a pair of the Carbon 7SE mk.2 that I'm demoing right now.  The amp drives them fine, but my initial impressions is that the Carbons are extremely smooth, but compared to the Contrast Audio there is a lot of detail lost.  They aren't broken in yet, so I'm going to give them some time.  And I'm sure that my ears need to adjust to a new sound as well.  The Carbon 7s are quite enjoyable speakers, and the bass is very impressive.  Will keep y'all posted....
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