In the context of a low-powered SET amplifier, the Art Audio Symphony II amplifier is the most accomplished piece I’ve used to date. Within its power limitation and as used in my system, I have to conclude that the Symphony II is as near to perfection as I have encountered yet. I’ve heard and used a lot of amplifiers, many costing far more than what Art Audio is asking for the Symphony II. In the context of a low-powered SET amplifier, the Art Audio Symphony II amplifier is the most accomplished piece I’ve used to date. Within its power limitation and as used in my system, I have to conclude that the Symphony II is as near to perfection as I have encountered yet. I’ve heard and used a lot of amplifiers, many costing far more than what Art Audio is asking for the Symphony II. If it can be improved upon — perhaps by more expensive amplifiers within the Art Audio line like the Diavolo, Jota or PX-25 — I’d love to know how. It’s subjectively very linear and neutral. It does marvelous things at the frequency extremes. It has the kind of midrange that audiophiles empty their savings
account for and exudes that SET magic that people who claim solid-state superiority may never understand. Its way with musical detail is absolutely mesmerizing as it seems to leave no stone unturned in its search for musical nuance yet remains the antithesis of a laboratory instrument. And when you consider the great packaging and high level of build quality, Art Audio sells it all at a very reasonable price.
This is the dreaded part of the review where I’m about to lament the fact that very soon, the man in brown will show up at my door to whisk away the Symphony II back to its proper home. But not today! Following my last-minute fact-check by phone, Art Audio’s Joe Fratus promised to let me hold on to the Symphony II for a while longer to investigate the results of some tube rolling whereby I shall report back on the different signatures of certain available 300B options – the Sophia mesh-plate and the new KR 300B to be specific. So as they say, stay tuned but don’t hold your breath – such investigations are not to be rushed but savored…!
Pełny tekst recenzji.