"Shortest Way" SW51 Amp Impressions (Simple SET Amp)

damn, I think it just might... listening to SW51+ directly from DAC now... I think it sounds cleaner... never easy...

 

It takes time to ferret out a winner, but ultimately it crystallizes out and becomes clear to you. Whatever factors are involved, equipment burn-in, tube burn-in, brain burn-in (getting used to the new equipment), after a while it all comes together and you will have no problem picking the winner.
Peronally, I don't think that this is a three minute process, and I tend to dismiss people that roll though a bunch of new stuff in a short session and pronounce what's best.

 

well, I have the Echo for a year now, was listening to it quite regularly too, and the SW51+ for about a month, listening pretty much every other day, burned it in with podcasts for something like 20 hours over the course of 4 days, and have at least 20 hours, perhaps even slightly more of clean listening time, so it's not been a 'three minute process' as you say. it's just that I wanted an honest A/B, and it's a shame the SOLUPEAK box failed me. we'll see what the sellers says, I might just be unlucky as there seems to be quite a few happy customers out there.

 

I see the failure as an opportunity. Now you have a box, swap out for some quality rca's, a good Elma switch and and occ or other wires from vhaudio for example and you'll have a switch that you like, will sound better and will last...

 

I just might, I just might... if I decide to get into the DIY game this might be just the right project to start... I am still on the fence about the whole thing though.

 

I already have my SW51+ from one of the early runs, so I have no horse in this race.

Just curious if the sanctions will affect Zampotech imports to the US.

 

Went through my mind as well...

 

First thought was, well damn. 2nd thought, selfish bastard there are lives and futures at stake here. Hoping for peace, screw the amp, its nothing in the big picture.

Praying for peace.

edit: I’m waiting for mine, was calling me the bastard not you Gixxer.

 

Received mine. Very happy with the amp at first listen. The good clarity, tonality dynamic speed. Great match with 6xx as advertised.

bad.. maybe not a huge sound stage. Really does not matter to me that much when the pro are there.

Totally great value as advertised.

 

It is true that the SW51+ has a more narrow sound stage, but my impression is that the Telefunken EF805S made it appear wider. Is there anybody else that can confirm this?

 

The soundstage is not very wide for sure but the separation is great along with depth and layering and you won’t have an issue with imaging.
PS- Have used the default tube and haven’t tried the one you suggested

 

Ok, I wish this was easier that just try Equilizer APO and boost the bass (I find Equilizer APO makes my headphones dead sounding in micro and macro dynamics).

BUT, to me the SW51+ has near perfect mids and highs and even punch in the bass. What is missing is a bit of bass bloom that aligns a bit more with my preference.

Anyone have a Schiit Loki +? I'm thinking SW51+ and Loki + with the bass/midbass dial turned up a bit could actually be amazing and have that hard to obtain audio nirvana of detailled/smooth mids and highs with a bit of bass bloom. Has anyone tried this?

This is all with a HD650, go to headphone for the SW51+.

 

I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but for me, I got to where I think you're trying to get by grabbing a pair of Focal/Drop Elex. I've fiddled with a Loki on SW51+HD600 and it felt kind of heavy handed due to the frequencies of boost/dip. I also fiddled with EQ through Roon and it's a bit more satisfying, but in the end Elex ended up being my preference for a bass-heavier Senn HD6xx sound. Shortcut: adding more bass through EQ isn't the simplest way to make things rumble a little more while keeping everything else even. Too often adding just a touch of 20hz at even just like maybe +3db makes things seem unbalanced due to the broad-ish Q of the Loki. But even narrower Q thru Roon seems to make a mess of resonance and harmonic distortion especially where the HD series seems most sensitive to dicking around.

 

These are wise words that have made my gears spin up.

 

Yep, makes total sense! No shortcuts to audio nirvana

 

Dear Friends:

We have received some inquiries regarding the current status of the SW51+ amplifiers given current global events.

First and foremost, we hope that a peaceful resolution will bring an end to the current madness very soon. We feel very badly for both the people of Ukraine who are suffering directly as a result of this unjustifiable chaos as well as the ordinary people of Russia who will inevitably bear the brunt of the consequences laid upon their country for an invasion they do not support. We started this project to share the joy of @Zampotech 's products with more people than previously possible and hope that this can still come to fruition despite all of the above. As shown on this forum, despite all of our vast differences, the joy of music ultimately brings us together here.

Given this, we plan on moving ahead with the distribution of amplifiers. As far as both Zampotech and myself are aware, audio amplifiers such as these will not be impacted by the sanctions. However, as many of you may already know, many methods for direct shipment out of Russia are currently impacted and this will inevitably delay the delivery of amplifiers. Our shipping vendor is currently exploring shipping solutions.

Lastly, we will do our best to answer any other questions related to distribution, but please bear in mind that the nature of the situation is going to be inherently unpredictable and it may be difficult for us to provide a good answer at times.

Thank you all.

 

I had posted this as a profile post earlier but thought it fitting to add to your own hopeful message:

"To Ukrainian and Russian SBAF members, I hope that you find a modicum of peace in our shared interest in music (gear)."

 

Thank you very much
I did not have and do not have any complaints against Ukrainians. There is not a single act of mine that would offend Ukrainian. I lived in Kiev for 5 years, these were the best years of my life. I have come to Kiev many times and these trips have always been a joy for me.
Despite the terrible events, I have not lost any of my Ukrainian friends.
My fault and my participation in these events was not, is not and will not be.

 

It seems the only people who want conflict, any conflict, are those who are impoverished in a way that no luxury can mend. I'm biased because you've been extremely kind and helpful in the past @Zampotech but anyone who hates anyone based solely on where they live or what name they identify by is a grand old idiot. Take care of yourselves.

 

I too am greatly saddened by the horrible acts of mad despots and their collective supporters, which usually do not include the greater portion of populations who would like to be left the hell alone to pursue peaceful life experiences. My hope is one day we will again be able to put most of our focus on enjoying music through equipment such as @Zampotech amps. Please take care of yourself and those around you.