INSPIRE STEREO TUBE AMPLIFIER by DENNIS HAD
- Thread starter magnuss
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
goldleaf
Super Member
I just visited Dennis at his shop here in RTP. The man is an artisan. Very meticulous and very, very experienced. You can't go wrong with his amps. They are deceptively simple but have been tweaked like you would not believe. He uses custom made iron and resistors, teflon wiring, and good components throughout. Sound is awesome. By the way, they are designed to work best with a preamp because that's his philosophy so you want a healthy line level input.
Dennis is retired from Cary Audio and does this for fun only so his production is only 1 or 2 amps a week, just to keep busy and have some enjoyment.
Dennis is retired from Cary Audio and does this for fun only so his production is only 1 or 2 amps a week, just to keep busy and have some enjoyment.
I believe Dennis Had has about unlimited resources. Dennis started in the RF linear amplifier business and owned Dentron, Amp Supply & Ameritron manufacturing companies. His Amp Supply linear amplifiers were beyond reproach. I was considering an audio manufacturing company at the same time Cary opened. However, at that time I also realized Dennis Had business & marketing skills were perhaps too much competition. Dennis took about as much revenue as possible for advertising in the beginning. His implementation of Cary Audio was spot on. I can imagine his amplifiers are also spot on.
goldleaf
Super Member
The operation he has now is much more modest in scope. He is enjoying his free time and so this is something he does in the afternoons. The shop is about 40 x 40 and well equipped but I was surprised that there were no fancy tools beyond the usual scopes and such. The secret sauce is inside his head and special relations he has built with parts manufacturers.
I sure hope he passes that knowledge to others before he is gone. Like so many of our great designers, a lot of them are getting older and we need to think of the next generation.
I sure hope he passes that knowledge to others before he is gone. Like so many of our great designers, a lot of them are getting older and we need to think of the next generation.
thefragger
Certified Crazy.
(I'm pretty jealous)
HitsOFMisses
New Member
Wow & just WOW! Thanks "analog addict", "goldleaf" & others for providing valuable information. I'm a newbie or rather, inspire-to-be in the Tube Amp world. So, some of the terms you've used is just above me. Nevertheless, I'm impressed with the knowledgable community we've here.
I too came across the Inspire Tube Amp listing on e-Bay & was curious to find more about this & how will it fit in my HT setup.
I've Kenwood VR-4090 (SS) receiver, which I intend to use as Pre/pro with either Oppo 103 or 105 BD Player. I've Tyler Acoustics - Linbrook System II (L, R, & Center).
I don't have a huge budget (<$2000). Earlier, I was considering a McIntosh MC275/ MC260. I too live in the triangle & would love to buy from my nerdy "neighbor" Dennis, who loves his work. :thmbsp: Can you please advice:
1.) If the Inspire Tube Amp will be able to drive this setup? Or do you recommend other Cary Audio, AES products?
2.) I spoke to a few people & they're steering me away from the Tube world. Is it true that the current SS products provide better sound reproduction than the Tubes? I usually listen to Vocals.
3.) I've read that it is very important to match Tube Amps & Speakers. Do you think I'll have to replace my speakers?
Looking forward to hear back from you soon.
Thank you for stopping by!
I too came across the Inspire Tube Amp listing on e-Bay & was curious to find more about this & how will it fit in my HT setup.
I've Kenwood VR-4090 (SS) receiver, which I intend to use as Pre/pro with either Oppo 103 or 105 BD Player. I've Tyler Acoustics - Linbrook System II (L, R, & Center).
I don't have a huge budget (<$2000). Earlier, I was considering a McIntosh MC275/ MC260. I too live in the triangle & would love to buy from my nerdy "neighbor" Dennis, who loves his work. :thmbsp: Can you please advice:
1.) If the Inspire Tube Amp will be able to drive this setup? Or do you recommend other Cary Audio, AES products?
2.) I spoke to a few people & they're steering me away from the Tube world. Is it true that the current SS products provide better sound reproduction than the Tubes? I usually listen to Vocals.
3.) I've read that it is very important to match Tube Amps & Speakers. Do you think I'll have to replace my speakers?
Looking forward to hear back from you soon.
Thank you for stopping by!
Last edited:
Reply #2- I heard SS amps outperform tube amps, but never found a SS amp to outperform the better sounding tube amps. The midrange is especially fine with a quality tube amp.
vinylkid58
Super Member
That's a cute little amp. Any idea what the driver tube is, 12AT7 maybe?
jeff
jeff
Last edited by a moderator:
thefragger
Certified Crazy.
I'm betting it's Russin; you can see the 'OTK' stamp on it, indicating that's it's been tested and approved for military use in the USSR.
From his ebay listing, it's a 6N1P (6922).
vinylkid58
Super Member
sheltie dave
Addicted Member
HitsOFMisses;6531811Is there a cheatsheet or can anyone provide [B said:
You are on the cheatsheet. Use the internet, like the rest of us.:yes:
This is an amazing read! I admire ANYONE who can master their craft to the point that people know his work and name.
If it isn't bad manners....may I ask what one of his basic amps runs cost wise? I mean I would probably have to sell the truck to afford it...just curious. Thanks ahead of time.
If it isn't bad manners....may I ask what one of his basic amps runs cost wise? I mean I would probably have to sell the truck to afford it...just curious. Thanks ahead of time.
goldleaf
Super Member
I guess 50 years does that to your work if you are fortunate. Kind of like looking at a glassblower's or a fine cabinet maker's work - after a while your reputation precedes you. It is fun to do a retrospective of the living audio designers who have made a name for themselves - Pass, Carver, Hafler, etc, or the speaker designers - like Linkwitz, Dave Wilson, and on and on. This country (and others of course) has produced some nice talent over the years. :thmbsp:
The amps are on flea bay. Just look up Inspire amp. He has no other distribution since he makes onesy twosies since retirement. Thing is you never know what he'll be playing with, and if you see something, he may never make it again. Perk of doing things for fun.
Similar threads
