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Amp Comparison AU-D11II vs 1000A Receiver

Zekeman

Zekeman

AK Subscriber
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I built a simple switch to do an A-B comparison between the AU-D11II and the 1000A tube receiver.

Both amps used the same CD input and speakers (JBL L96) with all tone controls off, or flat. Both units have been recapped. 1000A with all original tubes.

I need to do it again with different types of music but my initial impressions are as follows:

Test #1 - Loudness off.

1. The D11 a tad brighter. Tighter bass.

2. The 1000A more prominent brass-level / voice-level midrange.

3. A bit more airy sounding with the 1000A

Test #1 - Loudness on (the D11 has an 8dB boost and the 1000A a 7.5dB boost).

1. The 1000A pretty clearly more enjoyable sound.

2. The D11 had a bit of hollowness in comparison.
 
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Interesting.

Can the 1000A keep up if you push them to about 10 watts with higher peaks?

Rob
 
I'll have to do further testing.

One thing I forgot to mention...I normally have my two passive subs running off the D11's preamp signal through a B-2101 amp. When I kick that on it really sounds great!
 
Hmmm, I would imagine the 1000a would run out of steam fairly quickly compared to the D11......................especially with the loudness on....
 
Well me too. And let me clarify....I am not doing a "which amp cranks more" comparison. I am evaluating the quality at a moderate listening level.

I just listened a bit more and had my Son do a blind test....1000A won.

It just sounds more "open"....I think I now understand what they mean when they say "soundstage".
 
Well yes with efficient speakers in most cases 10watts would normally be enough if you think about speakers doing 85-90db per watt.
The 1000a is well respected amp and I would certainly like to hear one.......they look good by design............
Not many opportunities to locate and purchase one down this end of the world though............
 
I turned it up a bit and am listening some more. The more I listen the more I love the 1000A.
 
I would agree with you on the 1000A. I had mine serviced and it sounds awsome and like you said very airy and a wide sound stage allmost like a bigger picture. Very open and pleasant sound. Most of my solid state amps fall short in this department. It is a really potent 40w per channel unit. I would say that judging by the size of those transforemers. Alot of metal under the hood and for a good reason. Another feature that really adds to the soundstage is the presence switch along with loundness. The hereseys speakers are a wonderfull combination for this unit from my experience.

I find the sound of acoustic instruments like guitars and even electric guitars sounding the most natural and satisfying to the ear running with my 1000A. Ok, enough praising or the prices will shoot up like crazy!:D

Oh, I forgot to mention the tunner in this unit....ok you get the point!
 
Interesting comparison, thanks for posting.

I have not had the opportunity to do a lot of comparisons, nor have I listened to a lot of tube gear. But my understanding from doing a fair amount of reading is that while the tonal quality of tube gear is hard to beat and the reason for its continued popularity, it sometimes comes at a cost of less refinement and detail compared to good SS gear.

Did you notice anything like that, aside from the tighter bass on the AU-D11 II?
 
Based on my experience listening (and I want to listen extensively to more tracks this weekend) is that the tonal quality is superior to the D11. I think that says it all. The voices, cymbals, and percussion sound like they are in the room! It just sounds more alive to me.

There was no way to accomplish this comparison until I built this switch that uses the same source and speakers, and is instantly switchable. I just modified my switch by replacing two 2pdt switches with one 4pdt switch so that it is simpler.

It is alot of fun...and revealing.

My young Son stated though that, by no means, am I taking away the D11 (it powers the basement entertainment area) and it cranks.
 
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