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Apt Holman/Hafler vs Vintage Integrated and Receivers

Dony

Dony

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hi All,

I'm hoping to get some feedback about getting a APT Holman pre-amp and a Hafler power amp.

I've read quite a lot of info. that indicates this is a nice combo. What I'm looking to see is it worth going down this path versus a vintage integrated amp or receiver from such manufacturers as Luxman, HK, Pioneer, Nakamichi, Yamaha, etc.

I know the vintage integrated amps and receivers are much nicer to look at as I already have a Kenwood receiver, a Marantz receiver, and a Sansui integrated amp. However, I have noticed the prices of these vintage components are getting very high and I am wondering if it is worth looking at the APT Holman/Hafler amplifier path? I might also look at Adcom and NAD amplifiers to work with the APT Holman. Not sure which combo provides the best SQ.

Looking for some expert feedback as I have no experience with the APT Holman or any other budget pre-amplifiers for that matter.

Thanks

Don
 
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Separates - took 40+ years but I am finally a convert

Always been enamored with receivers ever since getting my first component system back in college (am 65 now). Loved the sound of a great receiver and the sweet aesthetics that went with it. Never had any desire to go to even an integrated amp let alone separate amp and preamp. Then this past...
audiokarma.org
 
I honestly think it's one of those cases where your mileage may vary, because we're all just trying to please our own ears. I can't say for myself (I'm sure there are those who can, though) it's been a systematic, logical process of getting to the combinations of gear that seem to suit me best. It's the surprise, the magic if you will allow it, that I fall in love with. The combos have been unlikely, even ungainly. they've come from various eras and range from high-falootin' to gutbucket. But I know it when I hear it, and I tend to stick with it.

I have no doubt the Holman APT preamp is special. Tom Holman designed the phono stage for my own favorite bit of kit, the Advent 300 preamp/tuner. And I know Hafler amps are good because I've owned a couple. The synergetic duo that captivates me (among other things) nowadays is the 300 with a Luxman power amp. Like a wonderfully skilled emergency room surgeon, this combo has revived a number of sets of speakers I've declared DOA. It's the combo that convinced me imaging is not solely a thing speakers do, the amplification does its part too. Sometimes a significant part.

There probably is an integrated amp out there that can better it. And you can always buy that magic bullet amp if you have the money. But I'm not sure if I would have come to this particular revelation if I wasn't doing what I always do, farting around with plugging things into other things, on a hunch that it might at least be notable. And I do find that a more successful activity when playing with separates. Take all that for what you will!
 
Blue Shadow said:

Separates - took 40+ years but I am finally a convert

Always been enamored with receivers ever since getting my first component system back in college (am 65 now). Loved the sound of a great receiver and the sweet aesthetics that went with it. Never had any desire to go to even an integrated amp let alone separate amp and preamp. Then this past...
audiokarma.org
Click to expand...
Hi Blue Shadow,

Thanks for the link to the earlier thread. This is exactly what I was looking for. Seems like the Apt Holman/Hafler combo would be a good selection. This is especially true if I get them both upgraded. I don’t think I will send them to AudioProz due to shipping cost, but I believe a local technician could still do a good update on them since he has restored a few in the past. Now to see if the final price will be acceptable as the asking price is a little high at this time.

Thanks Don
 
Can only speak to the APT as updated by Audioproz and its very nice.
Its a quality piece.
No experience w the Hafler but most agree its a very nice piece too.
Good luck in your search.

IMO, it would have to be some super exceptional receiver to beat them.
But, I have not heard all possible receivers so................
 
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Only receiver to beat them would be one that the listener has a very fond memory of and place in the heart for that unit. The separates are the much better sonic choice but the whiz-bang look of the receiver can really pull on heartstrings.

Both the Apt and the Hafler were acclaimed pieces back in the day and they were compared to much more expensive gear which meant separates which on the spendy end of gear always outperform receivers.
 
Bob in WI said:
Can only speak to the APT as updated by Audioproz and its very nice.
Its a quality piece.
No experience w the Hafler but most agree its a very nice piece too.
Good luck in your search.

IMO, it would have to be some super exceptional receiver to beat them.
But, I have heard all possible receivers so................
Click to expand...
Hello Bob in WI,

Thanks for your feedback. Good to know that the Apt and Hafler are a good choice when it comes to SQ.

I am ok if not every component is eye candy, in fact I rather fond of the industrial look of some separates such as NAD, Adcom or similar manufacturers. This will be my first encounter with APT and Hafler but I think it will prove to be a joyful musical experience.

Thanks Don
 
I can only speak towards a Hafler DH-200 power amp. I have owned one for the past 30 years and it has always turned on and has sounded nice to my now 66 years old ears. It presently is my back up amplifier but seems to get most use as I am taking my amps in to get refreshed while there are still techs that still do this work. It is not an exciting amp, but it works all the time.
 
PabloTincho said:
If you are going to get a Hafler, the SE100 preamp is a jewel and under the radar, way cheaper than the APT
Click to expand...
I'm in the process of installing a phono pre in one of these at the moment. It's not the original Hafler phono board, so I had to fabricate a few custom brackets and add standoffs. The mechanical part is done, but I'm waiting on a few bits from Digikey. I'll post the mod in a new thread when it's all finished.

Jack
 
Here is how to mod the Hafler preamp

Hafler SE100 Preamplifier / Symmetric B1 buffer hybrid

Just thought I'd share my recent addition of a symmetric PS B1 buffer to my Hafler SE100 preamplifier. I had this idea while working on a Hafler Iris preamplifier when I realized that Hafler used this same JFET buffer design for their "record out" buffer in both the Iris and 915 preamps. I...
www.diyaudio.com www.diyaudio.com
 
PabloTincho said:
Here is how to mod the Hafler preamp

Hafler SE100 Preamplifier / Symmetric B1 buffer hybrid

Just thought I'd share my recent addition of a symmetric PS B1 buffer to my Hafler SE100 preamplifier. I had this idea while working on a Hafler Iris preamplifier when I realized that Hafler used this same JFET buffer design for their "record out" buffer in both the Iris and 915 preamps. I...
www.diyaudio.com www.diyaudio.com
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll consider that after the phono install is done. I'm building a tube preamp at the moment, so the SE100 will only be a backup. I just couldn't stand for it to be hanging around any longer without a phono section. I'm replicating the original functionality, including a MM/MC push switch at the rear panel.

Jack
 
Dony said:
Hi All,

I'm hoping to get some feedback about getting a APT Holman pre-amp and a Hafler power amp.

I've read quite a lot of info. that indicates this is a nice combo. What I'm looking to see is it worth going down this path versus a vintage integrated amp or receiver from such manufacturers as Luxman, HK, Pioneer, Nakamichi, Yamaha, etc.

I know the vintage integrated amps and receivers are much nicer to look at as I already have a Kenwood receiver, a Marantz receiver, and a Sansui integrated amp. However, I have noticed the prices of these vintage components are getting very high and I am wondering if it is worth looking at the APT Holman/Hafler amplifier path? I might also look at Adcom and NAD amplifiers to work with the APT Holman. Not sure which combo provides the best SQ.

Looking for some expert feedback as I have no experience with the APT Holman or any other budget pre-amplifiers for that matter.

Thanks

Don
Click to expand...
I used an Apt Holman for a few years. It was for me a long time ago, but IIRC it was a very versatile preamp. I found that it was bettered in transparency by a Professional Systems Engineering (PSE) Studio One, but I would still expect the AH/Hafler combination to sound superior to the vintage equipment you mention. Obviously, that is per my taste in equipment. Others may disagree.
 
I currently run a Hafler XL-280 with a fully restored Marantz 1060 combo and it sounds really damn good.. I also tried the Hafler with an Advent 300 which is like a baby Apt.
Needless to say after reading alot up on the Hafler/APT combo I have one on the way. If it sounds as good as I expect ill be sending it to Vince for the works.. I just love the
way it looks.

For now im really really happy with my 1060/Hafler combo and I think the APT will only make it better.. Hafler amps in general just sound damn good.
 
The Apt Holman is famous for a reason.
Recap one and deal with the muting relay if needed (bypass it if needed, stupid feature if you ask me).

To me, any quality power amp just makes sound bigger. They all pretty much sound like what you feed them. So feeding them from an Apt is a wise move.

The only power amp I really noticed a specialness I. Is a weird Mitsubishi I tucked away years ago. It seemed to actually add a pleasing flavor.
 
blhagstrom said:
The Apt Holman is famous for a reason.
Recap one and deal with the muting relay if needed (bypass it if needed, stupid feature if you ask me).

To me, any quality power amp just makes sound bigger. They all pretty much sound like what you feed them. So feeding them from an Apt is a wise move.

The only power amp I really noticed a specialness I. Is a weird Mitsubishi I tucked away years ago. It seemed to actually add a pleasing flavor.
Click to expand...
Your right if anything I think its the pre-amp that gives the unique sound signatures... if I love this Apt as much as I think I will ill be sending it to Vince for the works.. Ive restored and recapped a few receiver/integrateds but I know this unit is a bit custom / special under the hood and Id just rather let a person who specializes in them do it...
 
Bob in WI said:
He is a talented man but has unusual social skills.
Be prepared for a "different" kind of customer experience.
Hes the go to guy for APT work tho - highly recommended.
Let us know how everything shakes out.
Click to expand...
I have heard that and not looking fwd to the discussion hahaha... I just know when I was using my Marantz 1060 as a pre it was ok but when it was restored it was loads better and I can assume it will be the same with the Apt ( better after rebuild ). Ill def keep you guys posted.
 
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