Tsakiridis Devices - Apollo Monoblocks [Archive]

Gerard124

05-11-2011, 16:24

Anyone here using or have experience of Tsakiridis Devices (http://www.tsakiridis-devices.com/) tube amps.

I had a home dem of the Apollo Monoblocks (http://www.ikonaudioconsultants.com/apollooverview.html) and was very impressed. It was however my first proper experience of valve amps and as such I have no other reference points.

http://www.ikonaudioconsultants.com/apollo.jpg

YNWaN

05-11-2011, 18:13

I wrote about them in my Whittlebury report here (http://www.audioflat.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=87)

Despite their exceedingly difficult to pronounce name, I thought they were one of the stars of the show and very reasonably priced. I believe Dominic at Northwest Analogue has taken on the account.

Gerard124

05-11-2011, 19:27

I wrote about them in my Whittlebury report here (http://www.audioflat.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=87)

Despite their exceedingly difficult to pronounce name, I thought they were one of the stars of the show and very reasonably priced. I believe Dominic at Northwest Analogue has taken on the account.

Cheers I will have a look at the report.

Dominic did the Dem for me.

YNWaN

05-11-2011, 19:49

Ah, I did wonder:)

Gerard124

05-11-2011, 22:59

Ah, I did wonder:)

Was the show your first encounter with the Tsakiridis amps?

Which model are you referring to in your report at £1000 for 50w.

Regards

Gerard

YNWaN

05-11-2011, 23:09

I might have come across them before - but this was the first time I actually noticed them.

The Artemis' - I didn't hear those though, I heard the Apollo's.

Gerard124

05-11-2011, 23:15

It was the Apollos I had round at my gaff - they were a few pounds short of £2K for a pair.

And the Artemis are £1K for a pair? do you recall if thats for the standard or plus version?

YNWaN

06-11-2011, 00:25

I'm afraid I don't remember any of the details of that nature. I'm sure the distributor will know (if Dominic does not).

2K is very good value for a valve amp of that power output and sound quality (note, although I am involved in hi-fi, I have no involvement at all with this product or those selling it).

sq225917

06-11-2011, 12:21

Standard version.
I was impressed by them at Whittlebury as well, in fact sat next to Ynwan in the demo.

Dominic Harper

06-11-2011, 15:00

Amps dem'd were the Apollo + not the Apollo standard. They featured 6CA7 tubes, output around 70watts per monoblock. They are £1987.00 a pair as dem'd

Cheers
Dom

Ali Tait

06-11-2011, 16:19

EL34 then.

Dominic Harper

06-11-2011, 17:05

Kinda, but bit more refined than a 34

Ali Tait

06-11-2011, 17:30

Kinda? 6CA7 = EL34 does it not?

sq225917

06-11-2011, 17:39

Dom , he was asking which were on show at Whittlebury.

Indeed- el34 and 6ca7 are indeed identical, in fact many tubes have both names on them.

Ali Tait

06-11-2011, 17:47

Indeed. I was just curious if it was some new production valve with different specs perhaps.

Gerard124

06-11-2011, 17:59

Dom , he was asking which were on show at Whittlebury.

Correct, I was wondering which were at the show?

Dominic Harper

06-11-2011, 18:15

Same ones as the dem set

Gerard124

06-11-2011, 19:02

Thanks for clarifying Dominic.

Gerard124

06-11-2011, 22:41

Cosmetically I think these amps look great

The only thing that spoils the appearance is the 'brass' nuts in the 4 corners on the front facia - they are out of place with the black facia & stainless steel - would look much better in stainless steel or black (maybe like those little discs with the 3 dots on the front of avondale cases).

Dominic Harper

07-11-2011, 08:02

I can get in touch with the manufacturers Gerard and put that to them.

Gerard124

07-11-2011, 19:45

Cheers Dominic, I definitely think the brass ones are a no no.

Yiangos

09-11-2011, 11:03

Guys,those are the "older" versions.The newer ones have more wood and no brass.

Gerard124

09-11-2011, 20:29

Guys,those are the "older" versions.The newer ones have more wood and no brass.

I am sure you have that the wrong way round! - the old ones had the wood, the new ones are stainless steel/black finish as illustrated in pictures below :

NEW STYLE 'AEOLOS'
http://www.tsakiridis-devices.com/images/aeolos1.jpg

OLD STYLE 'APOLLO'
http://www.tsakiridis-devices.com/images/apollon1zoom.jpg

YNWaN

09-11-2011, 20:55

I spoke to the UK distributor after the show and they confirmed that the black and chrome is the current look. Unfortunately, the actual manufacturer has pictures of the older style models on their website - this is an error.

The fasteners on the front only hold on the front panel - they could be change for stainless steel ones in five minutes and a couple of quid (it's certainly not a reason to buy them in my opinion).

Dominic Harper

09-11-2011, 22:45

Thanks for that fella's. Sorry for not responding, bit busy of late.
Yes , the black and stainless look is the current lineup.
Gerard, I can change the brass nuts to chrome no problem if thats the only thing putting you off these fine amps.
I am currently awaiting delivery of the active pre from Ikon. I have the passive here, but I do prefer an active pre.

YNWaN

10-11-2011, 01:05

but I do prefer an active pre.

Yes, as do I :).

Brushed stainless button heads would look nice on the amps.

Yiangos

10-11-2011, 06:20

No arguments here guys lol
I don't have any personal experience with tsakirides amps but i did check their web-site,
actually,i do that many times every month since i love the looks of those amps,and saw the "wood" models,so,i figured the "brass" ones are the older. :)

Gerard124

10-11-2011, 22:21

Thanks for that fella's. Sorry for not responding, bit busy of late.
Yes , the black and stainless look is the current lineup.
Gerard, I can change the brass nuts to chrome no problem if thats the only thing putting you off these fine amps.
I am currently awaiting delivery of the active pre from Ikon. I have the passive here, but I do prefer an active pre.

Thanks Dominic