This is a monster - Pioneer A717

[r100]

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This thing is a monster. I have never owned such a big amp. Almost need a jack to heave it into the rack :stalks:

I got this beast because I wanted to hear what a vintage double mono Japanese designed and built amp would sound like as I have never owned one in this classs... and of course because the price was really good... well, it has enormous amounts of drive and energy. It never seems to end. All smaller objects around the loudspeakers are bouncing around and falling out of the shelves but the amp just pumps out a wall of sound without the slightest hint of clipping.

It is quite resolving compared to my Gainclone amplifiers but it lacks the precision soundstage that the latter build up IMO.

Anyways, just two of the enormous transformers in the amp would have cost more than the amp itself.

So, Ill be listening some more and would appreciate other opinions on this amp and its smaller and bigger brothers

All the specs and some pics of an A717here (http://audio-database.com/PIONEER-EXCLUSIVE/amp/a-717-e.html).

Cheers
Ru

PS it has the thinnest mains lead I have ever seen ! Seems strange that such a power sucking amp would have such a skinny lead :scratch: but hey, it doesn't seem to stop it from doing its thing.

[The Black Adder]

http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14192&d=1426709534

ooooh!... Now that is shwexy!

I'm guessing it's a more modern iteration of the SPEC models... great!

[Gordon Steadman]

We have a Pioneer A757. Seems built the same way with a similar power output. From your description, it sounds pretty much the same too. I wonder what the differences are.

We love the thing. It drives anything and never runs out of power. Whilst I prefer my Leak Stereo 20, if that stopped working, I would be hard pressed to decide if the Pioneer or one of the Quads would replace it. I would probably not use it with the electrostatics though but with a big box speaker and some nice 12" or 15" bass units so the power could be truly felt.

I suspect the Japanese designers knew a thing or two about bits of wire:eyebrows:

[r100]

couldn't find anything either... These amps are built like Panzers !! An amp built like that would cost thousands today...

[jandl100]

27Kg - proppa amp :thumbsup:

Makes my little Rotel RA-1412 seem positively scrawny!

[Beobloke]

27Kg - proppa amp :thumbsup:



Meh - that's only 2kg heavier than my preamp!

[r100]

a preamp !! wow :eek:

[Starterman]

I wonder how it can be dual mono with just one pair of smoothing caps?

[pitadavespa]

I wonder how it can be dual mono with just one pair of smoothing caps?

It's not a dual mono design. It just happens to have two (wonderful and beautifully made) transformers.

[r100]

correct my bad it is not dual mono

[pitadavespa]

:)

I just know because I have two A-757 MKII :D

[r100]

wow, fortunate guy !! but thank's for pointing it out to me I was convinced that is was double mono. You got me researching a little more :)

Anyways, I am thoroughly enjoying this amp. I would just like to add a pic of the tiny Raspberry streamer / DAC on top of the A717. Not only is their size difference quite huge but also the power consumption :eek: also added a pic of the WiFi dongle I use (note in the pic the Raspi is connected with an Ethernet cable) and its power supply.

Most importantly, the sound they produce into a pair of KEF LS50's is fantastic.

Cheers
Ru

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