Claymore Retro, A blunt review from Steven in Texas

[Colin Wonfor]

https://hifihaven.org/index.php?threads/stevenzs-elsdon-wonfor-audio-claymore-retro-review.4546/#post-88029

[mikeyb]

Very good review, honest, to the point.

[Colin Wonfor]

A update from Steven:-

https://hifihaven.org/index.php?threads/stevenzs-elsdon-wonfor-audio-claymore-retro-review.4546/#post-89667

Well, I think break in is now complete on the amp, the new volume pot and the new opamp. Everything is jiving VERY well and I am just still so damn happy with this amp. It sounds great with everything I throw at it. I'm excited to get the new caps when Colin gets them in stock and I've been thinking about rolling in another opamp to play with. This time going with Sonic Imagery ( Model 994Enh Discrete OpAmp ) I'm not expecting big improvements, or any really. But possibly just another flavor I get to roll in. Who knows, it MAY be better, but we'll see when I order it in a few weeks.

As for the review above, I feel I must correct something that's been bothering me, and that's the line where I say that I'm not even sure if this amp is reference level. That's because the entire time I've had this amp I've been trying to understand what I'm hearing, where my priorities lay, and really, what "reference" is. To be frank I believe now that "reference level/grade" is a fluid term. One that doesn't fit within any set boundaries that are common to multiple people. Instead, I think each individual has their own "reference" of how things SHOULD sound and within their expectations that's what they seek out in this hobby. The Claymore has fully redefined what I've come to expect from sound reproduction and has shown me that it isn't down to just gut-wrenching clarity and frequency extremes. MY reference is a focus on how the associated gear connects me to music, how it evokes emotion and I can say without hesitation that the Claymore is my new reference. It does everything right for me and I honestly couldn't ask for more. @ColinWonforI'm massively impressed every single time I listen to this amplifier and I'm thanking God I took the chance to buy one from you. If in the future I can afford to buy your cables (I need a 1m pair of your LS-25 speaker cables) and maybe even some of your top of the line gear I'm absolutely going to go for it. You've earned yourself a fan for life and that's the highest endorsement I can give you.


Cheers,
Steven

P.S. - I just saw on the EWA site that pricing has been reduced for the Claymore. Even at it's original retail I consider it a bargain, now with the reduced pricing I consider it a steal.

[graham67]

Has anyone tried this amp or its ancestors with vintage JBL studio monitors ? It seems uncommonly good value for a specialist amp with phono stage.

[Colin Wonfor]

Hi, what spec have you for the JBL's??

[graham67]

Hi Colin,
Thanks for replying, i have 4311 with Troels Gravesen fixed crossovers fitted by Paul Coupe at RFC. They sound a bit recessed n the treble with many amps and really respond to more upbeat amps with a bit of life. They also have an impedance dip in the bass which can make some amps wilt!
Graham

[mikeyb]

Hi Colin,
Thanks for replying, i have 4311 with Troels Gravesen fixed crossovers fitted by Paul Coupe at RFC. They sound a bit recessed n the treble with many amps and really respond to more upbeat amps with a bit of life. They also have an impedance dip in the bass which can make some amps wilt!
GrahamI used to own PMC 21 standmounts and one of Colin's M50 power amps was the only thing that got them going, I'm pretty sure his new Claymore amp will do the same to your JBLs. Well worth trying anyway.

I also used to own a TQ Claymore that Colin designed and wished I still had it, stupidly sold it a while back.

I've also heard his Q20 Pre/Power combo, thought they were excellent through the PMCs, Frugel Horns and a pair of Audionotes.

[Colin Wonfor]

From a happy Claymore from EWA owner.

"Hi Colin,

Just to let you know I have purchased a Claymore Retro of eBay recently. Sold by Mike Manning. Anyway last eve I gave it a spin. It is incredible man! It is sooo good! Thanks very much for making these!


I have send a message to Mike Maning by eBay:
Hello Mike M, received the very well packed parcel last weekend, thanks! Connected it yesterday eve. I have and am using an old (but updated/restored by Colin W.), early 90s Claymore (one of the very few in The NL), but this Claymore Retro is some levels higher. Jee, it gives an amazingly good sound reproduction! I have had some audio before (like 8k Meridians combis f.e. -horribly lifeless-), but this is very very good. It is seducing to listen to. I asked Colin once before about this one ..he replied the Claymore Retro is a bit 'more polite or laid back. Indeed and so holographic and natural and bouncy delicate... Very happy with this one! It is a dissapointing thing this gear is not more known among audiolovers. One question: if I plug in and use a headphones, the speakers keep on working. Should there not be some kind of auto switch..? Best regards, Bart

Sure you know this too!?

Any, all the best, hope you re doing well?
Looking forward for the Oberon too now...

Best, Bart "