sarnies
31-05-2010, 17:14
Some weeks ago I posted a thread asking for valve amplifier advice and, as is the norm on this forum, I received lots of really useful feedback. In the main I was urged, rather obviously, to audition a valve based set up for myself.
I decided I'd like to find a British manufacturer who would be happy to spend a few hours filling me in about the world of valves and who would be able to provide me with servicing, support and upgrades in future. Quadsugdenman suggested Icon Audio who I found to be based in Leicester, not a million miles away from my home. I contacted them immediately and arranged a visit.
I had read lots of material on this forum and others about valve amplification but I was simply not prepared for the valve experience! Icon's listening room can only be described as an Aladdin's Cave with all manner of amplifiers, sources, speakers, listening material, etc. When I arrived an Australian chap was listening to some vinyl played through some rather expensive kit and it blew me away!! It was so clear, crisp, smooth, thrilling, in-front-of-me and the vocals were just unreal.
That's what I wanted.
My equipment requirements were more modest but, when I auditioned my own selection of music I found exactly the sound I wanted. As Icon also design speakers I auditioned those too and ended up buying an amp along with matching speakers.
This little exercise has so wetted my appetite! I've now set up a listening room at home, got my Rega P3 and vinyl out of mothballs, bought a phono stage and I'm listening to my music collection as I've never heard it before - magic!
I can't recommend Icon Audio highly enough. David Shaw, the owner and designer, is the most friendly, attentive, approachable chap and together with Adrian Feary runs a successful and thriving operation. If you haven't stumbled across Icon Audio before you should check them out without delay!
Chris
I decided I'd like to find a British manufacturer who would be happy to spend a few hours filling me in about the world of valves and who would be able to provide me with servicing, support and upgrades in future. Quadsugdenman suggested Icon Audio who I found to be based in Leicester, not a million miles away from my home. I contacted them immediately and arranged a visit.
I had read lots of material on this forum and others about valve amplification but I was simply not prepared for the valve experience! Icon's listening room can only be described as an Aladdin's Cave with all manner of amplifiers, sources, speakers, listening material, etc. When I arrived an Australian chap was listening to some vinyl played through some rather expensive kit and it blew me away!! It was so clear, crisp, smooth, thrilling, in-front-of-me and the vocals were just unreal.
That's what I wanted.
My equipment requirements were more modest but, when I auditioned my own selection of music I found exactly the sound I wanted. As Icon also design speakers I auditioned those too and ended up buying an amp along with matching speakers.
This little exercise has so wetted my appetite! I've now set up a listening room at home, got my Rega P3 and vinyl out of mothballs, bought a phono stage and I'm listening to my music collection as I've never heard it before - magic!
I can't recommend Icon Audio highly enough. David Shaw, the owner and designer, is the most friendly, attentive, approachable chap and together with Adrian Feary runs a successful and thriving operation. If you haven't stumbled across Icon Audio before you should check them out without delay!
Chris