Graaf Graafiti 5050 power amp - any opinions?

[jandl100]

I'm thinking of trying one with my new MBL speakers, which are a 83dB/W and a 4 ohm load (actually, looking at the impedance curve from a review of a previous version, the impedance drops to 4 ohms only at high freqs, the rest of the time it is between 6 and 8 ohms).

http://www.graaf.it/5050eng.htm

Any opinions of said amp, and suggestions for a sensible price for a 5 year old example from a dealer giving 3 months warranty?

As I am buying 'by phone', distance selling laws should apply so I can return it for a refund if it doesn't suit.

[John]

Only heard one once on some Avalons and sounded good but I also consider the SAC Glowmaster its really good value and will really grips well

[jandl100]

Only heard one once on some Avalons and sounded good but I also consider the SAC Glowmaster its really good value and will really grips well

Thanks John - a quick perusal of t'internet suggests that the SAC Glowmaster KT88 jobbie costs £3.5k and is unlikely to be available used ...? That's beyond what I want to spend.

I can get the Graaf for circa £1.3k, I think.

[John]

Nope costs £2000 I think new and they might have a demo one spare
Speak to Gary at
http://www.acousticperfection.co.uk/tubeamps.htm
but the Graff at that price will be a good deal just think the SAC will have tighter grip

[jandl100]

Ah - OK, I was looking at their monoblocks! The stereo model is £1.7k for 65wpc - not bad! I've sent them a msg to see if they have a demo model I can try.

[hifinutt]

am i right in thinking graaf have gone bust? so might not be a good idea ?

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/view_topic...524&forum_id=1

[John]

thankfully we have a great repair.amp builder in Anthony TD here

[DSJR]

I think this is old news now, but Graaf amps never sounded "valvey." In fact Jerry, I suspect the stark, lean toned clarity of the 5050 may just make your capable AVI amp sound smooth, if a little bland perhaps (?)

[jandl100]

I used to have a WFB2 Graaf valve pre - a more traditionally 'valve sound' I cannot imagine - soft and warm and cuddly and oh so "musical"!

I've been told that Graaf have been bought up by Audio Analogue, another Italian firm.

[Mr. C]

Graaf are going direct via a few dealers in UK so I would expect you will see them emerge in the not too distant furture