OK, just a little bit of extra info then.
I did the first review of the original M408's back in the late 70's. They were unusual then because mono blocks really wren't fashionable. I used them in a system with the original DNM pre-amp and some Alison speakers AIR.
The name Albarry came from a combination of Albert Henshaw and Barry (?) who ran a Hi-Fi shop called Bepoke Audio. The designer and builder was Neil Burnett, whilst Albert and Barry were responsible for sales and marketing. This team survived for only a year or two as I recall and then Neil continued until the mid 90's on his own.
The mono's had a cult following being much more solid, sweet and mellow than the usual SS amps of the time and were totally reliable. A passive pre came later and then the M1008 100 watt mono's, plus an excellent integrated and a no-holds-barred pre. All products could be ordered with see-through panels to show off the immaculate wiring.
Things continued happily for many years with most product going to export and the rest being sold through a habdful of enthusiastic dealers, then Neil was persuaded to take on a 'distributor'. This dealer convinced Neil to take on staff and increase production because they were going to take over the World. Unfortunately, the distributor was shite and lost Neil practically all his business and he was forced to give them the heave-ho whilst he retreated to his shed and his friendly dealers.
The last time I heard from Neil was sometime in the mid 90's when he disappeared completely, not answering phone/fax or letter. I often wonder what he is doing now and woukd like nothing better than to see him start up again with those wonderful red mono's.
David
Originally Posted by hifi_dave
Isaac Bashevis Singer
