Albarry's

[hifi_dave]

I can't really answer that. A better comparison would be the Croft 7R mono-blocks and both they and the Albarry are extremely good amps. I can listen to either and not yearn for a £10K USA muscle amp..

[trio leo]

Also take into account that many amplifiers have 1 casing,1 transformer, 1 set of capacitors and components.
Albarry's have 2 of everything, have you seen the size of the transformers and capacitors in those things.

Neil Burnett is a non compromising engineer, the sound quality is paramount and he will only use the best components for the job.

I have also heard the Albarry's defeat several High End 1 box amplifiers that are 2 or 3 times the price.
I think for the ball park they are playing in they are incredible value for money, in fact after hearing them one guy thought the price was per box!

I think Albarry prefer to go through reputable dealers for their knowledge,commitment to quality products and a customer base that has faith in their selection of products.

At least if you go to a good dealer you can hear comparisons at the shop, then you can take it home and try it, don't like it, try something else and at no cost.

You buy something on the internet and you don't like it TOUGH! it's yours.

My local HiFi shop (Audio Works Cheadle) are always helpful,courteous and obliging not omitting passionate about customers hearing music and I prefer to spend my money there than some faceless website.

regards Al

[sq225917]

Blimey they do get a good review don't they. Just a shame I have no idea who the reviewer is and as such his opinions and words are valueless to me.

[DSJR]

This is one thread I don't mind shilling on, since I met Neil many many years ago and liked his quiet friendly and sincere manner. Had I not been into valves back then and finding his preamps a bit too controlled and "methodical" sounding, I should have considered them.

As it is, old Albarry amps have always had a good place in user's hearts, even though the older ones may have been difficult to repair when Neil left the industry for a long period. Hopefully this isn't an issue now and I also hope he has an apprentice waiting in the wings to carry the brand on in future decades.

To answer a post about having a small but dedicated dealer network, I appreciate the prices could be rather lower without dealers, but in this case, Neil worked WITH his dealers, rather than upsetting them and falling out if their opinions differed from his. He does a neat little MC active step-up stage. T'would be interesting to see how that works in his system, as well as into a Crofty preamp

[Tim]

As it is, old Albarry amps have always had a good place in user's hearts, even though the older ones may have been difficult to repair when Neil left the industry for a long period. Hopefully this isn't an issue now and I also hope he has an apprentice waiting in the wings to carry the brand on in future decades.

To my knowledge this isn't a problem right now, I emailed Neil recently before buying my Albarry PP1 and he replied that he will now repair older models. This is backed up by his website information too

http://www.albarrymusic.com

[hifi_dave]

We sold dozens and dozens of M408s in the 80's plus quite a few integrated amps and I don't recall ever having a faulty one but in the unlikely event, Albarry will now service and repair at very reasonable rates.

[sq225917]

What is it with British companies (Albarry) that makes them think that a website that looks like shit is going to help their business? I despair, honestly. Low res background images that don't tile, headers with aliasing, Illegible text....

[Alex_UK]

What is it with British companies (Albarry) that makes them think that a website that looks like shit is going to help their business? I despair, honestly. Low res background images that don't tile, headers with aliasing, Illegible text....

Quintessential British charm? No, probably not... At least the amps sound fab and they're spending time and effort on getting that right!

[jandl100]

You buy something on the internet and you don't like it TOUGH! it's yours.

No that is simply not true.

For UK purchases, you are protected by the Distance Selling laws and can return goods for any reason and get a full refund.

There are several UK companies of excellent repute who rely solely or mainly on internet sales. My fave Amptastic of Mini-T fame being one of them. Great product, great service, great price.

You pay a lot for the benefits of bricks & mortar dealer support.

[sq225917]

Quintessential British charm? No, probably not... At least the amps sound fab and they're spending time and effort on getting that right!

Quintessential British lack of business nowse. Who else would try and sell a luxury product and support it via an ill considered online shop front?