Κώστας Φ.
Truth hurts. Here's a teddy bear.
- Μηνύματα
- 8.978
- Reaction score
- 895
"All of the Opéra Référence's 30 watts run in class A via a quartet of EL34 tubes. The input stage features a trio of NOS 5965s for phase splitting and driver duties. The amp sits on a trio of large nickel-plated brass cones and the chassis is aircraft-grade aluminum with a 10mm thick front panel. Available finishes include brushed aluminum or anodized black.
On the front panel there is the motorized ALPS volume control, an input selector for 5 sources and two toggles for power on/off and mute. Two blue LEDs indicate power and mute status. On the back panel there are five pairs of gold-plated line level RCA inputs, one pair of RCA line outs and gold-plated twinned binding posts for 4 and 8 ohm speaker loads and biwiring. A substantial brushed aluminum remote controls volume and mute.
The amp mutes upon power on, the volume knob turns itself down to zero and won't let you crank it up for approximately 30 seconds. Overall build quality is excellent. Internally, I was surprised by the sheer mass of the transformers as well as the pop can-sized storage caps. As the photos indicate, this is one well put together amp.
...
For me, the Opéra Référence was to musical reproduction what Heifetz was to the violin, Kleiber to the baton or Callas to the voice. Forget the usual HiFi boom, bang and sizzle; the Opéra simply plays music. I don't know how else to say it. In fact, I'm a trifle disappointed in my review of it. I can't quite find the words to express how good I think this amp is and what, specifically, it does so well to be so superior. You need to hear that for yourself. Suffice it to say, my quest for the ideal integrated might be at an end. If you ever tire of listening to this amp, you might as well throw yourself under a bus. Your zest for life will have surely faded at this point. Nothing I have heard to date has gotten me so close to the music and the artists' intent than the Opéra Référence. A truly wonderful amp.
Along with the GMA Calypso, I'd have bought the Opéra Référence had my purse been agreeable. However, the Opéra Référence savings fund has officially started and I do accept donations. It is said that the best things in life are worth waiting for; that half the fun is the chase itself. At least that's what I keep telling myself..."
Full Review: 6moons.com
