From: Frank
Giannone
[mailto:gianf@pathcom.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 13,
2005 7:17 PM
Subject: SE-250 Review
My
Experience with the SE-250 Hybrid Monoblocks
In a
recent conversation with Mr. Poon we began discussing Power
Amplifiers
I mentioned to him that I was
aware of his Amplifier line and that I
required more
power than his Amps provided
to run my Infinity Kappa 9 speakers.
It
was then Mr. Poon mentioned his new Se-250 Hybrid Monoblocks.
He described how the
SE-250's had only a single tube the 6DJ8 on the input stage
to give the amp more
depth an
liquid feel to the music.
I really
wasn't in the market for a new power amplifier since I was quite happy with my
Bryston 4BST. But I was curious about the SE-250 Hybrids since I
always heard tube amps
had a warmer
sound to them. Mr. Poon sent me a pair of the SE-250's to
try.
He had modified the cover to accept a taller tube than
the 6DJ8 and inserted the Russian
6H30P
Tube. He also sent me a pair of the 6DJ8 so I could
experiment how the Amp reacts with
different tubes.
When the
Amps arrived I was impressed with their solid construction, one piece
handles, beautiful mirror like
polished faceplate and relatively
compact size. Upon
first listening the added
depth was immediately noticeable The highs
were soo.. sweet and
smooth unlike the Bryston 4BST
where the highs can sound harsh. The
SE-250's
had a very musical feel to them, however, something seemed
to be missing. I was not hearing the
same
tight bass, extended frequencies and the inner detail
was not as clear as with the
Bryston.
I
decided
to switch the Russian 6H30P tube for the standard 6JD8. The sound
characteristics of the Se-250's dramatically
changed just by replacing the 1 tube in
each
amp. The added depth was still prevalent but the bass
was now tight, frequencies were
extended,
The highs though not a smooth as with the 6H30P tubes were
still sweet to the ear. All the
instruments were now clear,
and separate from each
other with a nice airy feel to them.
The one
impressive trait of
the SE-250's was the
natural sounding decay of the notes as they fade away;
something
I had never really
experienced with a
digital source only with LP's.
Regardless of which tube I used
the note decay was
noticeable with both
and a real treat to hear.
I found
the SE-250 Hybrid Monoblocks to be very warm & musical with
plenty
of inner detail plus you can change the sound
characteristics to you suit your
preference
just by switching a single
tube.
Another big surprise was the
cost for pair. I would have thought that
Amps
with this high quality construction, and incredible sound
reproduction would cost nearly twice
the price.
I
enjoyed
the Monarchy SE-250 Monoblock Amps so much that I purchased them
and replaced the Bryston 4BST with the SE-250's.
Thank-you Mr. Poon for an for
another great Monarchy product.
Sincerely
Frank Giannone