Driver AVENTADOR 845...Genesis of an Idea and Implementation of a Project
Mar 11, 2017 at 7:52 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 16

best56

100+ Head-Fier
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Hi guys,
After many years spent listening to many headphones and related facilities, linked to them, feeling a little all that the market has proposed in the past two decades, in particular as regards the so-called Top Headphones, as Sennheiser, Audeze, HiFiMan, Pioneer , AKG, Ultrasone, Taket, Abyss, Stax and Grado, and related Drivers connected with them, I decided how and what had to be the perfect my set Up to optimize the driving of my beloved headphones, regarding Driver, Sources , Dac and Cables for Dynamic and Ortodynamic Headphones. I have always thought and sustained, that better results could be achieved, just alongside to each headset, a particular Set-up, and this is still true, but the problem comes when you get to have a dozen or headphones, and then you know well that the thing is complicated considerably, in terms of space and investment. So after dialing my best Set Up possible for headphones Electrostatic Stax and Piezoelectric Taket, in my possession, with appropriate drivers, type HeadAmp KGSSC and / or Trafomatic T2 + and Digital Sources Accuphase DP80L/DC81L, Krell KPS-20i and Ayon CD3 Double Frame, and RTR Analog Ampex ATR100 and Studer A812 TC-MKII, I decided to do the same thing for the other, the Dynamics and Ortodynamics, but this time trying to choose possibly, only one Driver, designed and built in such a way Sartorial, to be coupled to a couple of Reference Digital Sources such a CDP and a DAC, designed to play to the best, the software CD and Liquid Music, in my possession. The choice is then fallen on two important items, such as the CDP RISE 3-V3 and WEISS DAC-202, both with a strong character and thickness of Music.

For the Driver, the first and only choice fell on a Tube Amp with Valves 845, especially after having had the good fortune in 2014, to listen, Viva Egoista 845 and 2A3, which has now redefined, my concept of how it should sound an Amplifier for headphones. However, the purchase of this type of Driver, is very challenging, from a purely economic point of view, since for them in the house, touches spend about € 11,5K for the one, that uses the 845, and a little more of € 7.5K of euro, for what it makes use of 2A3. So both, outside the normal scope, for many fans of headphones, and also for the subscribed.

So I decided to do a careful market research and put myself in search of a great manufacturer, which could have a great know-how, on the construction of this type of equipment, but most of this type of valves, the 845, very difficult, because difficult and challenging to drive, but also to the high cost that entail the same valves and output transformers, which must necessarily be made in a workmanlike manner, to help the valve to deliver extremely high sound performance, in a Single Ended system . The other condition imposed by me in the search, it had to be to be able to address to a product not closed, as are the Viva, which purchases almost as they are proposed by the Manufacturer, Amedeo Schembri, and there are few possibilities to have and / or require customization of such products, except for some cosmetic variations of the coating and the type of output connectors for headphones. But I wanted to be able to interact actively and constructively with the manufacturer, the type and model of valves to be mounted and the internal and external components to be applied, and on the definition, in terms of design and final livery, but always in combination with the knowledge, skills and Manufacturer of industrial feasibility. So after various contacts made throughout the country, the final choice fell on Gabri's Amp. A beautiful reality of the North East of Italy, where there are many Artisans and small Industries, which then leads to the birth of special Products, with an unequaled highest value, and that characterize after the philosophy of the brand, being Artisans, for fans, and not for mass consumption.

The design bases had to contain these requirements, for me fundamentals: Amp Single Ended Class A, with External Power Supply, a maximum power output of 15W + 15W, an excellent control in all frequencies, especially to High and Low frequence, Transparency, Musicality, Warmth, Detail, Transformers built at State of the Art, and at least 6 different Impedances, between 32 to 300 ohms, as my own current Dynamic and Ortodynamic Headphones, with the same output power, thanks to the construction of specific Trafo. Finally, the look, in terms of frames and livery, had to have a design in form and color, that would express the dynamism and aggressiveness characteristics, so special and appealing. So when I thought about how it should have been, I imagined close to the stylistic features of the my Dream Car, the Lamborghini V12 AVENTADOR, where the combination between power, control and style, in the Forms and Design, blend in excellently and unique, to embody the DNA of the Bull, a real gem of Design, Research and Innovation, capable of giving unforgettable driving experience, with the adrenaline that remain, even after turning off the its V12 engine.

Therefore, after decided all aspect of this project, with this Manufacturer, which is shown immediately interested in this crazy idea, not having them, this type of product, specific for headphones, in their catalog, we have chosen the type and model of valves 845, to assemble, going on the new PSVANE 845-T / 2 Matched, because thanks to its new building, ensures a sound that I love very much, warm, full, soft and tonally saturated, especially with instruments such as guitars , pianos. The T / 2, is simply a fascinating tube, perhaps one of the best, now present in the world, as regards 845 of new generation. It has everything I want, speed, heat, fullness of sound, the saturation, and low noise, making the sound of the piano played by Yamamoto and/or Petrucciani, absolutely charming with a warmth without end, and it works well with all music, and then unlike the NOS valves, are easily available and their technical characteristics, they are constantly reproduced, and thus without the fear of the final result, that you have with the so-called "NOS", hard to find, expensive to capacity and that they sound equally and consistently.

To which after four months of gestation, has found the light the Aventador Driver 845, a strongly Ampli characterized by the choices required by the subscribed both in terms of musical performance that final layout. The paint is original Lamborghini Aventador PPG-0115 and PPG-0117, a surplus which I could not resist, but the end result was certainly rewarding, at least for me. These Frames are large 48x40x30 for Amplifier and 30x28x25 for External Power Unit, for the weights, here we are in the Maxima category, 30 Kg and 12 Kg.
Now to be able to describe its quality or not, it will be necessary to allow to work Ampli and Valves, for at least 200 hours, so as to ensure the right Burn Up to the assembly, before giving a final judgment on this amplifier. Although the first power up, the comments by the constructor, they have been very flattering, but it is right that the whole system has been tested for good, to also check its reliability. Follow future comments on Sound and Technical Features, meanwhile quoto some pictures of Driver Aventador 845 and up Set associated with it.

Source: CDP Rise V.3 & Weiss DAC-202
Driver: Aventador 845 S.E. Class A with External Power Unit
Cables Signal: Megaptera Cables Reference Line
Power Cables: Megaptera Cables Reference Line
Headphones: Senn HD-800; Hifiman HE-6 & HE-500; Grado PS1000, G.S.E. & Grado Twin Pulse by Spirit Labs; Ultrasone ED10; Beyer Reference Edition by Spirit Labs, all rewired with aftermarket cables and in balanced configuration (2 x XLR 3 Pin and XLR 4 Pin)











This are the Site of Manufacturers, if you want contact them for future informations:

https://www.gabrisamp.it/prodotti/
http://megapteracables.wixsite.com/megapteracables/reference-line
https://www.facebook.com/spiritlabsheadphones/
 
Apr 10, 2017 at 4:26 AM Post #2 of 16
Cables Signal / Digital / Power and Distributor Network Megaptera Reference Line, and FireWire cable V2 Meleos, arrived. Visually, as can be seen in the photos, they are all beatiful, and now that the system is completed, it goes on with the Burn in. In this sense, both manufacturers, require at least 50 hours of work, for their products, and i'm doing this using Signal Trace Tara Labs - Cascade Noise Burn-In, downloaded from their site, and where are explained the advantages, that the cables can receive, using this their Procedure:
http://www.taralabs.com/cascade-noise-burn-in
 

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Apr 10, 2017 at 5:26 AM Post #3 of 16
... After a Burn In, of 50 hours for all wirings, Signal, Power and Digital, through the use of the Cascade Noise Burn-In of TaraLabs, I went back to listen to the system in the subject, and I must say that new cables have surprised me very much, because they have even more increased sense of realism, depth and detail, had during the initial Warm-up of Driver Aventador 845.
Now the sound is really marble, transparent and sound levels stand all around head, and the sound goes beyond it. Now it is completely inside the sound event that you are listening. The thing that surprised me the most, has been with the Digital Cable FireWire, is like the sound, the detail and the body of music is definitely changed, replacing my old FireWire cable, with the new of Meleos Cable, the FireWire V .2, consisting of double cable, one for the power supply and the other for the signal. Here the Weiss DAC-202, has switched gears, highlighting all the good things that have been read in the reviews of this wonderful Swiss DAC, and the high cost of this DAC...I think it's worth it, have in this System. The music comes in a natural detailed, but with an absolute black, never heard before. A further increase in the quality, came then by the CDP Rise V.3, used it, both as a CD and/or asTransport, with Megaptera Digital Wiring of the Reference Series. Here the sound is as Important, beyond skepticism that anyone could have, because the sound is natural to the nth degree, Strong, Transparent, Detailed and its really Big Stage in breadth and depth. Now I understand, when on CDP RISE V.3 Review, has been declared, that his sound, was comparable only to Metronome Kalista Reference. The Set Up is in the Bubble, and now it, can be expressed at its highest level, giving a listen in absolute and real reference headphone, regarding Headphones  Dynamic and Ortho.
Listening was performed with these four gorgeous Fonè CDs, recorded to Palace of Scotus Semifonte of Certaldo (Fi), near Florence, where listening, could materialize the magic and the sound of that place. I suggest everyone, listening to these CDs

Set Up: Sources CDP Rise V.3 and Weiss Dac-202; Aventador 845 Driver; Cables Signal / Power / Digital & Distributor Network Megaptera Reference Series Line V.2 Meleos and FireWire Cable; Headphones Grado, HiFiMan, Sennheiser, Ultrasone.
 
 

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Apr 10, 2017 at 6:17 AM Post #4 of 16
Thank you for sharing. I applaud your pursuit of excellence. And the amp looks gorgeous, very italian and very unique, like its inspirational source from the House of the Raging Bull. The sound I can only dream of, I guess :)
 
Apr 10, 2017 at 6:41 AM Post #5 of 16
Hi kvik, 
I look that you live in Norway...Where!! In the recent past I worked to Stavanger, c/o the Facility of Braathens Aviation, where we send our Engines for Repair. Thanks for you feedback of my last System. The Driver is in Competition with other best Italian Driver, as VIVA Egoista. 
 
Apr 10, 2017 at 7:59 AM Post #6 of 16
I am 1200km north of Stavanger. I did read your italian thread also (using online translation). I undertand the Aventador 845 might at some point be a available with Garbri’s Amp in some form, but for now it should be considered a (one-off) custom built.
 
Apr 10, 2017 at 8:42 AM Post #7 of 16
Not really. My Driver can not be replicated in the Name, "AVENTADOR" and as Painting Color LAMBO PSG 0115 & 0117, why are Registered Trademarks by Lamborghini. But it can be done in two Versions, a Standard, with 845 PSVANE Valves and Components Basic and Black/White Paint, the other can be Full Customer, with PSVane 845 Valves and Internal and external Components, Selected, Pot Motor, and You can choose the Paint Color on RAL Code. Regarding the prices, these will be 3,5 to 5,0K Euro...more or less. 
 
Oct 22, 2017 at 2:46 AM Post #10 of 16
It would be very nice if there is a product that could compete with egoista 845.!!
I’m in Hong Kong, I think it’s hard to have a chance to listen to it
 
Oct 22, 2017 at 9:17 AM Post #11 of 16
Hi fredfung28,
I also have the Viva LT Soloist, that use with Abyss 1266 and Stax 007-MKII, with W.A. Wee, and I tell you, that the Aventador 845, plays divinely well, and is built to the State of Art with Selected Componentistics and Valves, furthermore the logic is better and has separate power. This is a Prototype Project, built on my specifications, and I'm really happy with the end result. As for the cost, I can confirm that it is highly competitive, respect the Viva Egoista. If you want to get in touch, you can contact me privately. I can assist to you with Gabri's Amp.
Regards Valentino

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Jan 31, 2019 at 8:07 PM Post #12 of 16
Here is the new Huracan 845 S.E. Driver, 2nd Version, of the first Amplifier with 845 Valves, the Aventador 845 S.E.

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On this second model, several improvements were introduced, which concerned the Logic of Operation and Ignition by Remote Control, the Internal Circuit was reviewed, optimizing the route, 2 Trafo were added for a better management of the 2 Valves Driver, was revised the External Power Unit, with a new frame design, to resume the Amplifier Layout, thus increasing its external dimensions, the Headphones Output Impedances were revised, now from 20 to 300 Ohms, to best cover, the most part of the Headphones present on the market today, and a Balanced Entry has been added in addition to the 3 remaining in RCA. New, two-color painting, in Perlato Metallic White and Ruby Red. The Power Valves, used for this new Project, have remained unchanged, are the new PS Vane 845 T Series Mark II, as well as the already excellent components used in the previous project of the Aventador 845. They will follow later, after a normal period of Warm up, the notes on the listeners, with Dynamic and Planar Headphones, in my possession.

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It's a Project, born for the love I have for these Valves 845, and for the warm and full sound that they can give, and thinking it, I wanted it to be different from the usual stereotypes of Driver x Headphones ... I understand that maybe many may like it or not, but I think that certainly this armored, almost 50Kg, certainly captures the attention and / or curiosity, as well as having had in the recent past, an excellent feedback on the Musical Performances, for those who have previously heard the Aventador 845. This is my idea of Design applied to the Driver, with which I want to listen to my Headphones. The final price for this new Driver is € 6,5 K!!!
 
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Feb 2, 2019 at 4:47 AM Post #13 of 16
Do you by any chance know why all references to the headphone amps (Huracan, Aventador, HT-102) have been removed from the Gabri’s Amp site? The links are still active and the information is intact, but as the ‘Cuffie’ option no longer appears under ’Prodotti’ in the meny bar at the top, visitors to the site will never know about these headphone amps.

These are the links I am talking about:
https://www.gabrisamp.it/prodotti/cuffia222222/
https://www.gabrisamp.it/prodotti/cuffia222222/ht102/
 
Feb 2, 2019 at 5:31 AM Post #14 of 16
I believe that they have evaluated that a Project like the Aventador 845 S.E. (Prototype) and Huraca'n 845 Special Edition, at the price of 4 / 5K Euro, is not economically advantageous for them, given the amount of man-hours needed to make it, and the waiting time to get it. In fact, for this current model, the final costs have been higher, and now we are talking about 6.5K Euro. I know that they still have a chassis of the Huraca'n, (Driver & Power Unit), but to make another piece, they ask for no less than 6.5K of Euro, so even though they are a definitive Amplifier, not everyone has the possibility of spending this amount.
Valentino
 
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