Maverick Audio A1 TubeMagic Hybrid Amplifier Review
-_Spanky_
I'll start this review off saying that I don't have several pairs of high-end speakers to compare. I also don't have several pairs of headphones to compare, or even bunches of previous amps to compare. But, I do have a demand for build quality that comes with great sounding audio. For those that have seen my D1 condensed FAQ thread, you know that I try to compile and gather information. That's exactly what I intend to do in this "review", give my impressions about build quality, aesthetics, performance and sound quality. Because, honestly, there's plenty of other people more qualafied to give a review with comparasions and experience.
Also it's worth mentioning that my unit is a pre-production test unit that has been modified to mock up what the production batch will be. For all practical purposes, it will be very similar to production batches.
Setup
Computer
> Belkin USB Gold Series
> Teralink X2
> Coaxial SPDIF w/DIY RG-6 cable
> TubeMagic D1 (stock Chinese tube) tube out
> DIY Mogami Neglex interconnects
> TubeMagic A1
> Insignia NS-B2111 Speakers (DIY Cable), BeyerDynamic DT770 Pro 80ohm.
Sound Quality
Bass, where have you been all my life? For once, with the A1, I feel satisfied with the clean & crisp thump it provides. Now I know why these Insignia speakers are called Bass Reflex. The best part, it doesn't overwhelm the mids or highs. I'm a headphone guy. I love the detail, I love the comfort and I've just never really been into speakers. I purchased the Insignia NS-B2111 based on great reviews because I knew I was going to get the A1. The reason why I bring this up is that, the combo, they really make me question my fondness of headphones. I mean, the detail, quality and joy they've brought me, it's extremely enjoyable to say the least.
But wait, what about tubes? All the above was experienced on the stock chinese tubes. Pop the Tung-Sol JTL-6AK5 matched pair in and woah, talk about velvety smooth bass and even more detail. I'm a bass lover, I'm with the people that can't seem to get enough. The A1 certainly delivers with providing accurate and clean bass where I wouldn't expect it. It's not overpowering, it's more providing in unexpected areas. For example, watching a low-quality TV show rip, you generally get a lot of mids mixed with some shrill and distored highs and infrequent dirty lows (low-bitrate lossy audio). The A1 cleans up and provides bass that you would expect from a quality non-lossy audio source.
While playing through random songs, I came across The Eagles - Very Best of the Eagles and there was one thing I noticed: percussion. It seemed to be so announced on every song. The rip/master my have something to do here but the A1 passes it along fantastically. Much like the bass, it's not overwhemling, just pronounced and clean. Very enjoyable.
Build Quality
I've seen some people on this forum that would like to abolish products "Made in China". I think they obviously haven't used newer products made from manufactures that aren't out to screw you over. Ryan is out to make a name for himself in the audio world by providing audio equipment that is small form factor, has great build quality and sound quality and is budget friendly. In my honest opinion, he's succeeding. His D1 DAC/Amp blew a lot of minds and impressed even more. I've had mine for about 8 months and have fully enjoyed it's features and upgradeability as well as never once had a problem with it. This kind of dedication, performance and reliablity is what Ryan strives for and with this A1, I'm confident that the production models will hit the nail on the head.
Pro's
0 DC Offset
Easily drives Insignia NS-B2111 with plenty of output power remaining
Even with a larger transformer, power chip and 2 tubes, it runs cooler than the D1
Turn-off process is much cleaner than D1 (signal just cut instead of fades with noise)
No popping when switching between souces or powering on/off
Ceramic tube holders
Con's
Source knob is harder to turn (because it's smaller than the D1's source knob)
Would like a switch to turn on/off output to speakers rather than relying on headphone jack switch
G-Luxon caps
Tube hum past 2 o'clock (sp70 didn't experience this and since I don't go past 10-11 o'clock, it's really a non-issue)
Non-issues (problems that won't be in production batches):
Internal wiring looks messy
Clearance issues with the power switch, power supply and cables around the stock chinese tubes (Tung-Sol tubes are shorter and should allow more clearance)
LED is significantly dimmer than December 2009 model D1
Wobbily unit when cover is removed
Screw hole alignment is almost unusable in the rear
Before you make a judgement on this unit because of the con's I list, I sent Ryan a copy and he had the following to say:
Quote:
As you know, the R&D of A1 has come a long way since end of last year. Your unit is among first 2-3 units we have manufactured, yes, we will still try to improve the building process.
- We are making a new batch of A1 cases. Future production will have "better" screw hole alignment.
- The internal space is very limited for this amplifier. That's the reason the wiring looks a bit messy at this moment. We are also working on improve this.
- The switch behind the source knob is same as the one used in the DAC. We just reduced the size of the knob, that's the reason you found it is a bit hard to turn. We choose smaller knob solely due to design reason. If put A1 along with D1, to have the same size knobs makes will make the combination looks weird.
- We use capacitor which is good and cost effective. Sometimes, better brand capacitor doesn't mean better sound quality.
- I will check with the factory to see if they can fix the LED issue.
- _Spanky_