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Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict /img/forum/go_quote.gif
How does the Dared MP5/Illusion compare to your ES-1 and Aristaeus with O2 Mk2, please?
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Unfortunately, the MP5 & Illusion combo is unable to match the ES-1 or Aristaeus when driving the O2Mk2 or O2Mk1. The difference is significantly large. The sound is very full and warm, and sluggish, dark and lacking refinement, details, dynamics and separation. I don't mean to sound overly negative about the MP5 & Illusion, but it is greatly outclassed here.
Of course, the ES-1 uses eight tubes including a quad of EL34, and the Aristaeus uses six (or maybe ten, counting each ECL86 as two; the ECL86 contains a 12AX7 equivalent triode, and an EL84 equivalent pentode), versus the MP5's pair of ECC85, one cat's eye and small SS section. It isn't very fair.
I also had the chance some time ago to try a Cary 300B integrated amp with the Illusion and O2Mk1. I thought it was better than the MP5, but I didn't think it was better than the KGSS, which was the amp I had at the time.
I think it's possible that some amp + transformer box combination might sound very good, but I suspect that it is difficult to compete with the dedicated electrostatic amps, especially ones such as the ES-1 or Aristaeus. Even the KGSS, which is closer in price to the Stax amps, would be tough to beat.
Notwithstanding my comments above, I don't think that buying whatever is more expensive and has more tubes is the solution for everyone. We're all looking for good sound within our budgets. People who already have a good integrated amp or maybe even a preamp + monoblocks might be well-served by getting a Stax tranformer box. However, personally I think that a transformer box is a compromise and would prefer to use a dedicated electrostatic amp.
There's a good reason why the 3rd-party electrostatic amps are expensive and people still buy them if budget permits. They sound very good.