Unique qualities of a purely tube sound

All tubes here all the time until the Aleph J was finished. Best of both worlds.

 

Yah, that's my impression. It's very good. I don't have a lot of experience with tube amps, but bought this one on a lark, so to speak after I read a post on it. I've always wanted a Bob Carver amp. And at half the price of a Mac, I'll take it. It's pretty too.

 

What you describe above what pretty much what I am experiencing.
I get that tube magic with a Sonic Frontiers Phono Pre (NOS tubes) and then amplify with SS.

 

That is a beautiful amp! Wow!

 

It's arrived today. Power is not a problem. 11 o'clock position on the volume dial is more than loud enough.

Hard to judge the quality at the moment as somebody is using a chainsaw outside my place (today of all days...). On a quick listen, it is not leaps and bounds ahead of my Arcam amp.

 

The A21's most noteworthy qualities to me are amazing detail which sounds natural, great clarity, and richness. Leaps and bounds better? I don't know. But the extra detail and clarity may not jump out at you unless your listening room is quiet. Also, not sure how much break in is needed, as my A21 was a used purchase. So I would definitely give it some time.

 

Thank you, and thank you too Bob! It sounds awesome. And it doesn't require a lot of care and feeding either.