o2so Posted October 27, 2019 Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) Item: Hovland Sapphire Tube Power Amplifier 40W Price: $3,300 $3,150 local sale only (offer until tonight 29/10 then sold elsewhere), or $3,300 plus shipping (RRP was$7,800 US) Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: Impractical with toddler Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Gorgeous Tube Stereo Power Amplifier, purchased from Audio Connection in Sydney on 30 August 2019. The retail price of this model new was $7,800 US, corresponding to about $13,000 AU. This particular model had only one previous owner. It received a glowing review from Micheal Fremer, on Stereophile. This is what he said about it: "Judging by the many nights I happily spent listening to—luxuriating in—the Sapphire's sound into the wee hours, I'd say this was one of the best-balanced amplifiers I've heard" Full review at https://www.stereophile.com/content/hovland-sapphire-power-amplifier-page-2#L80uqmuwJCOIxCIY.99 When I took it home from the shop, two of the glass cilinders/chimneys protecting the power tubes were missing, so I had them made to measure in Pyrex Glass from a science lab. This costed me over $200. I have then purchased a new full set of Gold Lion tubes: - a matched quartet of KT-77 and - a matched pair of 12AU-7 These costed me over $400 (can show receipts of all the above) and have had maybe 30 hours of listening all up. The original EL-34 and 12 AU7 tubes are also included. I found the KT-77 to provide more solid bass and wonderful soundstaging and 3D images compared to the stock EL-34. The amplifier is in perfect working order as it was tested by Audio Connection in August this year. It presents in excellent cosmetic condition, with only minor swirl dusting marks (only visible in strong direct light) and one small dent at the back, under the chassis (invisible when the amp is set up, unless you walk behind your hifi rack, knee down and go look for it), as per the photos. The amp has 40 tube Watts in 8ohm but can drive my 83db speakers to party level without losing any composure. I am selling because my 4 year old son likes the glow of the tubes too much and he tries to grab them all the time (he never succeeded) so I can only listen to it when he is asleep, which means I also have to keep the volume too low to do my system any justice. I have the instructions and the box that was given to me by Audio Connection, which is incredibly sturdy and suitable for shipping. However the amp weights 37 Kg, plus the box, so a courier may be in order. Pack n send have me a quote of $195 for insured postage to Melbourne, and about $300 for Perth. Specifications: Hybrid bipolar/FET/vacuum-tube stereo power amplifier. Tube complement: two 12AU7, four EL34. Output power: 40Wpc into 8 ohms (16dBW) (80W, 19dBW, when bridged to mono). Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, ±0.2dB. Harmonic distortion: less than 0.1%, 20Hz and 1kHz, less than 0.2%, 10kHz, at 1Wpc; less than 1%, 1kHz, less than 1.5% 30Hz, less than 3% 10kHz, at 40Wpc. S/N ratio: 82dB (A-weighted) ref. 1W out. Input sensitivity: 910mV for 40W output. Input impedance: 680k ohms. Voltage gain: 26dB into 8 ohms. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved. Edited October 28, 2019 by o2so offer until tonight 6
Guest jakeyb77 Posted October 27, 2019 Posted October 27, 2019 Looks like an amp from Star Trek ( I mean that in an awesome way).
cafe67 Posted October 27, 2019 Posted October 27, 2019 (edited) Amazingly looking and sounding amps, shame they went out of business glwts Edited October 27, 2019 by cafe67 2
o2so Posted October 27, 2019 Author Posted October 27, 2019 Before I settled on this I tested a Primaluna Dialogue for a few days but gave it back. The Hovland is another level. 3
stevenvalve Posted October 28, 2019 Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) I know the original owner of this amp from 2003 to 2010 , he got it from ACA and used it with Avant-garde Duo's and a Hovland HP100 pre amp , sounded Stunning. Edited October 28, 2019 by stevenvalve 3
betty boop Posted October 28, 2019 Posted October 28, 2019 4 hours ago, stevenvalve said: I know the original owner of this amp from 2003 to 2010 , he got it from ACA and used it with Avant-garde Duo's and a Hovland HP100 pre amp , sounded Stunning. what ever happened to the pre amp ? imagine that was just as lust worthy
cafe67 Posted October 28, 2019 Posted October 28, 2019 @Frank Prowse Hi-Fi have a hp100 in their shop at the moment , not sure how much they want for it 1
o2so Posted October 28, 2019 Author Posted October 28, 2019 Have received an offer through the bay which is ok and I am going to accept unless there is someone local (in Sydney) willing to come in at no less than $3,150 (plus paypal fee if required) and pick it up in person (saves me the hassle of shipping it). You have until tomorrow
o2so Posted October 28, 2019 Author Posted October 28, 2019 last few hours Sydneysiders! This beauty will be off to a buyer in Victoria tonight unless you want it and can pick it up.
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