Summit Hi-Fi

[SimonNo10]

Hi all. So after watching a few Youtube videos and reviews on the A7 (7 channel amp) I decided to pull the trigger and purchase it directly from Summit Hi-Fi in Canada (Free Shipping promotion) and it arrived today. The box packaging is top class so looking forward to setting this up over the next few days and see how it performs, currently running a Parasound A52+ ( 5 channel amp) with an Electra HD (7 channel amp) for a 7.2.4 Atmos system. I plan to connect the A7 to replace the Parasound to power the front 3, 2 surrounds and 2 back channels, and use the Parasound to power the 4 Atmos speakers. The Electra was powering the Atmos and back 2 surrounds.

 

Not sure what to expect but will report much later in the days to come after running it in. As we run 240v here I need to remove the cover and switch the 2 power supplies to 230v as per Build Montages Youtube video. 

 

https://www.summithifi.com/collections/summit-hi-fi-amplifiers-introducing-our-home-brand/products/summit-hi-fi-a7-7-channel-toroidal-power-amplifier-pre-order-today

 

 

 

Edited August 5, 2024 by SimonNo10

[SimonNo10]

Well not off to a great start. I attempted to remove one of the Torx screws from the top of the amp using the correct Torx tool, and the head of the screw snapped off. I tried the next one and got the same result, so the screws are of low quality it seems as I didnt apply that much force. 

 

I cant use the amp until I change the voltage on both power supplies so I've sent Summit an email with pics and asked for a solution.

[SimonNo10]

Update. 

I was able to remove all the other screws using a hair dryer ( Thanks to my brother who suggested that) and change the power to 230v. I was also able to remove a metal bracket that was attached to the inside front panel (used as a support panel) where the screws are in so I will hopefully be able to remove the stem of those 2 screws that broke. 

[Hi-Fi Whipped]

I feel like a grumpy old bastard suggesting this but surely for the money down and the destination they were shipping it too, getting one of their staff to open up the amp and switch the power supplies over before it was shipped would have been a nice customer service touch.

That and normally as soon as you open up a box by yourself you void the warranty.

 

ok old bastard rant over, hope you enjoy it!

[SimonNo10]

Yes in hindsight I should have requested that.. Aamir (owner) said opening the amp cover and switching the voltage to 230v will not void the warranty. as it’s necessary for our voltage and use. 

[SimonNo10]

Having spent a few days playing content both Atmos music and movies, I'm extremely impressed with the dynamics and clarity this amp is producing. IMO the seperation of the channels has improved and the detail (a bit brighter than the Parasound) is improved. It will depend on personal preference wether you like a brighter amp or warmer sounding, but for me this amp is a winner.

 

I ran it for 2hrs playing content at levels I would normally have when watching movies and the unit remained slightly warm so the ventilation is working nicely. Still breaking it in but thats on hold for the moment as I'm a gamer and doing that but will revisit the system on next days off.So very happy with the purchase.

[paulie83]

Interesting! The VU meters look pretty cool. Is it made in Canada?

[SimonNo10]

1 hour ago, paulie83 said:

Interesting! The VU meters look pretty cool. Is it made in Canada?

As far as I know it is. I'm still very impressed with this amp, looking forward to testing more content in the next few days.

[TQN]

Interested as to your opinion vs the Elektra.

Specs on the Elektra seems better apart from slightly less power?

[SimonNo10]

57 minutes ago, TQN said:

Interested as to your opinion vs the Elektra.

Specs on the Elektra seems better apart from slightly less power?

Both are really good amps and for me I found the A7 brighter and more revealing but that’s in my setup and will differ per system. IMO the Elektra is built better, more solid construction whereas the A7 front buttons seem cheap in comparison. You can’t go wrong with either. 

Edited September 26, 2024 by SimonNo10

[TQN]

Thank you for the details Simon