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AVA Omega III 440hc Power AmplifierThe $ensible Sound Manufacturer: Audio by Van Alstine, 2665 Brittany Lane, Woodbury,
MN 55125; 651/330-9871 http://www.avahifi.com/ info@avahifi.com The Omega III version of the AVA 440hc is an updated version of the Omega II that BWV and I gave high marks to in Issue 51. The power rating remains the same, 220 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and with six heavy-duty power MOSFETS per channel and a hefty power supply, the Omega III looks quite deserving of its "hc" (high current) suffix. The most welcome change on the new model is the price, which has been reduced $100 because of efficiencies in manufacturing. For some manufacturers, such a price reduction might be an indication that things have been cheapened up, but as near as I can tell, such has not occurred in this case, with the Omega III sporting the same clean and rugged construction quality of previous AVA amplifiers. The new circuit boards are said by AVA to contain the same basic "active feedback" topology of the Omega II, but with some parts upgrades that are reputed to make the amplifier faster and lower in distortion. Given that the Omega II had the cleanest high end I have yet encountered in a power amp, these changes might seem like gilding the lily, but if AVA wants to try to make a better amp at a lower price, far be it from me to complain. Externally, the amplifier is better looking than the previous version. Although it will still win no invitations to be exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, the amplifier now sports a more attractive faceplate with rounded corners. On the rear panel, spiffy jacks and binding posts add to the aura of solid quality. The overall visual from the outside of the unit impression is plain, solid, and dependable, while looking at the inside of the unit, the visual impression is neat, rugged, and dependable. The amplifier is very quiet at idle, even with my efficient (98 dB) Legacy Focus speakers, turns on without fuss, and then emits a slight chirp through the speakers about 30 seconds after turnoff. The heatsinks get moderately warm after the amplifier has been on for a while, whether idling or playing music. In all, the impression is of a quality product that should provide many years of dependable operation. In terms of sound quality, the Omega III 440hc continues in the fine tradition of AVA amplifiers. The sound is utterly clean, particularly the high end, which seems perfectly integrated with the rest of the sonic spectrum. Lesser amplifiers sometimes seem to add a touch of silver to the high frequencies, but the Omega III gets everything in just the right proportion. There is no sense of rolloff or other coloration as is the case with much tube gear, nor is there the slight zinginess that tends to afflict many highly touted solid state designs. For example, as nice an amplifier that the Sunfire is, I still find it slightly colored on top compared to the Omega III. The Sunfire calls ever so slight attention to itself in the trebles, while the trebles through the AVA blend perfectly into the music. The Omega II version struck me in this way (with different speakers at that time), and that sound has been carried through in the Omega III. In the midrange, things also sound just fine, with excellent clarity. On the bottom end, the Omega III carries on the AVA tradition of tight, unexaggerated bass. To some ears, the Omega III might sound a little light on the bottom end, but on recordings with plenty of deep bass, I never felt as though I was missing anything, although believe I have heard amplifiers with more visceral impact. When you really come down to it, good modern amplifiers sound good. Could I tell the AVA from the Sunfire in an ABX test? Probably not. But I do have an almost subliminal impression that the high end in the AVA is cleaner. So, I can conclude either that I can't tell the two apart, or that there is a very slight possibility that I can. In either case, though, I would feel pretty darn good about having the Omega III and $1,000 left in my wallet. (And an on-off switch on my faceplate!). Overall, the AVA Omega III 440hc comes across as an excellent value. Sonically, the high end is the best I have ever encountered, the midrange is without flaw, and the bottom end is tight; moreover, the construction quality is excellent, and in many years of listening to AVA amplifiers, I have never experienced any kind of reliability problem. There seem to be a lot of audiophiles looking for a good amplifier in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. For these folks, here's the perfect chance to get the sound quality they are looking for plus enough money left over from their amplifier budgets to purchase 100 CDs-and I don't mean Naxos or LaserLight! Recommended without equivocation. - KWN Excerpted with permission from Issue #56, Spring 1996, of The $ensible Sound. Subscriptions to The $ensible Sound are available for $29 per year (6 issues) by check to 403 Darwin Drive, Snyder, NY 14226 or through Visa/MC by phone (800-695-8439). You may also purchase a set of all available back issues (currently 50+ issues) for $89.00, shipping included.
Products: Omega III 440hc Amplifier |
