fini Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 ---------------- On 1/4/2004 11:32:18 AM jt1stcav wrote: fini...I worry about you, dude. And your cod-piece is way too small! ---------------- The thong remains the same... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 Kelly said the following regarding an earlier stereo version of this amp: I have some literature on these if you are interested. This includes comments in some reviews etc. If you are curious, email the seller and ask which output transformers are in this model. Some had better MagneQuest trans than others. I am not sure why this model hasnt sold. It does put out less power than the Moondogs if you notice; not sure if these is a mistake from the seller or not. Also, when a SET can change between the 2A3 and 45 there are some compromises here. The Fi gets great comments. I dont think a lot of people know what they sound like to be honest. I might cut and paste some comments on them in this thread later. Don Garber is held in high esteem and is an eccentric. The FI was his attempt at getting the most direct signal path in a totally unique chassis that made this possible. Joe Roberts liked the Fi and if you read the article, "I never met a 2A3 amp I didnt like" you will see them. As a matter of fact, I have that article posted on my server. I'll put a link to it. I really RECOMMEND you read the whole article. It's really intereseting and WELL WORTH the read. I would like you to read it actually. The whole thing has merit. By the way, one OTHER reason this amp is so much cheaper is that it is a STEREO SET amp. This saves A LOT of money in that you dont have a seperate PS for each amp (the X shares ONE output trans/ PS /Rect for both channels). A stereo amp DOES save a lot of money in the extra chassis too. I personally have always sort of opted for the monoblocks with the SET approach as this gives a dedicated PS to each amp with its own rectifier, trans, cord etc. I know Jeff has made some stereo SET amps too. Actually, thinking back on it, I have never heard a stereo SET amp of any kind. They have all been monoblocks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fi by ole Don Garber are considered EXCELLENT SET amps by many. They are much harder to find due to Don's more secluded nature, not to mention his on and off production. He has no website but you can get his contact info from the MagneQuest site in the OEM section (call him at 718-625-7353 ~ email: dgfi@earthlink.net ) His most famous 2A3 amp is the little X amp that is a esoteric a build as they come, this more construction wise. It's hard to get a more direct signal path. These X amps go for less than $900 on audiogon. They come with a MagneQuest transformer upgrade as well, worth the money from all reports. These amps always get good comments. Below is a picture of his one of a kind X amp over his 2A3 Monoblocks. BTW, the pic below is nothing official ie not his logo but those are his amps from pic on my HD. http://www.progressive-engineering.com/klipsch/I_never_met_a_2A3_amp_I_didnt_like.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike stehr Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 It's Quay Lewd! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted January 4, 2004 Share Posted January 4, 2004 ..."plus I'd like to get his take on the "X" amp!" Thanks Kelly...uh, I mean Dean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo33 Posted January 4, 2004 Author Share Posted January 4, 2004 This pair of Fi 2A3 monoblocks was on eBay a while back and no one bids for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwm Posted January 6, 2004 Share Posted January 6, 2004 ---------------- On 1/2/2004 11:57:37 PM DeanG wrote: Sure it does. You've had extensive correspondance with him via email, and if you wanted to know where he was -- you could have easily emailed him. Why ask us? At any rate, I was just playing around. Seen these yet? They are supposed to sound very good, and have several things you might find desirable. At one time, I would have bought these myself. http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstube&1078288227&class&3&4& http://www.fototime.com/A9C53D59CE42152/standard.jpg" border=0> ---------------- [/blockquot I keep wondering about the possibility of filament sag with that horizontal mounting........???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo33 Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 Here's another pair of Fi 2A3 monoblocks on eBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coda Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Neo, at least you are famous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo33 Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 In what sense, Tad? And how come you keep referring to the Fi X which I have no interest in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 What are you interested in? Any new prospects? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coda Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Perhaps other folks would be interested in the X, the reference to your moniker in the review made me smile anyway. Are you seriously considering the eBay monoblocks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo33 Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 Yes I am, Tad. And more so in the pair that have the Tango OPTs (see my post above). But I have seen no blessing in this forum so far! Surely Don gotta know what he's doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Yes, he does -- and he's well regarded in SET circles. No circuit delivers "perfection", just various flavors that all excite the palette. Some criticism can be leveled at any piece of good gear. I say buy something that appeals to you and enjoy it! A good design from a proven designer will in all liklihood leave you quite happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coda Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Haven't personally heard the Fi's, Don's work is well respected though. There's an old lingering PF review by David Robinson between the E.A.R, 47 Lab, Welborne, Wright and Fi amps, perhaps you are familiar with that write-up already.. Positive Feedback Vol. 8 The Tango Permalloy treatment may render a different animal, any contact with the eBay seller for the pair offered in Dec? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo33 Posted January 11, 2004 Author Share Posted January 11, 2004 I did exchange emails with him back then and he was pretty firm on the two grand price. Actually, he was expecting more than that because of the Tango OPTs. I haven't talk to him since. I thought the price is a bit high and no one here seems to give me further insight. IMO, the OPTs are the more important components in any amp not just SET. However, I don't know if they warrant such a price for that Fi pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.