Too numerous. See text.

It's a tube amp, silly. Of course it's going to give off some heat. No balanced inputs.

Speakers: Thiel CS1.5, ProAc Response One SC, NHT SuperOne and SuperZero
Speaker Cables: Kimber 4TC and KS-3033, Wireworld Solstice II, Tara Labs RSC Prime 1000.
Interconnects: Kimber KS-1030, KCAG, KCTG, SS-147, PBJ; XLO Signature 1.1

Other Alternatives: Conrad Johnson MV-55, Audio Research VT-50, Pass Labs Aleph 3

I own the Debut II, which is $2670, including Cardas RCAs and binding posts.

If you want a user-friendly, neutral-sounding amp, seriously consider the Debut II. The Debut II is sufficiently neutral and resolving, that you will be able to discern differences in tubes, interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, and anti-vibrational devices hooked up to the amp. If you want colorations, look elsewhere.

The Debut II has a lot of operational goodies. First of all, its voltage gain is a sensible 22dB. Most other amps are 29-32dB, which is way too sensitive. With the Debut II, rejoice! You may now turn the volume control above MIN! You won't get blasted out of the room, when your volume control is at 8:00.

Because of the built-in bias monitors, you do not have to buy matched sets of EL-34 tubes.

For a tube amp, the Debut II does not give off that much heat. Give it a foot of space around it, and you'll be fine.

The Debut II is quiet. It does not buzz, click, rattle, or hum.

AudioPrism had the fine taste to make theDebut II in a nice champagne gold finish. Not only is the faceplate gold, but so is the rest of the chassis. Cool!

AudioPrism also had the good sense to include a standby mode. When you are not using the amp, you do not have to turn it completely off. Just kick it into standby, and it keeps the unit and tubes ready to go. Also, by not having to turn the amp on and off all the time, you save wear and tear on the tubes.

Yes, there are other amps, tube and solid state, which will give you more power, more air, more dynamics, plus balanced inputs. But they'll also cost you at least twice as much. And chances are, they'll also give off much more heat. I can't think of another amp in these price ranges that offers so much, both sonically and operationally. If you cannot afford those super-duper five-star $$$$ high-end amps, the AudioPrism Debut II is your next best option.

Even if you have cheap speakers, like the NHT SuperOne and SuperZero, do audition the Debut II. You might be surprised at how good those "cheap speakers" can sound.

To most of us $2670 is a lot of money. Well, it is. But otherthan the Pass Labs Aleph 3, I don't know if there's anything as good as the Debut II at or below these prices. And, as I pointed out above, if you want something even better, you're going to have to spend at least $4000.

Similar Products Used:

Classe' CA-100, Muse Model 100

Very musical, good dynamic & base extension.

A bit of lack of power

I bought the Audio Prism Debut MKI about two weeks ago together with the preamp Mantissa.
This amp is user friendly. The bias of the output tubes is easy to adjust with the built-in meter. Another great feature is the taps of the input to match speaker impedence is adjustable together with the feedback.
Make sure you change all stock tubes with the best NOS EL34s that you can lay your hands on because they will make a huge difference to the sound.
My only complaint is this amp generates a lot of heat especially on the top panel.
Great value for money compared to the VAC PA35/35 which sells for twice as much.
Would like to get a MKII version if I can find one.

Similar Products Used:

VAC PA35/35