Good sound, will last a lifetime.

Imaging is not the greatest.

I think this is a good solid amp. I have had one for about 10 years. I have just replaced it with a Parasound HCA 2200. I still use it as my second stereo along with a B&K preamp, I think it will last forever. You can't beat it if you can pick one up for $200 or less.
Good idea on the mods. (other review)

Cheap clean power.

Grainy, harsh and sloooow dynamics.

I read the prevois review on this piece and unless the user has a modded unit(a distinct possibility) these amps can't touch an adcom. What they can do is mask a hell of a lot of detail so perhaps it's hiding flaws in other parts of your equipment. If you own a stock one do youself a favor, a very cheap mode will do a world of wonders- on the rca input (trace it out) they have a crappy electolytic cap. Replace it with a mylar or polypropylene and you'll hear the top end smooth out. These amps are rugged and don't self destruct. You usually see them used for sound reinforcement for bands or on subwoofers (a bad idea unless you rewire the outputs using a heavier gage wire.) If your really in love with it check and see if vanalstine(?) is still doing mods for it.
I'm gonna rate it for it's time it came out-really it was a milestone product but lags way behind by todays's standards.

Similar Products Used:

Dynaco 416(a dog), Harmon Kardon Citation 16(great for it's time), Various Adcoms including the 545(one of the best amp values out there), Aragon 2002 (What I currently own.)

will last forever, great sound

none

i love this amp, my dad bouhgt it new back in 1980 and it is still working great today, i love Hefler and this amp rocks it runs my Vanderstein 2c's with ease. i love it

Similar Products Used:

none

Works forever on chicken feed. Keeps making other "amplifiers" sound funny. Nice neutral sound. (I have the DH-220)

Some of the guys at some of the high end stores turn up their noses. It's not the latest in high-end sound in the $1,000+ price range.

It is a great source of current for a fair price. Yes, it will last forever. I've had mine for fifteen years I think. It will drive anything, and constantly amazes me at the sound quality. I've used it with Stax earspeakers, Polk 7B's, DCM timewindows, B&W's and most recently Arial speakers. I'm not crazy about the sound with the Arials...maybe after 15 years it is starting to show its age?

This is a good basic neutral-sounding amplifier for someone looking for used kit on a budget. It will take care of you.

Similar Products Used:

HK tubes; NAD; Acoustic Research...ok ok..i liked the AR better, but the cost was 20 times more...no exaggeration