Audio Analogue Puccini SE Integrated Amplifiers

Audio Analogue Puccini SE Integrated Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

Integrated amplifier - 50 watts

USER REVIEWS

Showing 21-30 of 30  
[Dec 01, 1998]
Daryl Rossi
an Audio Enthusiast

When I first considered the Audio Analog Puccini SE, I was concerned if it could drive my Magnepan SMGcs to acceptable listening levels. It is rated at 50 wpc @ 8 Ohms and 80 wpc @ 4 Ohms. I had been using a PSE Studio IV (185 wpc @ 4 Ohms) which gave me adequate power. Well, my fears were unfounded. Not only does the Puccini SE drive my Maggies with ease, but it does so with aplomb. With a recommended break in time of 100 hours, this integrated sounded very good right out of the box, and has been getting better hour by hour. The only other integrateds I can compare it to are the Bryston B60 and the Krell KAV 300i. While the Puccini may lack (only somewhat) the detail and dynamics of the Krell and Bryston, it more than makes up for that in pure musicality and rhythm. This is an amp that immerses you in the music; warm and sweet without being syrupy; heart thumping bass that had me turning my sub volume down!; and articulation of the human voice like I've never heard. It throws a very wide and surprisingly deep soundstage while maintaining pinpoint imaging. The old cliche - "it had me digging out all my cds and LPs" - ceretainly applies here. I can truthfully say that I've never had more pleasure listening to music than the Puccini has given me. This is the perfect compliment for jazz, vocals, and small orchestral renderings. Ruggedly built and handcrafted in Italy, the Puccini belies its modest price of $1,195, and delivers the goods in spades. If you are interested in hearing music presented the way its supposed to be, then you owe yourself an audition of the Audio Analog Puccini SE. A definite 5 star rating for musical presentation, craftmanship, and value.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Dec 14, 1998]
VTdG
an Audio Enthusiast

I have had the Puccini SE for couple of months now and I think it is a great amplifier for vocals, jazz, and music from small scale orchestras.
It does not much the rythmic capabilities of similarly priced good integrateds such as the Linn Majik, which I have also owned. Listen to Peggy Lee sing Fever and you will see what I mean! The majik engages you directly while the puccini leaves you isolated from the music.

However, the Puccini SE wins hands down when you play the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella, Louis Armstrong, or, for that matter, Maria Callas. Then, you get an engaging performer which easily wins over listeners who care just about the music and not the audio gear. My wife also admitted the sound was "really good". Thus it's official: The Puccini shines on jazz and vocals. But I believe you could do better on hard rock.

Vangelis

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Jan 08, 1999]
Qoquaq
an Audiophile

The Puccini SE is more powerful that his little brother but he seems lost of the musicality;i prefer the 40W<8ohms Puccini:he costs only 500£,he is beautiful in live music with warm and body;it's an must surely

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Nov 30, 1999]
Henry Hung Nguyen
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

sweet,airy tube sound w/o the distortion of .

Weakness:

small integrated amplifier may not able to drive hungry floorstanding speakers.

This is the sound of an amplfier that i'm was looking for and didn't know it exist at the form of an 50 watter $1500.00 integrated amp.clean,clear of solid state sweet,airy of tube.For the look,it's was love of first sight.For the sound,it got me(sit down and listen) from the first hello.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo Integra integrated amp

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 14, 1999]
Brooklyn
an Audio Enthusiast

Wat can i say about this amp? It gives you warm, clear and sweet sound.It does sound like tubes. After 100 hrs burn-in, you can only love it more.
A fantastic amp by audio analog. A good buy! Once you got it, you know what i mean.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Feb 15, 1999]
OS
an Audiophile

I became interested in this piece when a stereophile reviewer talked about the tubed sound of the Puccini SE. I waited (not so, patienty) for the next USA delivery, and picked mine up 45 minutes after they were delivered to my dealer. I am so happy with my purchase. This integrated amp is just what I wanted... I listen to a lot of vocals and reference recordings. The sound is as sweet as I want it to be and has enough detail to satisfy me. I know what some have said about it not being the most detailed amp in the world.... but, don't take that as a negative.... it is just a trait of the amp... as far as I am concerned, it is a positive trait. I am starting to bore myself here... Just go buy this amp.... it just makes me shake my head with how emotional the vocals are../.. I am in the process of burning in the paganini cd player... it is supposed to take 200 hours to burn in the cd player....

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Mar 26, 2001]
john reid
Audiophile

Strength:

Built like a tank, sounds great, plenty of power, no solid state artifacts like glare, or overly bright sound, lots of bass power and definition.

Weakness:

Wish mine had a remote

I researched this purchase pretty hard before taking the plunge. I wasn't really familiar with the brand except that it was in the recommended components list in Stereophile. I found a good deal on this demo unit from Audio Odyssey, and so far I'm delighted with the unit.The dealer paid the freight as he said he would and the unit is in perfect shape even though it was a demo unit. I would recommend it highly from my experiences so far with it.It sounds great in my second system even though it's currently connected to a not so great CD player (new one on the way).

Similar Products Used:

n/a

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 26, 1999]
Terence Tay
an Audio Enthusiast

The Puccini SE sounded dull and delivery was suppressed. The mid range and bass is especially non expressive. Overall a disppointing purchase and not one to recommend. The Puccini would have been a better altrernative given it similar tonal qualities but more affordable price.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
[Mar 28, 1999]
Chi
an Audiophile

This amp SINGS!!!..... It DARES you to not listen! I caught myself on many occasions just sitting in front of my system with a big fat smile on my face. Go find this gem and fall in love with music all over again. I can't recommend it enough. BUY IT!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Aug 15, 2000]
Fred
Audiophile

Strength:

More power than the 55watts suggested rating (SE Remote).
Very nice highs, good bass, very musical

Weakness:

Remote could be more sensitive to changing volume and channels

Overall I find this product musically satisfying! I drove it with Sonus Faber Concertino, Vienna Acoustics Haydn & the sound is very very musical! Bass is tight, treble could be smoother but nonetheless still nice. Cable I used is the Analysis Plus Oval 9. I just connected a dvd player to it since my room is pretty small.

Similar Products Used:

Plinius 8150i, Electrocompaniet ECi-3

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 21-30 of 30  

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