All,
I know we generally talk about building stuff around here and I'm on the fence about building a 3 stage DHT GM70 amplifier. The M2 would just make life easier. I'm looking for something with the immediacy of SET but the detail, extension and reliability of solid state with enough power to drive a real world speaker. I have "normal" speakers of moderate efficiency and a 4 ohm nominal impedance. Any feedback is very much appreciated.
Hoping to hear from those that own or have heard the M2...
Best,
I know we generally talk about building stuff around here and I'm on the fence about building a 3 stage DHT GM70 amplifier. The M2 would just make life easier. I'm looking for something with the immediacy of SET but the detail, extension and reliability of solid state with enough power to drive a real world speaker. I have "normal" speakers of moderate efficiency and a 4 ohm nominal impedance. Any feedback is very much appreciated.
Hoping to hear from those that own or have heard the M2...
Best,
Ohh! And I thought you'd never ask.
The M2 is an amazing amplifier. I would refer you to Srajan's reviews on 6moons for comparisons with the F5 and J2.
First, what it does like good triode amps: smooth Class A sound. Very palpable and real images. Deep soundstage.
And what it does better than tubes: Bass, depth, control. Zero coloration. Once you hear this, you will know that even a good 2A3 adds some coloration, however pleasent it may be. This amp can drill down to the last detail and yet sound accurate, pure and sweet. In fact, I would put detail retrieval better than a 2A3. Little inflexions of voice, small nuances are revealed easily and with a touch of sweetness.
IMO, the M2 is a very niche product, intended for people who crave the sweetness of tubes above all else. If you want just the facts, go with an F5. But you like a little romance, some musical pleasure, the M2 fits the bill. I can't believe how much pleasure this amp is giving me, which I previously thought was possible only with a good SET.
Thanks Papa!
The M2 is an amazing amplifier. I would refer you to Srajan's reviews on 6moons for comparisons with the F5 and J2.
First, what it does like good triode amps: smooth Class A sound. Very palpable and real images. Deep soundstage.
And what it does better than tubes: Bass, depth, control. Zero coloration. Once you hear this, you will know that even a good 2A3 adds some coloration, however pleasent it may be. This amp can drill down to the last detail and yet sound accurate, pure and sweet. In fact, I would put detail retrieval better than a 2A3. Little inflexions of voice, small nuances are revealed easily and with a touch of sweetness.
IMO, the M2 is a very niche product, intended for people who crave the sweetness of tubes above all else. If you want just the facts, go with an F5. But you like a little romance, some musical pleasure, the M2 fits the bill. I can't believe how much pleasure this amp is giving me, which I previously thought was possible only with a good SET.
Thanks Papa!
I made one iteration , somewhere right after first informations about concept and pics were published on net;
even if it's working (was , dismantled , as usual ) it is pathetic comparing to real McKay .
sound was gorgeous .
unfortunately - can't share , there are still (in it ) some tricks from Papa's sleeve not published , so I can't be first to reveal them
I succeeded in most prominent characteristic of M2 - 90 or something secs slow ramp up of bias
in any case - I certainly gave few mins of good laugh to Papa , when I send him schm of my iteration
even if it's working (was , dismantled , as usual ) it is pathetic comparing to real McKay .
sound was gorgeous .
unfortunately - can't share , there are still (in it ) some tricks from Papa's sleeve not published , so I can't be first to reveal them
I succeeded in most prominent characteristic of M2 - 90 or something secs slow ramp up of bias
in any case - I certainly gave few mins of good laugh to Papa , when I send him schm of my iteration
Yes, it does take time to warm up. I could swear it sounded better after an hour.
It is also driving a notoriously difficult load right now - B&W683s. Tube amps sound awful driving these speakers. The M2 sings. I measured about 5V on Pano's voltage at the speaker terminal. Just enough volume for me through the DCB1. It takes a good 3.5V to drive it to full power though.
Its dead quiet too. So quiet that you cannot tell if it is on through the speakers. Can't wait to see how it sounds on the big horns.
It is also driving a notoriously difficult load right now - B&W683s. Tube amps sound awful driving these speakers. The M2 sings. I measured about 5V on Pano's voltage at the speaker terminal. Just enough volume for me through the DCB1. It takes a good 3.5V to drive it to full power though.
Its dead quiet too. So quiet that you cannot tell if it is on through the speakers. Can't wait to see how it sounds on the big horns.
Here is my take on the M2 I posted recently:
After listening to the First Watt M2 for about a week now, let me state that this is perhaps the most enjoyable amplifier I’ve ever sat down and listened to. This amp is proof positive that “all amplifiers do NOT sound the same”. With the right speakers, some types of music from this amplifier often sound closer to a live event than one will generally experience with an audio setup.
To be sure, this amp is not for everyone. It outputs 25 wpc@8 ohms, and 40 wpc@4 ohms. So, as long as the target speakers have sufficient sensitivity, the amp will play music as loud as most of us would listen comfortably.
What this amp does right (and not all that many do) is the ability to re-create the entire frequency spectrum without any undue emphasis for any one area of the spectrum. The bass is extremely natural, and has sufficient heft, weight, and damping to sound accurate, without calling undue attention to it. The midrange has a clarity and natural harmonic tonal character that VERY FEW amps get right. Vocals from the amp sound more natural than one generally hears. String instruments very realistic with the right recordings and low level details are easily heard, but are heard in the correct proportion. Some equipment can be “too analytical” when one hears more low level detail than one would hear in a live setting.
Where this amp really shines is the upper registers. The treble from this amp is easily some of the best I’ve heard from any amp at any price. There is no trace of HF emphasis or solid state “crispness” that plagues many amps.
I would suspect that may tube audiophiles would think they were listening to a new state of the art tube amp when hearing music played through the M2. The passive transformer gain stage, which provides 15 db of passive gain, has a lot to do with the sonic signature of the M2. There is a total lack of glare with the M2. This is one of the very few amps on the market where the listener will not experience any listener fatigue. I think the fact this amp is a Class A unit with zero feedback also is a big reason why the amp sounds so natural.
From a noise standpoint, there is none discernible with the speakers I’m using (91dbw@ 6 ohms). The amp is very quiet (quieter than most tube amps by a fair bit).
In summary, this amp is tremendous performer. It’s easy to see (and hear) why the M2 is popular in the Asian market. If you are looking for an amp that provides the best aspects of tube amp reproduction, but still desire a more natural bottom end that is the purview of solid state (not to mention reliability), then give the M2 a try.
You will not be disappointed.
After listening to the First Watt M2 for about a week now, let me state that this is perhaps the most enjoyable amplifier I’ve ever sat down and listened to. This amp is proof positive that “all amplifiers do NOT sound the same”. With the right speakers, some types of music from this amplifier often sound closer to a live event than one will generally experience with an audio setup.
To be sure, this amp is not for everyone. It outputs 25 wpc@8 ohms, and 40 wpc@4 ohms. So, as long as the target speakers have sufficient sensitivity, the amp will play music as loud as most of us would listen comfortably.
What this amp does right (and not all that many do) is the ability to re-create the entire frequency spectrum without any undue emphasis for any one area of the spectrum. The bass is extremely natural, and has sufficient heft, weight, and damping to sound accurate, without calling undue attention to it. The midrange has a clarity and natural harmonic tonal character that VERY FEW amps get right. Vocals from the amp sound more natural than one generally hears. String instruments very realistic with the right recordings and low level details are easily heard, but are heard in the correct proportion. Some equipment can be “too analytical” when one hears more low level detail than one would hear in a live setting.
Where this amp really shines is the upper registers. The treble from this amp is easily some of the best I’ve heard from any amp at any price. There is no trace of HF emphasis or solid state “crispness” that plagues many amps.
I would suspect that may tube audiophiles would think they were listening to a new state of the art tube amp when hearing music played through the M2. The passive transformer gain stage, which provides 15 db of passive gain, has a lot to do with the sonic signature of the M2. There is a total lack of glare with the M2. This is one of the very few amps on the market where the listener will not experience any listener fatigue. I think the fact this amp is a Class A unit with zero feedback also is a big reason why the amp sounds so natural.
From a noise standpoint, there is none discernible with the speakers I’m using (91dbw@ 6 ohms). The amp is very quiet (quieter than most tube amps by a fair bit).
In summary, this amp is tremendous performer. It’s easy to see (and hear) why the M2 is popular in the Asian market. If you are looking for an amp that provides the best aspects of tube amp reproduction, but still desire a more natural bottom end that is the purview of solid state (not to mention reliability), then give the M2 a try.
You will not be disappointed.
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I agree. I would love to see these amp's in someone's system. I can live vicariously through you
The M2 is configured as part of a second 2 channel audio setup. Ancillary equipment with the M2 review:
Digital Source: Modwright Oppo 95 with tube upgrade
Preamp: Pass Labs X2.5
Speakers: Source Technologies 277 SE
They make quality speakers. The primary guy behind the company did the JSE Infinite Slope speakers, which were well received at the time. The production facility is only about a three hour drive from my current residence.
This speaker is supposed to be outstanding:
http://www.sourcespeaker.com/Coherentpulse61a.html
I just wish it was a bit more sensitive.
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