Taking the Wraps Off the New Amps

No one can tell you what sounds good to you. In the final analysis, only the customer can be the ultimate arbiter of listening pleasure. But perhaps someone like myself, who has been testing and reviewing stereo equipment for a number of years (more years than I care to remember), can help in guiding the audiophile toward a satisfying choice.

Presumably, or hopefully, with that in mind, Calendar asked me to sample seven of the latest amplifiers and report my results.

The first stereo amplifier I tested was the Yamamoto 765-GD12. I must confess that after several attempts, I was unable to get the amplifier out of the shipping box it came in. However, I’m sure that it is up to the level of other fine Yamamoto products in quality.

The second amplifier on my list was the Soarguard Z-1975, which, judging from the illustration on the shipping box, is one of the most handsome models Soarguard has put out in years. I might also add that the artists who draw the human figures for the boxes are also doing a fine job.

Next, I tested the Arnott III. Even though the Arnott is a relative newcomer to the audio pack, it has already learned the value of sturdy, durable workmanship, at least if we are to judge by the mailing container. One must assume that similar workmanship went into the manufacture of the amp itself.

Less satisfying was the latest entry from Newhouse, the reliable German firm. Usually, Newhouse will provide English-language instructions on its shipping cartons, which tell the buyer the proper procedure for removing the product within, but in this case they were far less forthcoming. Even the customary arrows, pointing to flaps which might be accessed, were nowhere to be seen. Rate this one a big disappointment from an old friend.

It’s easy to see why the Planetary 3009-XC is the most expensive of the new models tested. Robust craftsmanship is much in evidence, beginning with the shipping box. Large, machine-driven staples clench the cardboard together like a bulldog’s teeth. And like a bulldog’s teeth, it seems nothing can pry them apart. Even a neighbor, who has a large selection of power tools, was amazed at the strength. Judging from the weight of the box, the amplifier within is free from the flimsy materials that have plagued so many sound systems.

Hatchet-proof is the word that springs to mind when describing the Snee 7000. When surrounded by its protective shipping container, it seems that nothing can harm the precious contents within--not even fire. Although the container walls can be pierced by an electric drill, the amplifier’s design is such that it’s impossible to hook up the wires and play it while it is still in the box, if, for some reason, that is what you wanted to do. But from what I’ve read, it’s pretty good.

The final amplifier tested was the Langley Tri-Star 24-BCV. It has been said that Langley sound equipment is shoddy and inferior, but I found just the opposite to be true. The Tri-Star 24-BCV was by far the best amplifier I sampled. It is truly a stunning piece of machinery. From the easy-opening box, with its clear, concise opening instructions, on through the other things it has, the Tri-Star is worlds above the others. It has a range of features that dazzle the eye once you get it out of the box, which I did, by myself.

Especially appealing is the fact that the shipping box can be used to store the amp when not in use, without fear of never getting the box open again. My testing showed that the Tri-Star 24-BCV could be reinserted in its shipping box and taken back out, again and again, hour after hour, without problem.

The amplifier can even be stored away in its box for a whole afternoon, then suddenly be brought out again, without worry that the box will have become jammed somehow. This is not to say the shipping box used by Langley is weak and flimsy. No, it is a tough, durable box and will probably require a man of above-average strength to open it.

This concludes the amplifier testing. Please watch this column in coming weeks for my review of seven popular brands of canned Vienna sausages.