ArchiMark
Member
More
- Preamp, Processor or Receiver
- Yamaha R-N600A Receiver
- Other Amp
- Pro-Ject Tube Box S2
- DAC
- Geshelli Labs TORC (on order)
- Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
- SMSL PL200T
- Turntable/Cartridge
- Technics SL-1200 MK2 / Ortofon 2M LVB 250
- Front Speakers
- JBL Stage 250 B Bookshelf
Received my handsome looking and super sounding custom made preamp, Aretha LT MKII by Erhard Audio about two weeks ago.
Wanted to wait a bit before posting review about it here for the tubes to settle in.
I learned of this great preamp from one of the members here, TomD62. I am so glad that he recommended getting this wonderful sounding preamp.
First, I contacted Holger, the owner, with some questions about the preamp to make sure he thought it would go well with my system and understand about the options available.
He responded quickly and clearly answering all my questions. This helped reassure me that this would likely be a great choice for my system.
I also, sent him photos of the wood finish on my current speakers and asked if he could match it or at least come close. He thought it would be possible to do this.
So, placed my order and then came the hard part, trying to wait patiently for Holger to do the build, especially since the stated lead time is 6 - 8 weeks after placing order.
Fortunately, he makes the waiting a bit easier by giving me periodic updates sometimes with some pics of progress; of partially assembled circuit board (see photo) and wood frame finish samples to select from.
Please note that photos of rear of preamp and view of components inside are from Erhard's webpage.
Holger pay a lot of attention to building details and components used and paid a lot of care in packing up the preamp and tubes in their boxes for shipping. So, everything arrived safely.
After unpacking, I connected preamp to my restored Dynaco ST-70 and turntable/tube phono preamp and DAC/CD transport and listened to some music.
The sound was excellent, barely had to turn on the volume knob and it was plenty loud. Did find the sound a bit bright on high end and lowered the treble a little bit. Holger did mention that this was typical at first and would mellow out a bit after a week or two as tubes settled in. Indeed I have found this to be true. After two weeks, the sound is less bright and seems just right.
In comparison to my prior solid state receiver, I find the sound quality to be much improved overall, vocals and other instruments sound very real as if musicians are in the room, separation and clarity is great and I am even noticing background instruments coming through that I didn't notice before.
Having this setup is really making me want to spend more time listening to music and gives me great pleasure doing so.
Custom made equipment like this is an investment, but I feel that it is a very good one in this case.
I highly recommend that if you would like a high quality preamp (he has 6 models to choose from) or amp (4 to choose from) you should definitely check out Erhard Audio.
Have included a few photos below. My design was very different look than what Holger has been creating (see his website). I purposely wanted a very light look to harmonize visually with my other components that are almost all a silver /aluminum color set in my home office with white walls. Think Holger accomplished this very well.
If you would like to check out Erhard Audio's offerings and specs you can do so at: erhard-audio.com
I'm glad to answer any questions if I can.
Mark
Wanted to wait a bit before posting review about it here for the tubes to settle in.
I learned of this great preamp from one of the members here, TomD62. I am so glad that he recommended getting this wonderful sounding preamp.
First, I contacted Holger, the owner, with some questions about the preamp to make sure he thought it would go well with my system and understand about the options available.
He responded quickly and clearly answering all my questions. This helped reassure me that this would likely be a great choice for my system.
I also, sent him photos of the wood finish on my current speakers and asked if he could match it or at least come close. He thought it would be possible to do this.
So, placed my order and then came the hard part, trying to wait patiently for Holger to do the build, especially since the stated lead time is 6 - 8 weeks after placing order.
Fortunately, he makes the waiting a bit easier by giving me periodic updates sometimes with some pics of progress; of partially assembled circuit board (see photo) and wood frame finish samples to select from.
Please note that photos of rear of preamp and view of components inside are from Erhard's webpage.
Holger pay a lot of attention to building details and components used and paid a lot of care in packing up the preamp and tubes in their boxes for shipping. So, everything arrived safely.
After unpacking, I connected preamp to my restored Dynaco ST-70 and turntable/tube phono preamp and DAC/CD transport and listened to some music.
The sound was excellent, barely had to turn on the volume knob and it was plenty loud. Did find the sound a bit bright on high end and lowered the treble a little bit. Holger did mention that this was typical at first and would mellow out a bit after a week or two as tubes settled in. Indeed I have found this to be true. After two weeks, the sound is less bright and seems just right.
In comparison to my prior solid state receiver, I find the sound quality to be much improved overall, vocals and other instruments sound very real as if musicians are in the room, separation and clarity is great and I am even noticing background instruments coming through that I didn't notice before.
Having this setup is really making me want to spend more time listening to music and gives me great pleasure doing so.
Custom made equipment like this is an investment, but I feel that it is a very good one in this case.
I highly recommend that if you would like a high quality preamp (he has 6 models to choose from) or amp (4 to choose from) you should definitely check out Erhard Audio.
Have included a few photos below. My design was very different look than what Holger has been creating (see his website). I purposely wanted a very light look to harmonize visually with my other components that are almost all a silver /aluminum color set in my home office with white walls. Think Holger accomplished this very well.
If you would like to check out Erhard Audio's offerings and specs you can do so at: erhard-audio.com
I'm glad to answer any questions if I can.
Mark
