Ongaku First Impressions

[howiebrou]

Thank you everyone for your nice comments.

Tommy, yes at the moment it is plugged into the PP. I have yet to change the plug to a US socket so it will have to do for now.

Serge, I am also concerned. The sideboard on the right would have to go, giving two more feet of width but even then the room is only 14 feet wide (same as yours I think). Funny thing is I saw a pair of westlake speakers at a dealer yesterday and the room was also 14 feet wide and the speakers (which are similar in size and statue to the westminsters) did not look too big at all.

It will require a long and hard look at the room again. Having said that, since I move quite often it will not be the end of the world if there are minor issues.

But for right now, the strads are singing pretty although I am sure their difficult to drive nature is most likely holding back the Ongaku.

howie

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Here you go Dan.

MA Recordings

On looking up the recording just now I found out that they have released this high resolution version. Gotta add it to my list.

This is the normal cd version. A bit cheaper than $40.00 at $16.00

MA Recordings

howie

Howie.......I appreciate that. Thank you.

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Here you go Dan.

MA Recordings

On looking up the recording just now I found out that they have released this high resolution version. Gotta add it to my list.

This is the normal cd version. A bit cheaper than $40.00 at $16.00

MA Recordings

howie

Thanks Howie, I've always wanted to purchase their high res DVD-ROM but didn't know which one to try. Now I know

[cmalak]

Howie...beautiful So glad the Ongakus are meeting/exceeding your expectations. It's hard for me to see how they would not, they are such beautiful amps to behold and I am sure to listen to

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Howie...beautiful So glad the Ongakus are meeting/exceeding your expectations. It's hard for me to see how they would not, they are such beautiful amps to behold and I am sure to listen to

Cyril,

Thank you. It has exceeded my expectations. Whilst I acknowledge that the sound can further be improved by sorting out the room a little and adding a preamp, I really have no complaints.

howie

[jazzhead]

HowieB great review . Am sure the Ongaku's a keeper . Quite a radical switch from the Soulution(if I am not mistaken), I reckon your listening perceptions may change as well.
Wish you many hours of listening bliss !

[FranklinLG]

Howiebrou,

Now that you've had several months, can you talk a little more about the 211 tube and your thoughts on it? I have a 300B amp and have recently begun speaking with a custom amp maker who specializes in a similar approach to a 211 tube as Kondo san did. So I'm ultimately trying to ascertain whether I want to jump at the 211 or stick with 300B's. I would, therefore, welcome any other input you might have and if you could share some more about what you compared before choosing the 211. Thanks!

[gtubes]

Great video, sounds amazing too

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by FranklinLG

Howiebrou,

Now that you've had several months, can you talk a little more about the 211 tube and your thoughts on it? I have a 300B amp and have recently begun speaking with a custom amp maker who specializes in a similar approach to a 211 tube as Kondo san did. So I'm ultimately trying to ascertain whether I want to jump at the 211 or stick with 300B's. I would, therefore, welcome any other input you might have and if you could share some more about what you compared before choosing the 211. Thanks!

I have not listened to too many 300B amps but I would characterise them as being ultra smooth, romantic almost like velvet in their presentation. The 211 valve is very different and almost not valve like in that it feels very powerful. Strings are plucked and there is a palpable immediacy about the way instruments are performed and voices are heard. Relatively you could say the 211 has an attacking presentation, almost aggressive yet retains the fabulous midrange that makes SETs so desirable. Perhaps one could say coarse compared to 300B but not compared to SS amps.

I continue to be amazed by the Ongaku and now know why it has been such a coveted piece.

howie

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by mc602

Great video, sounds amazing too

Thanks Greg.

I need to find some way to record the sound better as it sounds nothing like real life!

howie