Author Topic: Opinions - GLOW Amp One  (Read 8383 times)

Offline MasterBlaster

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Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« on: April 06, 2010, 10:16:08 PM »
Alright folks, I've been eyeing up the Glow Amp One tube amp for use with my PC.
I like it because its got a built in DAC/usb interface, 5w/ch + headphone out which should work well for desktop use.

The point-to-point layout inside is very clean and should be easy to service if needed.

I would like a few more port options, and given the price it seems like it should offer more, but then again
that's more that can break I guess and I'd hate to have a brick because some unneeded component/feature failed.

It has received good marks on 6moons and enjoythemusic.
Has anyone heard of them before? Thoughts?

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

« Last Edit: April 06, 2010, 10:18:35 PM by Master Blaster »
HT: Audiocontrol Maestro M3, Sunfire 5*200,  Tannoy Mercury MX , SVS PB-12 Sub

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Living Room: Dynaco ST-70 (R&R work done by NATOE), Dynaco PAS Preamp, Jamo C607 towers, MCS 6710 Turntable

Offline tinpan

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2010, 04:16:26 PM »
Well,

I am also looking at tube amps and this was an email exchange with a buddy. I am looking for an amp to drive a new pair of Cain & Cain Abbeys

Though I have not heard it personally, the Glow Audio Amp 1 gets
rather rave reviews and supposedly has much more drive that its tiny
wattage spec's would have you believe.

I can personally, very highly recommend the Sophia Electric Baby amp,
the thing just rocks, and is really nice looking. It says 10wpc, it
sounds like alot more, though it is not a single ended design so some
of the SET magic is not there like in a 300b design.

The Baby is a tube amp. done right, it really is great sounding.
Tinpan

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bmwr75

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2010, 09:49:43 PM »
never heard of this amp before.  Didn't see a price on the web page.  How much does it sell for?

The note stating that European/American EL84 tubes will cause premature failure of the tubes or amp is a concern.

Offline MasterBlaster

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2010, 10:46:10 PM »
It sells for $650 on their site.
 They have open box units for $480 or so.
I noticed the tube restriction as well.
HT: Audiocontrol Maestro M3, Sunfire 5*200,  Tannoy Mercury MX , SVS PB-12 Sub

Head-Fi: FUBAR IV Plus DAC, Grado SR225

Living Room: Dynaco ST-70 (R&R work done by NATOE), Dynaco PAS Preamp, Jamo C607 towers, MCS 6710 Turntable

bmwr75

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2010, 07:47:57 AM »
Here's another option, the Ming Da MC 84 C07 for $414 (I have one and like it).  It runs two EL84s and two 12AX7s, plus a 6E2/6HU6 ?rectifier? tube.

http://www.pacificvalve.us/Headphones.html

Then you could get a Nuforce Icon Mobile DAC + headphone amp and connect it between your PC and the Ming Da.  Cost is $100

http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-Mobile-headphone-amplifier/dp/B001LS0AAK
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce10/mobile.html
« Last Edit: April 17, 2010, 09:28:59 AM by bmwr75 »

Offline MasterBlaster

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2010, 01:40:10 PM »
Thanks for the suggestion.

I was also looking at the FUBAR DACs over at audiophile products.
The fubar2 in particular looks like a good no frills option.
Its fully plug-n-play, windows/mac compatible with no extra drivers needed.
Plus I like the capability to swap opamps.

http://www.audiophileproducts.com/fubar2

Some of the higher level models also have toslink/coax inputs too.

Decisions....
HT: Audiocontrol Maestro M3, Sunfire 5*200,  Tannoy Mercury MX , SVS PB-12 Sub

Head-Fi: FUBAR IV Plus DAC, Grado SR225

Living Room: Dynaco ST-70 (R&R work done by NATOE), Dynaco PAS Preamp, Jamo C607 towers, MCS 6710 Turntable

Offline BrianT

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2010, 07:36:34 PM »

I was also looking at the FUBAR DACs over at audiophile products.

Decisions....


And the winner is ? ;D
Vinnie Rossi L2SI integrated amp
Takatsuki 300B tubes
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Audience Front Row USB Cable
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Offline MasterBlaster

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2010, 01:41:18 PM »
I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(
HT: Audiocontrol Maestro M3, Sunfire 5*200,  Tannoy Mercury MX , SVS PB-12 Sub

Head-Fi: FUBAR IV Plus DAC, Grado SR225

Living Room: Dynaco ST-70 (R&R work done by NATOE), Dynaco PAS Preamp, Jamo C607 towers, MCS 6710 Turntable

Offline thuffman03

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2010, 02:03:33 PM »
I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(

Ouch!  Hope it is not too bad.
Got Carver?

Offline BrianT

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Re: Opinions - GLOW Amp One
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2010, 07:28:57 AM »
I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(

The Ming looks real nice, to bad it has to be put on hold.
Looks like your wife plays the same games as my daughter. ;)

Brian
Vinnie Rossi L2SI integrated amp
Takatsuki 300B tubes
2 x Carver 275 Mono Block
Audience Front Row Bi wire Speaker Cables
Audience Front Row USB Cable
Audience Front Row RCA Cables
VPI Classic TurnTable (blk)
c/w Transfiguration Phoenix Cartridge
Auralic G2 server
B&W 803D3 (black)