| ~ 27-08-2001 ~ Hong Kong audio products have been steadily making their presence in the audio market here in Singapore. Lately, I’ve been introduced to some very interesting audio gears from Hong Kong. As you know, in my last report, Audio 88 introduced the Audio Space ASP-1 loudspeaker and the Audio Space 300B integrated amplifier. New Disc Village at Sembawang Shopping Centre introduced a new product recently. The Optimum Audio OA-1 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier. This integrated amplifier looks, feels and sounds great. It has useful features that make it easy to match just about every loudspeaker except those really huge loudspeakers that require hundreds and hundreds of wattage. Once you listen to this beauty and you will know that you don’t have to compromise when you decide on having an integrated amplifier instead of a pre-power combination. OPTIMUM AUDIO OA-1
VACUUM TUBE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER. The OA-1 delivers 38watts in Class A triode mode and 70watts in ultralinear push-pull mode.
It comes standard with KT-88 power tubes. Together with the input and driver tubes, there are nine tubes including the power tubes.
The selector switch for the power mode is located in front next to the power on/off switch. There are only two knobs in front, which indicate the volume control and the line, inputs selector. The rear of the Optimum OA-1 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is just as impressive and useful. Quality seems to flow with the OA-1 even at the back with the RCA inputs connectors and the speaker binding posts. The OA-1 accommodates both the 4ohm and 8ohm loudspeaker loads. The OA-1 integrated amplifier allows up to four line inputs. There is a black knob at the rear that lets you adjust the negative feedback and this will let you match the OA-1 to the owner’s loudspeaker system. To a certain degree, you can adjust the type of sound you want from your amplifier. The Optimum Audio OA-1 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is very well built and very heavy too. With the gold-plated front and rear faceplate and the chrome chassis, the OA-1 really looks very elegant for a tube amplifier. Most of their components have the Optimum Audio logo on it. That showed either they are made for Optimum or they manufacture the components themselves. It has a well made tube cage that’s permanently attached to it which can be removed when replacing the tubes inside. The OA-1 powered up very fast and with the very first note even before it is fully warm up the OA-1 will give you an indication of what it is capable of. In fact, it doesn’t sound like most vacuum tube integrated amplifier with its sweet, articulate and detailed sound quality. New Disc Village is now introducing this fantastic new vacuum tube integrated at a real value price of under $2000. Give yourself a treat and discover what the Optimum Audio OA-1 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier can do. I bet you’ll never regret it… |
