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The Fire preamplifier is such an unusual piece in choice of technology and performance, it should cause a stir. This space heater line stage played to strengths from both tube and solid state camps to defy clear stereotypes. It demonstrated precision and control especially in the bottom end but also flexed major muscle in the retrieval of detail and as with its amplifier sibling, with an overall character that fell on the side of the tube camp. It managed an acoustic glow in the midrange that mimicked the abilities of the 300B-based AudioSpace Reference 2S in both detail and presentation. There may not have been any glassware on the H2O but in terms of temperature and temperament the two had much in common.
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For a non-tube comparison, the line stages on the Wyred4Sound STI1000 and Densen B130+ made interesting benchmarks. Although they are integrated pieces, their preamp stages are major overachievers and both offered a decidedly different presentation from the H2O. Besides a leaner tonal balance, the most interesting divergence was in the handling of detail and dynamic information. The Densen and Wyred could produce dizzyingly rapid shifts in dynamic gradation with precise stops and starts. While the Fire showed less pronounced dynamic steps, it countered with a richer quantity of low-level information between those steps by contributing to a greater sense of flow. This also affected soundstage presentation. Where the other preamplifiers emphasized transparency and the distance between objects, the Fire filled those empty spaces with huge amounts of acoustical information. Which was right? See-through clarity or the dense atmosphere of a smoky jazz club? I can say with conviction that if the Fire was wrong it certainly was absolutely compelling and consistently drew me into its version of the event.
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As good as they proved individually, what happens when you pair the S250 Signature with the Fire Preamplifier? A little bit of magic. The liquidity and tonal balance the amplifier demonstrated from the lower octaves through the midrange was enhanced by the Fire providing additional presence from the mids up, extending the pair’s ability in a seamless fashion. The pronounced low-level detail the Fire generates gave the amplifier more information to play with, allowing it to integrate more relevant detail and produce an even bigger and more palpable sound field. As a result the two together were vivid and lush with the added benefits of deep iron-fisted bass and dynamic verve. The pair is a perfect match.
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Henry Ho has created quite a contrast of technological styles yet both are consistent towards the end goal of honoring the music. As with any high-end piece, you are purchasing not only hardware but the designer’s vision of how music should sound. By the evidence, Henry Ho sees it big, bold and romantic. There’s nothing demure or introspective about these two. They swagger with authority and paint an intense sonic portrait rich in detail. Some products seek to be accurate to the recorded event. These aim to be faithful to the acoustic event.
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The H2O S250 Signature steps into the competitive arena with a fair advantage. Its predecessor was in some circles regarded as a bargain and the current edition elevates that performance to another level. Where does it stand in the present day? The bargain landscape has changed over the years. In the class D field alone, Wyred4Sound, Bel Canto and others make strong alternative offerings which may favor some ears and wallets. It‘s a tougher world but the S250 Signature justifies its higher price tag in the one area that really matters - sound. Mr. Ho’s old-school approach to power supplies wrings a serious amount of musical warmth from the ICEpower modules and does so with exemplary stability uncommon for an amplifier of any design camp. The S250 handled the Apogee Duetta Signature with the nonchalance of an Olympic weight lifter playing with a 10-pound dumbbell. If that were its sole claim to fame it would simply be an admirable muscle amp but it also brings an old-school romantic heart to the table. That keeps it a musical bargain.
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The Fire Preamplifier is hot in more ways than one. Yes it runs a fever like a power amplifier; yes it is bare-boned in its functions and deserves a metal remote in keeping with its intended pedigree. But all of that is forgotten once the first notes play. Its calling card of ambience retrieval is stunning and its ability to suspend disbelief, pulling you into the event rather than presenting the event to you, makes this effort something very special. The price tag puts it out of reach of the value-conscious crowd but if sonics are the sole reference point, this product could make life interesting for those contemplating something higher up the food chain. Solid performance separately, stellar performance combined… if pristine transparency and petite images are your flavor, turn away. If you prefer your performance in the classic meaty class A and tube vein, prepare to be seduced. Easy recommendations these are.
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Quality of packing: Double-thick single box cardboard containers. Various styles and grades of foam and oversized air bubble pouch.
Reusability of packing: Yes.
Condition of components received: Perfect.
Delivery: Arrived via FedEx.
Website comments: Specifications and pricing available as well as review information. Direct contact with the manufacturer available via phone and e-mail.
Human interactions: Professional and informative. Some shipping problems due to manufacturer error but resolved.
Warranty: 5 years.
Final comments & suggestions: A combination that made my Apogee ribbons sing with grace and authority.
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