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On tonal balance the Greek combo sounded quite fresh. The brass-based elements of Eva Cassidy's drummer registered well. With critical fare like Patricia Barber's Modern Cool with its tendency to get a bit hissy, this treble freshness perhaps wasn't optimal but also due to the recording engineer. On the other end of the scale the bass range was nicely sonorous for proper balance. Particularly cuts with strong foreground vocals like Paul Anka's "She's A Lady" were the stuff of goose bumps. But instruments too convinced with exact sharply rendered tone colors. Across the midband the twins worked with high class and dynamically aspirated |
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The bass too remained pressurized. Whilst overall softer than my Musical Fidelity benchmark, it retained sufficient shove to assert authority where called for. Synth attacks like on Madonna's Ray Of Light thundered appropriately through my room and the fat beats of Fatfreddy Drop's Dr. Boondigga & the Big BW landed pleasantly in my stomach.
Even on classical I had few complaints. Here the Greeks benefited from their richly faceted color palette. I remained relaxed even during loud tutti passages because the 45 watts the Artemis+ shook from its bottles failed to get soft in their knees. The Listz Préludes under Solti and the London Philharmonic cracked properly to get under the skin without getting into trouble. Here valves tend to have an advantage by clipping more gracefully.
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Where does this kit hit its stops? I already mentioned that other amps are grippier and more controlled down low but the coiled swing of the Greeks had its own charm. And it goes without saying that solid-state gear (mostly more expensive) has the edge on transient speed. More treble air? I don't think anyone needs it. Perhaps a tad more micro resolution on high but I didn't really miss that either. What remains? An unexpectedly good tube combo for a refreshingly fair price.
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I still owe you some switcheroo with the triode/pentode and NFB toggles. Sadly I was without high-efficiency transducer or valve-friendly widebander. For user with 'normal' boxes the rule stays put: stick with the recommended settings and view the adjustments as 'nice to have' for the day when an exotic speaker crosses your path. With standard speakers any change with the switches gets softer, warmer and less defined. My suggestion? Stay seated, stick with your speakers and enjoy the performance.
The Alexander preamp and Artemis+ power amp prove that Tsakiridis are no newbs in the valve scene. These components impress even regardless of price. Once price enters the picture, one looks at a minor sensation particularly with the assurance of having Audioplan's professional backup behind it all.
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Psych profile for the Tsakiridis twins...
• a tonally balanced picture with a touch of freshness primarily from the treble. The midrange is spot on and impresses with its strong color temperature. The bass extends low and asserts itself with nice bounce. With such talents one gladly sacrifices a bit of precision and control.
• cuts a dynamically good figure and even macrodynamics don't compress where large-scale swings remain crisp and self-assured. Microdynamics don't leave much under the table and convey liveliness and agility.
• soundstages with high image focuses, hence strict sorting. Complete ambient recovery of the recording venue is executed to a lesser degree. Scale is realistic.
• featurization that should cover all needs.
• solidly executed tube tech which perhaps is styled a tad rustic but mechanically and electrically seems spot on.
Facts.
Tsakiridis Alexander preamp:
• Dimensions & weight: 42.5 x 11.5 x 39.5cm (WxHxD), 10kg
• Finish: light/dark grey
• I/o: 1 x XLR, 4 x RCA in, 2 x RCA out
• Extras: remote control
• Idle power draw: 40 watts
• Warranty: 2 years
Tsakiridis Artemis+ stereo amp:
• Dimensions & weight: 29 x 22 x 44.5cm (WxHxD), 19kg
• Finish: light/dark grey
• I/o: RCA in, single fixed-impedance outputs
• Output power: 45wpc
• Details: 6/9dB NFB adjustment, triode/pentode switch
• Idle power draw: 115 watts
• Warranty: 2 years |
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redaktion @ fairaudio.de
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