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Go to the Audio Hungary Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part two...

Go to the Audio Hungary Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part one...

Townshend DCT Isolda speaker cable and F1 Fractal balanced XLR interconnect

With the Townshend DCT Isolda speaker cable and F1 Fractal balanced XLR in-line, my musical exploration continued. The most obvious listening observation to me was the fact that Qualiton P200 amplifier and C200 preamplifier combo did not sound like many of the other valve amplification I have experienced at this price point (or above). As mentioned in part one, my previous valve encounters left me largely unimpressed due to excessive warmth and lack of impact. Thankfully this Qualiton combo had no such stereotypical characteristics.

Super revealing qualities

I initially revisited the same cherry picked recordings and pressings (on CD and vinyl) that I used from the outset (prior to the speaker cable and balanced XLR between phono stage and preamp cable change). This was a common sense starting point, as it allowed me to hear any obvious differences in presentation quickly. I later expanded my listening selection to explore not only the known good recordings, but also the bad, paying particular attention to some of the uglier recordings in respect of either recording, mixing and, or pressing qualities.

It was surprising, exciting and initially disconcerting to discover the super revealing qualities of this Audio Hungary Qualiton combo with Townshend cables in-line. As expected, many of the previously known good recordings and pressings (on CD and vinyl) did leave me smiling as I listened intently, foot tapping, absorbing and remembering exactly why I considered them as good recordings and, or pressings. Of course I expected MORE from this Audio Hungary Qualiton combo with Townshend cables in-line, and MORE is exactly what this combo delivered in the form of detailed, defined textures and greater musical realism overall.

I was also taken aback by the amount of music appearing from the dead silent, pitch black, crude oil noise floor and immersive soundstage! Don’t get me wrong, there were also a few surprises in respect of some of my previously known (or suspected) bad and uglier recordings via vinyl or CD format. This combo revealed ‘the truth’. If the recording, mix or pressing was not up to scratch (excuse the pun) this combo did let me know!

Returning to Rachmaninov – The Four Piano Concertos / Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” (Vladimir Ashkenazy, London Symphony Orchestra, Andre Previn) 3 disc vinyl box set. This recording includes various difficult to reproduce passages and instrumentation, with a specific ‘distance’ atmospheric orchestra presentation, including piano, crash cymbals and violins. I have always noted improved reproduction and presentation via better amplification over the years, fine-tuning of turntables, cartridge upgrades, phono stage and cable upgrades. This time around, the improvement in presentation and reproduction overall was a major leap forward. Piano key strike definition and timbre was exceptional (not forward - dull or bright) just cleaner and clearer. Crash cymbal strikes were much more precise with a greater metallic (not harsh or brittle) feel.

As soon as I heard and felt the above improvement with Rachmaninov, the analytical side of my brain began to relax and I was able to fully enjoy the space, emotion and time afforded to me with each movement.

Vocal pitch restored

With the above positive instrumentation listening results in mind, vocal delivery, or ‘correct vocal pitch’ still needed to be verified. Luther Vandross “Forever, For Always, For Love” 1982 release (Epic) to my ears and heart is probably one of Luther’s best albums in respect of his writing and production abilities. I was not only able to give this Audio Hungary combo a run for its money regarding male vocal delivery (pitch) with this soul treat, I could also get a sense of the combo’s agility and ability to handle music delivered at a faster pace.

Once ‘I’ refrained from singing alongside Luther, or poorly attempting to add my own lacklustre backing vocals to every song here, I was able to conclude emphatically the Audio Hungary P200 Amplifier and C200 Preamplifier delivers Luther’s voice in a manner I would expect. Pitch correct, not overly warm or smooth, not overly rich. Just right! There were a few areas of percussion which did sound slightly sharp on occasions, however, I strongly believe this was due to what I describe as the ‘Epic label high frequency push’ that I (and others) experience with other Epic recordings on vinyl record.

Ahmad Jamal Trio “The Awakening” (Impulse 1997 180-gram vinyl reissue) This is one of my favourite Ahmad Jamal recordings, and one I feel I know very well. It is not a dynamic recording, but it is honest enough. It also may not be a major challenge in respect of speed for a system, but Jamal’s distinctive adventurous depth, dense patterns and exquisite phrasing are skills to behold, and can be enthralling when played through a system capable of conveying such emotion. Again, with the Audio Hungary Qualiton combo I found listening to, and engaging with this trio to be a tangible emotional journey. The fact that I felt compelled to discard my pen and notepad so I could insure my quiet finger snaps, foot taps were in time with the musician’s rhythm speaks volumes.

Don’t get me wrong, I have always enjoyed listening to the above recordings with other amplification (including solid state amplification). It was just a joy to revel in the greater musical detail on offer here, I could also hear and feel more of each musician’s voice through their instrument!

Wayne Shorter “Speak No Evil” (Blue Note BST -84194) 2012 180g Deagostini reissue, Wayne Shorter “Adam’s Apple” (Blue Note BST 84232) 1985 DMM mastering reissue.

I have always been in awe of Wayne Shorter’s compositions and delivery, which, for me, always demonstrate stunning lyricism and intriguing harmonies. Though I own various analogue mastered and digitally sourced copies of the above masterpieces on vinyl, I decided to spin two potentially sonically

problematic pressings. The most common complaint regarding digitally sourced and, or direct metal mastering (DMM) is harshness, or brittleness of higher frequencies. My previous playback experiences of these particular pressings using solid state amplification at various levels has produced mixed results. On this occasion I was able to listen to both albums (and others with similar mastering qualities) with great pleasure. Higher frequencies had an edge, however, not shrill or tiring. I was still able to listen for many hours without fatigue, as well as being able to fully absorb the many positive characteristics and powerful energy from all the great musicians involved in these recordings.

Ron Carter “All Blues” (CTI 6037). Ron Carter has one of the most distinctive and recognisable voices via his Acoustic and Piccola Bass. “All Blues” is my first (and firm favourite) album purchase from this Guinness World Record holder. I have always thoroughly enjoyed Ron Carter’s ‘bass expressions’ as a band leader, as well as his musical explorations with other great musicians (master tenor saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter being one of many he has worked with).

Valve amplification is renowned for exceptional bass delivery and this combo not only highlights this positive attribute, it actually excels in this area. I could not only hear and feel a deeper presentation over previous amplification (over both solid state and other valve amplification). Bass notes were richer and acutely more articulate via the Audio Hungary combo.

Ron Carter’s note bending, note shaping abilities is a musical treat I have always looked forward to exploring throughout the years of my new amplification search. With the Audio Hungary combo in-line, I could clearly hear that Mr. Ron Carter had ‘found the right notes.’ Not only does he find the right notes, each note has a unique shape and form that I have not experienced before. Carter’s cohesive bond between himself and fellow master bandmates was a joy to experience within a palpable soundstage I could almost visualise.

Conclusion (pros & cons)

Over the last four years I have experienced dozens of amplifier and preamplifier combinations, with retail price tags ranging from £8,300 (Audio Hungary P200 Amplifier and C200 Preamplifier UK price) up to £36,500.

I have never paid much attention to terms such as ‘high end’ as this can cloud many music lovers judgement and play subconscious mind games with anyone who is easily conditioned. I do however respect terms such as component ‘synergy’. In other words, building a system with components that work well together within the environment they are operating, at whatever price you can afford.

I realise I have not concentrated on, or mentioned hi-fi music terms such as three dimensionality, excellent stereo separation, super detail etc. Rightly or wrongly, I expect such qualities from ‘quality amplification’ capable of handling my MartinLogan ESL11A electrostatic speakers. Of course, other hi-fi companies have promised the above attributes from their amplifiers, but many have either outrightly failed to deliver for technical reasons, or just fallen short due to my demanding musical expectations. Thankfully, the Audio Hungary P200 Amplifier and C200 Preamplifier deliver the above in abundance.

The Audio Hungary P200 Amplifier and C200 Preamplifier not only offers an exceptional musical experience, it offers this at a relatively giveaway price! I was expecting to have to pay far more for my musical pleasure, but this shared experience proves what can be achieved with time (impatience in relation to some UK hi-fi distributors) and unbiased advice from those who understand your needs and who are willing to take their time with you.
Well done to Audio Hungary, you are more than a winner in my ears and musical mind!

My listening sessions grew longer and longer without me realising. There were many a late night listening session where I would not switch off until the birds began to wake. Yet I felt no listening fatigue whatsoever. The fatigue would kick in the next day when trying to carry out day-today tasks. But hey, life and music is for living!

Valve replacement cost?

I have been using solid state amplification up until now, with little or no maintenance costs to report. I am not looking forward to the cost of changing valves (mainly in the amplifier) after however many years of use?

Complete system details:

Turntable
AMG Viella V12 turntable with AMG Teatro MC with newly fitted the Fritz Gyger II stylus & AMG reference tonearm cable.

Phono stage & interconnect cables. Whest PS.40RDT Special Edition phono stage.
We used the Townshend F1 Fractal balanced XLR interconnect cable between the phono stage and Audio Hungary C200 Preamplifier.

CD player
Musical Fidelity A3 CD player.
Pure silver bespoke RCA cables between CD player and preamplifier.

Amplification
Audio Hungary P200 Amplifier & C200 Preamplifier with supplied Tung-Sol KT120 tubes
(Tung-Sol KT150 tubes are optional).
With Luminist Revision Poseidon balanced XLR interconnect cable.

Speakers & speaker cable
MartinLogan ESL11A speakers (ARC (Anthem Room Correction switched off)
with Townshend DCT Isolda speaker cable.

Table
Quadraspire Q4 EVO 4 tier shelf.

Power & mains cables
Russ Andrews balanced mains unit (BMU 3000)
Russ Andrews Powerkord 300 mains cables for Russ Andrews BMU 3000, amplifier, preamplifier, CD player and speakers.

Various alternative BMU configurations were used during this experience, such as power amplifier, or preamplifier plugged directly into the wall as well as the BMU 3000.
Connecting the power amplifier & preamplifier to the BMU300 gave best results to our ears.

Further
Recommended
Viewing

Use the links below to go to the Audio Hungary Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part two, or part one,
or the Nagra Classic Amplifier & Preamplifer Experience Review,
or the new music listening room 2023 page one,
or the Townshend DCT Isolda speaker cable & F1 Fractal balanaced XLR Experience review...

Go back to Hi-Fi Experience Home Page