LAR, or Linear Audio Research
LAR IA-30MK2 My first contact with Linear Audio Research products took place at the very beginning of my adventure with audio, when I strongly explored the Polish manufacturs market and was looking for an amplifier for my Academy Rhea audio, and thenTannoy LGM.
Manufaktura works rather behind-the-scenes and is popularized mainly by word of mouth, or thanks to the club thread on Audiostereo, where you can trace the history of individual models and easily establish contact with the manufacturerhttps://www.audiostereo.pl/topic/81388-klub-linear-audio-research/
The sound of the LARA IA-30MK2 amplifier
IA-30MK2 came to me for the 3rd time, I always like this type of return, when the whole system changes significantly and you can verify a given device with what has already been saved in our memory.
However, not much changes in the case of this amplifier.
This model alwayslayme sound much more than a hybrid. It offers a much more natural sound, but with a lamp scale.
From the very first moments you can feel that the lamp is playing, but for EL34 or 6CA7 it is rather neutral playing, it is a bit like my Jolida JD1000A character.
The bass goes low and has quite a lot of weight, good dynamics and gives a nice base. Vocals are tube-sweetened, but not candy. The top of the distribution and showing quite a lot, but not too much. Actually, from the first sounds you want to listen to this amplifier and unscrew the potentiometer.
Exactly, IA-30MK2 likes loud playing, you have the feeling that then it spreads its wings the most and feels good in a slightly more lively repertoire than my atmospheric silts.
On the other hand, the aforementioned silts still sound nice and with a much more interesting character than most transistors.
This very muchA universal amplifier that does not bother music, which seems to be becoming rarer in the devices produced today and this is a feature that I personally appreciate.
LAR-IA30MK2 vs. Audio Note P1SE
At the outset, I would like to point out that it will not be a fair comparison. The LAR I had had a potentiometer on the ladder, but the cheap Electro Harmonix lamps.
In Audio Note, the Russian equivalents of the EL84 6P14P-K were the power tubes, and during the last service it got good electrolytic capacitors and branded resistors. In addition, it is a 90s version with exceptionally successful transformers.
LAR IA-30MK2 vs. AN P1SE – Differences
The first thing that catches the ears is the difference between the Parallel Single-ended (AN) and PP (LAR IA30-MK2) design. Vocals on Audio Note are much richer in information, microdynamics incomparably better. (This is actually a standard in the case of SE vs. PP constructions) In addition, the color of AN is deeper, fuller, much more pleasant.
An plays with a more pushed, tangible sound that interacts with the listener. The bass An is fuller, it has more energy, although the control seems to be on the LAR side.
Advantages of Audio Note
Subjectively, the Audio Note fares much better – it engages, more charming, shows more information in the key band for me – on the diameter. You can also feel the high quality of the traf for a very long time offers better dynamics, attack and freedom of play.
Advantages of LAR IA-30MK2
Only on the other half of the potentiometer and with loud playing, the greater power and advantage of the Wrocław lamp come out.However, as usual, it all comes down to the system and the listener’s preferences. I know people who feel sick to such garnies as An offers.Lar plays much more restrained, objectively, closer to the speaker line and there are many fans of such a presentation.Resolution, readability also seems to be on the IA-30MK2 side.
LAR-IA30MK2 – my opinion
Dont get me wrong. Audio Note P1SE is one of my favorite enhancers ever – in addition, it is an extremely successful all-time device, the list price of which is nearly 2x higher than the LAR.
Ia30mk2 I recommended my friend to Snelli E3 when I saw someone on olx put him about 5000 PLN.
LAR offers an excellent value for money. This is a great amplifier, it is well made, and on the secondary market, at today’s prices in audio, it offers a lot.
Good dynamics, great versatility, musicality, easy and quick service in PL and a large support group in the generally available club thread. For the MANU market, a lot of recognition and the secondary market.
I personally prefer playingHaiku Sol Ior sol II,audio notethat is, amplifiers that focus more on the diameter, color and microdynamics. The IA-30MK2 can, however, be a target amplifier in systems from the 10,000-20,000PLN shelf on the secondary market, offering great versatility, power reserve and simply fun from playing.
