KEL84 V Stereo 20

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Phil Y

Has any one out there had a chance to compare a Leak stereo 20 to the KEL84?
If so how do they compare regards sound quality? I have been using a stereo 20 for years but i am starting to fancy somthing a bit better and also tidying up my lounge a bit. My pre amp is not very pretty and is just sockets, switches and a couple of cathode followers so i would not miss it. Any opinions welcome.

Hi Phil

I owned an ST20 for a couple of years and rebuilt it with good commercial components inc plastic film caps. It had very good sound and surprised everyone who heard it. However I did end up selling it as mine is a very "full range" system using CD and big speakers. This meant the ST20's lack of low bass in partic was noticeable and the treble a bit fizzy. This gave it a fast but mid-rangy quality - immediately easy and engaging, but ultimately lacking.

I've also had a completely standard KEL84 here for a while. I'd fixed it for someone and it checked through on the bench perfectly to spec (as did that ST20). The sound was quite different to the Leak. Less immediate but better balanced. Personally I found it a little bland but given a choice would have kept it compared with the Leak. Certainly a great amp for the money. Whether it's good enough for you will depend on your tastes and speakers/room etc. I'd get a listen to as many amps as possible.

Rich