Posted On: November 12, 2003 11:32:11 AM

Name: Thomas Robertson
Email: tonyarobertson@netzero.net

Comments: Hi, I recently purchased the Custom 80 power amp with improvements added by Syd, including 3 power supply fuses and independent cathode fuses for each of the eight 6L6GC output tubes to prevent internal circuit damage as a precaution. The thought and design placed into this amp is spectacular, but the sound is what I wish to express. Using 4 output tubes per channel, designed using only one third of their output capacity generates the smoothest and most powerful 40+ watts I have ever heard before clipping. The massive transformers run very quietly, even at long (8 hour +) listening sessions. The sound has incredible attack, yet produces some of the some sweetest notes that are full, separated, and natural. The music just flows smooth and natural out of my speakers with tonal clarity. I've auditioned this amp over 2 months before leaving comments to be accurate in my listening experience. As a notation, I also enjoy musical DVD's and movies w/added subwoofer from pre amp, and it has it's own unique listening experience because of the incredibly wide sound field and clarity. I normally listen at a volume of 3/8s, but never past 5/8. The sound is incredible, but I don't want to damage my ears. By the way I still love my Stereo 50+ and listen every now and then, (it has it's own strengths and unique sound characteristics), but I wanted to emphasize this recent purchase and what a fantastic acquisition that it was.

Thanks much Syd.

Regards, Thomas Robertson
 

Posted On: March 14, 2003 12:38:02 PM

Name: Tom Robertson
Email: tonyarobertson@netzero.net

Message: Hi, I bought the custom amp in the gallery under Tom's amp. Although I have been enjoying my amp, I finally was able to properly set up my Stereo 50 custom properly, and I cannot believe that I got this amp for the price that I did. I always wanted a high end audio system, never thought I could afford one, and this one far exceeds my expectations, (though this is my first tube amp). Everything that I ever read about tube amps, this amp has it in spades. I don't feel that I am over stating. The music has emotion, every detail is revealed, and the sound field is wide open. I run my pre amp at 3/8 volume and the amp gain at about 5/8. This fills up my whole house. Right now I running Bugle Boy 12AX7's and JJ's EL34's. I am so happy with my amp that I can't imagine parting with it, but if I keep seeing Ideal's amps on ebay going so cheaply, I just may pick up another for my den.

Regards Tom
 

Posted On: February 01, 2003 10:54:06 AM

Name: Thomas Robertson
Email: tonyarobertson@netzero.net

Message: Written by Tom Robertson at 22 Jan 2003 18:09:37:
I purchased a customized stereo 50 in late Nov 02. I customized it with a larger capacity transformer inside for $50 more and added 4 ohm speaker terminals to the existing 8 ohm for $25. They custom built me a cover in their sheet metal shop for $40. All told the amp tested out at 30 plus wpc. (they under rate their specs before clipping) Syd Beaumont is one of the friendliest people you could ever deal with. After speaking to him on the phone, (not necessary, but it gave me a feel for the company and some excellent suggestions and advice) I placed my order. The custom picture on the gallery page of their website is my amp. Syd e-mailed me every step of the process until shipment. About 2 weeks and a successful burn in and auditioning session. It took a week and a half to receive it UPS in New Orleans. Then a funny thing happened. UPS delivery man dropped my amp in my driveway took a bounce and landed in a wet ditch. Water only wet the outer box but the shot damaged two El34's and I didn't know it. After about 20 minutes of setup I powered up and the right channel smoked. I called Syd immediately. He stated mine was the first amp they ever had a problem with (he's an honest guy by the way). He arranged UPS pickup and returned the amp. He diagnosed the 2 damaged EL34's along with a smoked capacitor and several smaller parts. To get the amp back to what he felt comfortable it should be, he also replaced the Main Transformer and the right channel transformer and sending a new quad set of El34's(Electro Harmonix). My last e-mail stated they were doing a 30 hour burn in and then auditioning it before returning it around Tuesday (01/21/03). I've yet to audition it but I know now this company intends to live up to their warranty. I was apologized to a couple of times already, on the phone and by e-mail. I felt that during the initial building stages the communications I received that Syd and Ron were building my amp as if they were building it for themselves. I still feel very comfortable with my purchase and the confidence that for 5 years I have friends in Canada that will fulfill their agreement that I will be happy with this amp.

Regards, Tom Robertson