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AUDIO FORUMS >> Music >> My First Listen
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Message started by Bluzrover on 05/10/25 at 17:09:33

Title: My First Listen
Post by Bluzrover on 05/10/25 at 17:09:33

I’m a newbie here and anxiously awaiting the delivery of my pre-owned UFO25. I’ve been contemplating what album I’ll place on the platter for my first listen.

My first experience in the world of “audiophile” systems was as a late teen when a co-worker invited me over to listen to his system. I have no memory of his rig other than two Bose 901s sitting on opposite sides of the room.

The life-long impression left on me wasn’t necessarily the 901s, but rather the album he put on to fire those speakers: Little Feat’s Waiting on Columbus. Man, the way the percussion dances across the soundstage was amazing and I find myself putting that album on every time I set up my system in a new location.

I have so many others from which to choose, David Crosby’s If Only I Could Remember My Name, just about anything from Floyd, Yes, or Bruce Cockburn. Geez, so many to enjoy.

But I’m also a little nervous. What if I don’t really hear much difference between my old Onkyo SS amp and the SET UFO25? What if my old ears aren’t that sophisticated? I have spent so many hours lurking here and reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews of Steve’s creations that I’m sure I’m going to absolutely love the amp…but, I’m worried over overhyped myself!

What was your first reaction upon that first listen?

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Lon on 05/10/25 at 17:45:14

You will not be disappointed, I'm certain of that.

My first impression was about 28 years ago or so. Listening to the 27th amp Steve sold. I had been listening to a Proton amplifier, and then a 1959 EICO tube stereo amplifier. Not too shabby either one. I was just immediately intrigued listening to the little Zen amp. It had the clarity and punch of the Proton with the tube solidity of sound of the EICO and had a certain "sunlight" in the sound that was totally new to me.

I listened first to Miles Davis "Bitches Brew" as I have listened to that recording on every system I've ever had. I was so happy to have that amp!

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Tony on 05/10/25 at 17:54:08

Hi Bluzrover, and welcome to the Forum. Congratulations on finding a UFO25. I am positive you will smile when you sit for the first listen. It is a great-sounding amp. The UFO25 was my go-to amp until this year, when I received the 300B. Still, I play the UFO25 downstairs daily. It holds a very special place in my listening experience. I look forward to hearing your impressions, and I'm sure it will knock your socks off :)

Tony

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Geno on 05/10/25 at 18:38:48

Welcome Bluz!

We have ‘Waiting for Columbus’ in common. Make ‘Spanish Moon’, your first listen ;)

What speakers will you use with the new amp?

Best,

Geno

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by CAJames on 05/10/25 at 18:40:00

Quote:

Posted by: Lon Posted on: Today at 09:45:14

You will not be disappointed, I'm certain of that...

What Lon said. My Decware journey started with a pair of UFO amps, configured as balanced monoblocs. They were so good I got back on the waiting list for a pair of UFO25s that I've had for about a year and a half. They sound remarkable and I'm thankful everyday that I found Decware and this forum because it is taken my listening experience far beyond what I thought I would ever own.

FWIW I've had three go to tracks that I've been playing for decades to test/compare systems, in the order I listen to them.

Spanish Harlem - Rebecca Pidgeon

The Girl From Ipanema - Getz and Gilberto

4th movement Scheherazade - Fritz Reiner and Chicago Symphony

Regardless, welcome and congratulations! You will not be disappointed.

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Bluzrover on 05/10/25 at 20:43:42

Thanks for the responses and reassurance! I’ve got orders in for a UFO2.1 and a ZP3 but knowing that it may be three years before I see either I decided to try and find a pre-enjoyed amp. I’m pretty excited to experience what all of you have been expressing here for what appears to be years of joyful listening!

Haven’t figured out how to quote someone but to answer Geno, I’ve got a brand new pair of Klipsch Forte IVs that I understand will pair nicely with the UFOs.

At least this will keep from checking the build list every other day!

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Geno on 05/10/25 at 21:14:10

I had ‘87 Forte’s when I got my first SE84UFO, 8 years ago. A very good match!

Title: Re: My First Listen
Post by Bluzrover on 05/10/25 at 23:13:12

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I swapped my old Cerwin Vega’s with the Fortes but man, what a difference. I can only hope to experience the same difference when I hook those up the the UFO25!