Alchemist Audio was a very highly regarded British manufacturer of high quality SS gear in the mid to late 1990's. The company went bust in early 2000's. This particular amp is from that era and is one of their best pieces. Tim De Paravicini of EAR Audio (tubed gear) had a hand in voicing and designing the circuit, hence the "SIGNATURE" designation. So while it has the transparency, grip, speed and bass control of SS, it is buttery smooth with palpable presence like tubes.
I've owned this amp for about 8 years and it has been 100% reliable. Dead quiet, not a single glitch, never a hiss, pop, groan, moan, crackle, pop or anything else emitted other than musical tunes. Original owner told he bought it as a local dealer demo. I drove into NYC to pick it up, so it's never been shipped.
To my knowledge, no repair history. My main preference has always been tubes, but I have no trouble listening to this amp. That I have owned it as long as I have is testament to it's reliability and musical nature.
It has been in rotation with my other amps, so I have not added huge hours. When in the system I do leave it powered on 100% of the time. Never a single glitch. It has performed admirably on every speaker I paired it with: Zu, Reynaud, Omega, Sunny Cable Technology, Vaughn, Silverline, Meadowlark, Spendor, Proac.
I did remove those PITA plastic post covers from the lower binding posts -- they make attaching spades impossible. I added the tape to prevent spades from contacting the metal case. See pics.
If I'm not mistaken, there are tiny red indicator lights at various points inside the circuit. These help the tech to diagnose and pinpoint any problem that does arise.
Overall condition is VG. There are some dents on the bottom cover. Original owner told me it was from falling off his cones. Obviously, zero impact on sonics. Owned in a home with no smoke, children, or pets. Works exactly as it should, even the pleasant non-glarey blue power-on indicator light.
Inputs: SE and XLR
Outputs: 2 pair of 5 way posts.
Power: 100wpc
Dual mono design, Class A/B. If you can track down another one, it can be bridged for mono operation. Complete info and downloads here:
http://www.alchemisthifi.info/ranges/forseti/alchemist_forseti_apd20a_mkii_signature_power_amplifier.htm
As the pics show, very hefty and solid build -- weighs over 40 lbs unboxed. Original box and Owners Manual included. Due to the weight, local pickup preferred (zip 11561), but I will ship at the buyer's expense.
I believe this "signature" version retailed for GBP 2,500 back in the late 1990's. That converted to about USD 4,000. A current amp built like this would likely cost more.
Don't get hung up on the age. This is still a great amp in terms of build, reliability and performance.
Asking $950. Add 3% if PP friends / family not used.
This is a very fair price for this upgraded "SIGNATURE" version. Check the online used pricing history.
In its time this critically acclaimed amp received universal 5 Star reviews across all the British audio press. Great price for this proverbial "iron fist in a velvet glove". And given the build quality, it will probably outlive us all! 8)
More pics here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=30947
Thanks for looking.
- John
