Summary: I have been using this amp since Nov 2004 and have no regrets about spending the money. It is very powerful, and the sound is smooth and clean. It loves rock, yet is so revealing for acoustical or voices. Sounds great through my CDT Audio ES-643 speaker set. I have had zero problems.
This is my first "tube" amp, even though it is a hybrid design (read more on http://www.tubedriver.com/idea.php), so I have no other "tube" amps to compare it with.
After having used a Pioneer Premier PRS-X340 and Planet Audio Quadra, I think the TDB 2150 sounds much more natural and clear.
I actually like that it has no crossover - less electronics to potentially alter the sound.
Strengths: Clean and powerful. Zero problems.
Weaknesses: No audio weaknesses. Maybe the price?
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Summary: I got the used to be store display amp TDB475 from Butler, and actually it is producing nice sound for midrange and high. The sound comes more naturally with good definition and warm timbre besides its thick sound. I wish the Butler produce the 5 ch amp with a ch dedicated to have big powr to pwr up a subwoofer ( they have 5 ch but the 5th ch is not designed for driving sub with enough pwr ). It is very hard to hear which one better between this & the legendary McIntosh, but possibly this amp has bit better sound quality than McIntosh, well i guess it depends on the listener frequency and timbre prefference. McIntosh has brightness & the TDB475 has softer tone yet a bit thicker sound. both are pretty good in exposing the recording sound detail.
Strengths: SQ
Weaknesses: No ch for subwoofer
Similar Products Used: McIntosh, Clarion, SoundStream, Crunch.
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Summary: By far one of the best three car amplifiers ever tried. Butler Blue loves rock but it handles gently every kind of music - really a perfect choice. Smoothness, mid-range lush (needed for rock and voices), super-dynamic and very large and precise soundstage are the charisma of this amp. Worth every cent. Combine it with focal speakers and fast cables and you will not believe the overall quality.
Strengths: Precise large soundstage, smooth, detail, tube. Best value for money, ends the competition. Ultra high quality sound.
Weaknesses: Nothing really at this price point. A fantastic amp.
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Summary: I have the original TubeDriver, and it is awesome. I'm using it to power Dynaudio speakers and it is an incredible combo. I would also try the Diamond Audio Hex speakers (I prefer the silk tweeters) with this amp. This is for audiophiles. When this finally dies, I'll get the TubeDriver Blue.
Strengths: Smooth, high sound quaility. It has been very reliable (over 7 years and going strong)
Weaknesses: It does have a littel RF noise, but can not say for sure it is the amp and not a problem somewhere else. Not a cheap amp, but worth it.
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Rating Reviewed by: Kevin (Unregistered User)
Review Date July 29, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for More than 1 year
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
1.00 votes
Review 5 of 8
Price Paid:
$750.00
from BLOSSOM STUDIOS
Year / Model Reviewed: 1999 Butler 1500
Summary: Greatest sound I have ever heard in car audio. They love to be driven hard. sound good at low volume. has tube enhancement control and enable you to tune easily. for high, mids, or subs. If you like horns like myself you can't find a better amp.
Strengths: I currently have 4 Butler amps in 2 cars each has Butler Tube line drivers converting to XLR cables. Pure awesome sound can overheat if over driven but hard to do. The harder you push them the better they sound. Can be driven down to 1 ohm and stable. easy to set up with out an EQ. no muss no fuss just loads of power
Weaknesses: Need to warm up a few minutes. No crossover or any of the new high teck crap if thats what you like bells and whistles. had occasional problems with conections (solder) loosening.
Similar Products Used: Nachs, HK, Macintosh, Zapco, Sound Stream, Phillips, Dimond, Quartz, Boston Acusics...
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