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Is this the right box if you want a solid, fairly priced AVA preamp? At US$840, it lands right on the median of the recent comps and well inside the normal spread between US$745 and US$920, so this reads as fair market, not a steal and not ambitious.
What makes it worth considering is the Set 120’s reputation as a very capable, no-nonsense preamp with the kind of clean, detailed, low-fuss presentation AVA fans buy for. If the unit is genuinely clean and fully working, the main upside is simple: you’re paying a sensible price for a respected piece rather than chasing a bargain-bin gamble. Since the listing doesn’t specify condition, I’d just confirm cosmetics, switch/pot noise, and whether any original accessories are included before buying.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio by Van Alstine (AVA) traces its roots to over 50 years ago, when Frank Van Alstine founded the company in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA. A self-taught audio enthusiast sparked by a teacher's component system in 7th grade, Van Alstine built a legacy on engineering simplicity and musical integrity, assembling gear with skilled U.S. technicians who prioritize true high fidelity. Though Frank passed away in January following a short illness, AVA endures, upholding his vision of state-of-the-art performance without excess.
The brand specializes in complete, synergistic high-fidelity systems, excelling in amplifiers—from compact monoblock power amps like the DVA M225, which employ a unique pure differential SET design, to integrated control amplifiers such as the Synergy series and stereo models like the NP1 delivering 55 watts into 8 ohms. Their lineup emphasizes straightforward, award-winning electronics that deliver exceptional sound at accessible prices, often integrating seamlessly for full-system builds.
AVA holds a respected niche among discerning hi-fi buyers as a boutique American maker of high-end yet value-driven gear, free of audiophile hype. Known for diminutive yet potent amplifiers praised in specialist reviews, it appeals to those seeking reliable, musical excellence over flashy marketing, backed by direct expert consultation from real people.
See all Audio by Van Alstine listings on RADAR.
