Just wanted to write about my recent purchase and usage experience of Norge Concerto Gold 1000, an Indian made stereo integrated amplifier (92 + 92 w at 8 ohms). I am using this amp from past one week now. My previous experience with NAD and Cambridge Audio integrated amps had been good and satisfactory, no complaints. I had my doubts about purchasing Norge amplifier so I took the long route of auditioning this before the purchase. My biggest limitation was that I cannot test with my own Bookshelf speakers (Elac debut B5 and Wharfedale Evo 4.1) so I have to just rely on instinct and judgement. So I took a couple of my CD's and few good grade interconnect cables along. I tested three models starting from Professional series 2060, Concerto Gold 1000 and Mosfet reference 2000. The auditioning experience was very satisfactory, the helpful nature and good Knowledge of Mr Laxman who is with Norge from past 40 years has helped me to choose the right amplifier. Speakers were by Norge. I did not liked their towers (TWR 125 MK III) as Bass was boomy and not to my musical liking. The bookshelf speakers (Millenium MK II) with 6.5 inch woofer was good enough with almost all the tested amps.
Although all the amplifiers were good in their own way but I selected Concerto Gold 1000 for it's music linearity and good power at Low volume. Few Drawbacks that can be overlooked looking at the price of this budge friendly amplifier., I particularly did not like the fit and finish, the quality of power cord. The looks are average but decent enough. There is no remote control, not even basic one to control the volume.
Sound experience - At my home I used it with various sources - Direct CD, TV streamer/TV routed via Dac, Direct Tuner, from PC routed via Dac. With my Elac Speakers sound is little better then Wharfedale's although Wharfedale's are from higher price bracket. Amplifier sound signature is very natural, true to the source. There is no extra ordinary bass, the mids and treble are astonishing and I think this is the area the Norge amp get good ratings from me. As I said the bass is not that extra ordinary does not mean it is less, a little adjustment in the sound settings (Bass & treble) one can get the desired sound results or if someone is using speakers that has 6 inches woofer the bass response will be adequate enough at flat setting.
Many a times there are people who have just ventured into this hobby wants to know about cost effective/ budget friendly set ups. This amp is one of those that can satisfy the beginners as well as seasoned audiophiles provided one has an open mind and do not give too much importance to brand name, popularity and social acceptance (log kya kahenge itna sasta amplifier, no class). Sometimes in India we end up buying high priced/ escalated double priced top imported brands in the name of social acceptance and quality/fit and finish. Many a times we do not derive much satisfaction and when these equipment's develop some technical fault then again we end up with high amount for repairs, transport/handling etc.
This is a very cost effective amplifier for two channel Audiophile stereo set up. For rest of the equipment's one can always find different products in various price brackets depending on budget. Satisfaction all lies in what we are comfortable with and not what what others will feel about our audio set up.
My ratings for this amplifier on a scale of Five.
Sound quality - 4.5. Fit and finish - 3, Features - 3 (No remote) otherwise 4, Appeal - 4 (Simple looks & functional, no frills), Affordability - 5.
Hope this review is helpful to anyone who are planning a new separate component audio set up or anyone planning an add on integrated amplifier. Pl note that there was not even a user manual with this amplifier.
As of now I am happy and content with my purchase and will update after 1 year usage experience. website -
www.norgeaudio.com
.then you need to send me air tickets to Norway so that I shall discuss and come back
