My Hafler DH500 story

[ohskigod]

So I'm looking at amps on EBAY (local, I like to pick things up.....anyway)

I find a Hafler DH500 going for real cheap, and 25 miles from my house, screw it, I put in a bid.

well, I got into a bidding war. I got pissed. How dare this guy take away my god given right to pick up a cheap amp really close. I creaped up the bid just so this guy wouod have to pay more. I know, I'm wrong, but I've been in a bad mood lately.

I put in a bid of 405.00, thinking I'll get out bid, but I didnt. I dont think I paid too much, but certainly not the sweetest of deals. I said screw it, let me play with it for a while. Audio is a journey and all that stuff

I pick it up from a real nice guy, I give him the cash and bring the amp home. He tells me it has 2 amp fuses in it, and I need bigger fuses (at least 5 amps) to get the most power out of it.

I get it home and hook it to the 2 channel, just to make sure it works. I figured I would have to put the bigger fuses in o really give it a critical listen, especially on the Amazings.

I was pretty surprised. It sounded quite different from the carver. smoother, more effortless at moderate volumes. Maybe it was just me, will do more definitive testing on it but so far, from a 1 hour listening session, I was pretty impressed. I cant describe how it was different exactly, just a bigger difference than I expected from an amp swap.

anyone else have experience with the haffler?

[schwarcw]

Congrat on your new Hafler! I have never heard one, but I have a friend at work who loves his. Good luck with your new amp!

[Zen Dragon]

Congrats on the Hafler. I ran the DH-220 for a while as a main, and then as a rear channel amp. The sound was certainly listenable in each set-up. I have heard and read some good things about the DH500. It has a good power reserve for sure. The price you paid is about correct for the amplification capability of the unit.
I assume you are referring to the carver M4.0T when you mention you compared it to the carver. Carver has many fans, and about as many nay sayers. I have never heard the M4.0T, but have run the TFM-42 myself. I liked the TFM-42.
Ultimately it is your own ears that wioll tell you what you prefer. It can be difficult when your ears disagree with audiophile consensus, but the reality is whatever pleases your ears is what you should choose.
Enjoy the Hafler DH500, and if that is what your ears like best, then you have found your nirvana.
PS. For shame driving the price up in an EBAY auction. ;)
PPS. You should install the correct MFR recommended fuses.

[ESAVINON]

hafler amps are great. they use mosfets.this is why they have such a great sound.
I own a dh-200 unfortunately, it has a bad channel ( i think a cap is bad).

[ohskigod]

PS. For shame driving the price up in an EBAY auction. ;)
PPS. You should install the correct MFR recommended fuses.



P.S. yeah, I know....I know

P.P.S. believe it or not, the Hafler actually gives you different power ratings depending on the fuse. As long as you dont go over 10 Amps, its considerred kosher. I'm just not puttin gout as much power as it could with just the 2 amp fuses. actually more worried about the amazings than the amp :D

I'm picking up fuses today.

[Modvlar]

heh, maybe we should start a hafler group...

Count me in as a satisfied new-ish owner (9180). These amps just don't seem to sweat when pushed. And the designs are simple; very easy to fix or mod.

eBay is evil. But when you learn to overcome the addiction to it, a whole new world appears.

[jakelm]

I have the DH-200 driving my 2 subs @ 4ohms a piece. I couldnt be happier. The smoothness and the fact that there are no xovers becides the A\V makes the dynamics of the subs just blend in very nicely. With 4 ohms for each channel I believe I should be @ 160 watts. And I out performs most 300 watt plate amps.

Hafler is reliable, simple and powerfull. It can be used in many applications without worry. Enjoy and dont be afraid of stressing it out.

[Tour2ma]

Picked up a 200 from polkatese early in my CP career. Sweet little amp...

I've got ebay data on about 10 DH500 auctions, and at $405 you're around the middle of the range ($310 to $486). So considering that you had no shipping (gotta be in the $40 area), not too bad...