Some Australian Audiophile combo heaven for sale. Padma preamp (4 years old) and custom 4 channel UF-1 power amp (5 years old). Both from Melbourne’s veritable Jon D’Sensi. Using both RCA and XLR out from the Padma, I successfully bi-amp ‘d a pair of Osborn Titan speakers. Some minor scratches on the Padma ‘s top cover from remote controls. No boxes for these as Jon brought them from his home to my former home. I added the red arrow to the volume control!
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
User reviews and discussions praise the UF1 for its exceptional technical performance, though direct listening impressions are limited in available sources, focusing more on specs and design.
- Sound Quality: Described as extremely fast with ultra-wide bandwidth and high current capability, handling impedance dips to 4 ohms gracefully without large signal non-linearities or crossover distortion, thanks to advanced transistors that maintain current gain across full power bandwidth.
- Build Quality: High-quality construction implied by use of latest transistor technology and robust design for stability under load.
- Reliability: No specific user complaints noted; design emphasizes stability with low distortion handling.
- Strengths: Superior current delivery and speed for demanding speakers; minimizes distortions common in lower-impedance scenarios.
- Weaknesses: Limited user reviews; no mentions of noise, hum, or real-world listening critiques in discussions.
- Overall Reputation: Positioned as a high-performance, fast amplifier in community forums, with technical acclaim but fewer subjective sound reports.
### Padma Pre / Power Combination
Reviews highlight the Padma preamplifier (often paired with OAD power amps like Vajra or UF1) for refined, transparent sound and silent operation. Note: Direct "Padma Pre / Power Combination" reviews are sparse; impressions draw from Padma preamp and compatible OAD power amps (UF1/Vajra), emphasizing synergy in systems.
- Sound Quality: Beautifully refined, transparent, and uncolored, reducing sibilance for relaxed listening; enhances individual sounds, background details, and instrument separation (e.g., piano resistance/feedback). Paired power amps (e.g., Vajra) deliver flawless, silent dynamics with total black backgrounds, perfect musical tension, and gorgeous resonances. Systems show vast 3D soundstages, pinpoint imaging, noise-free backgrounds, tonal neutrality, and dynamic authority.
- Build Quality: Premium interaction with well-considered design, amazing volume control, and overbuilt power supplies (e.g., ultra-low noise regulators, massive smoothing caps in related phono stages). Vajra/Padma integration includes remote syncing and robust protection (soft-clip, over-current).
- Reliability: Utterly silent with no hum, noise, or turn-on sounds; high protection thresholds unlikely to trigger normally. No reliability issues reported.
- Strengths: Black noise floor enabling explosive dynamics and realism (e.g., breathy sax, full trumpet, natural violin texture); future-proof gain/flexibility; superior to competitors in transparency and bass texture.
- Weaknesses: System-level praise sometimes blurs individual contributions; minor isolated hum in one Vajra setup (not bothersome); soft-clip may reduce performance if engaged.
- Overall Reputation: Elite-tier, professional-grade with "no apparent flaws," hailed as benchmarks for silence, musicality, and build; strong enthusiast endorsement for analog/digital upgrades. Community views it as a "wow" investment for revealing full system potential.
### Price Range Breakdown
- New: $12,000 RRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price).
- Used: $5,550 (recent classified listing in Western Australia, described as a pre/power combo by designer Jon DeSensi of Music Labs).
- No other recent listings or user-reported sales appear in current data, limiting precision, but this range aligns with high-end Australian hi-fi market patterns where used gear sells at 40–50% of RRP.
### Variation by Condition
- New/mint: Commands full or near-RRP pricing due to rarity and hand-built quality in Australia.
- Used: Significantly lower (e.g., ~46% of RRP in the noted sale), reflecting typical depreciation for boutique audio gear.
### Key Factors Affecting Value
- Condition and age: Excellent condition preserves value; the listed used unit was priced low possibly due to age (listing ~1 year old).
- Rarity: Handmade by OAD Ultrafidelity in limited production, boosting demand in Australia's hi-fi scene.
- Designer reputation: Jon DeSensi's Music Labs background adds premium appeal.
- Market location: Australian listings dominate; Western Australia sale may reflect regional pricing.
- Comparables: Related OAD models (e.g., Padma preamp at $10,996, Vajra power amp at $16,499) suggest the UF1 combo's RRP fits high-end positioning, supporting used discounts.
Prices are conservative estimates based on available 2026 data; actual sales may vary with demos or bundles.
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