Concept 11.0 vs 12.0D

[Yggdrasill]

Can anyone share information on the differences (technical and auditory) between these two units? I believe the 11.0 was built in Japan, the 12.0D in Korea, but beyond that I don't have any technical info. Also, I haven't heard either, so I'd appreciate thoughts from those who have.

Thanks!

Thor

[Njord Noatun]

The 11.0 (110wpc, MSRP $650) and 12.0D (120wpc, MSRP $850) were one down from TOTL and TOTL of the second and third generation Concept receivers, respectively. The models were manufactured and sold during the years 1977-80 and 1979-83, respectively. Both were manufactured to order by a subsidiary of Tandy Corp. in Japan and Korea, based on design by Pacific Stereo.

The 12.0D has an all-digital tuner (no AM) and a toroidal transformer. 11.0 has analog tuner and traditional transformer. Build quality for both is superb. Relative to the power output and on a dollar per watt basis, both amps seem to represent pretty good value in the market place. I have not owned either model, and cannot speak for the sound characteristics of the two or compare them, but would love to own them both.

There are members here who own both, so hopefully they will chime in before long.

The owner's manuals and schematics for both amps, as well as a ton of other material on the Concept line incl. designer interviews, can be found in the databases linked to from my signature.

[SoCal Sam]

I second NN's opinion, both the 11.0 and 12.0D are great sounding receivers. I own both and I consider them to be the best sounding mid powered receivers around. In fact, they sound better than a lot of Monsters in my collection, which I shall not name. Of the two, I prefer the 12.0D because IMO, the toroid gives a slightly smoother sound. I also like the FM only digital tuner because it is a true synthesized and the presets are kept by a secondary transformer and not leaky batteries. Don't get me wrong, the 11.0 is a damn fine receiver on its own and I'm just as happy listening to it.

[Susurus]

I don't understand 'true synthesized' tuner.

We all have preferences; Richard Schram said he prefered the analog models in that interview.

Best analog tuner in my house is in either the Concept 16.5 or the Kenwood KR-8010.

Haven't fixed the Yammi T-7 yet, but its specs are even better.

Old gear? Yeah... :D

Susurus

[SoCal Sam]

I don't understand 'true synthesized' tuner.

We all have preferences; Richard Schram said he prefered the analog models in that interview.

Best analog tuner in my house is in either the Concept 16.5 or the Kenwood KR-8010.

Haven't fixed the Yammi T-7 yet, but its specs are even better.

Old gear? Yeah... :D

Susurus

Unlike the R-2000, which has an analog front end, the 12.0D is completely digital. The R-2000 drifts like crazy and is slow to lock onto stations while the 12.0D tuner is as fast as modern tuners. I'm not well versed on the technical workings but I do know the 12.0D tuner works very well.

[torrus]

I'm with Sam - have both receivers in the house, but I'm listening to the 12.0D and my son has the 11.0...they do sound great!