http://img211.imageshack.us/my.php?image=solen16mk.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=solen3lx.jpg

If this is the unit, it LOOKS like it will be a quite decent performer, but the Pre's PS (Power Supply) is a bit too close to the power PS, IMHO,as they say. (a 'potential' field integration issue causing it's own form of distortion) If there is an internal metal plate separating the two transformers from their individual influences on one another, that would be a good thing.

If the tubes inside have not been attended to in a long time, this would be a good time to consider getting a new set and installing them.

Other than that, it looks good.

As for using the MP3, it going to be 'major suck', unless you are using high rez lossless files.

You are going to need a 'mini-plug' to 'stereo RCA' adapter cable. They are about, and you should be able to skip into just about any electronics store to get a cheap cable to check out the possibilities.

As an initial starting point, set the mini player's volume to the 70% point, and use the volume on the tiger amplifier to adjust the volume.

It's a swiss hybrid amplifier with tube (2 ECC 83 tubes) pre-amplification and main-amplification with MosFets.

Power output: 50 W/8 ohm,
Frequency-response: 500 kHz (-3 dB), 5 Hz-60 kHz (0 dB)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0,04%/1 W/1kHz, 0,7%/40W/1 kHz
Noise/hume: -81dBa (rms)
Damping factor: 70, at 20 kHz/10W: 60
Dimensions: 375x220x110 mm.
Weight: 6.5 kg.
Price (in 1990):

Yep

I have an Ensemble Tiger in my collection and I'll never get rid of it. It's wonderfully musical and delicate sounding. Not the most monstrous bass but reasonable. It had a beautiful outboard phono section available that used the power supply from the Tiger via an umbilical.

Because of it's transparency, compressed MP-3s are probably not a good idea, unless they are lossless. And it likes decently sensitive speakers (at least 88dB) and flat 8 ohms. All that and it sounds fantastic. Happy listening!

Quote:
I recently have acquired a tiger ensemble amp, I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it?

It was an excellent amplifier in its day, Greg. Stereophile reviewed the Tiger in May 1991. I'll post that review in our free on-line archives in the next few weeks.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

Quote:
Hey, I recently have acquired a tiger ensemble amp, I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about it?

Guy Lemcoe's 1991 review is now available here.

I am a proud Ensemble Tiger owner.  I've had mine since they were first introduced and still love it.   I use it more as a power amp.  I have a passive preamp and run the output of that into the CD jack on the Tiger.  I just keep the Tiger's volume cranked all the way up and make my adjustments on the passive preamp.   This was/is my attempt to keep the signal path as simple as I can.

Would love to hear from other Tiger owners if there are any still here.

Steve Silberman