@mesch Sorry I got really busy last week and couldn't visit Jim. Will probably setup an appointment later this week or next. I'll definitely share my experience, although it's kinda hard to determine how they would sound with my speakers, in my room.
Integrated amp suggestion for Sonus Faber Olympica 2
I recently acquired a used pair of SF Olympica 2s. The speakers are currently driven by Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II and placed in the media room which is roughly 20 x 15, carpeted, no windows. Although, I enjoy the sound quality overall, I get this nagging feeling that perhaps the Cronus Magnum (100 w) is not providing enough juice to drive the speakers well. The soundstage width and depth are not as good as I thought they would be, and I can sense that the amp is not able to drive the woofers to their full potential. BTW, I swapped to 4 ohm taps, and while it did result in an improvement, it’s still not enough.
I know this because I’ve heard the same speakers at a dealer and a friend’s house driven by more powerful amps, Audio Research and Pass Labs respectively. And yes, I understand the room plays a big part but even then I think good upstream amplification makes a big difference for these speakers.
Ive been searching the internet but it seems most suggestions are specific to Olympica 3, which is not considered an easy load by any means. I’m not sure how the 2’s compare with respect to power requirements -- are they more or less demanding than the 3’s? I would love to hear from folks who either own O2s or have heard it driven by good electronics that can make the speakers shine.
I’ve been told that SS is the way to go with these speakers. But truth be told, it will be hard to give up the tube qualities that I love -- air, instrument separation, three dimensional, holographic sound and heft. From what I gather, if I want the same qualities in SS, I have to spend major bucks. My max is around $5k, preferably used to get the best value.
I have been considering McIntosh MA352 (used) given that they are a hybrid design. Would love to hear from someone who has paired the O2s with this particular amp. Of course, I’m open to other options, SS or tubes, if they are able to drive the olympica’s to their full potential and still check all the sound quality boxes that are important to me. My budget is $5k used. Thank you.
I know this because I’ve heard the same speakers at a dealer and a friend’s house driven by more powerful amps, Audio Research and Pass Labs respectively. And yes, I understand the room plays a big part but even then I think good upstream amplification makes a big difference for these speakers.
Ive been searching the internet but it seems most suggestions are specific to Olympica 3, which is not considered an easy load by any means. I’m not sure how the 2’s compare with respect to power requirements -- are they more or less demanding than the 3’s? I would love to hear from folks who either own O2s or have heard it driven by good electronics that can make the speakers shine.
I’ve been told that SS is the way to go with these speakers. But truth be told, it will be hard to give up the tube qualities that I love -- air, instrument separation, three dimensional, holographic sound and heft. From what I gather, if I want the same qualities in SS, I have to spend major bucks. My max is around $5k, preferably used to get the best value.
I have been considering McIntosh MA352 (used) given that they are a hybrid design. Would love to hear from someone who has paired the O2s with this particular amp. Of course, I’m open to other options, SS or tubes, if they are able to drive the olympica’s to their full potential and still check all the sound quality boxes that are important to me. My budget is $5k used. Thank you.
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- 19 posts total
- 19 posts total