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plinius vs perreaux integrateds

Anyone had a chance tohear both the Plinius and Perreaux integrateds? I have heard both Plinius integrateds but I have not heard the 160e or the 200i from Perreaux. I like the plinius sound but would like more inputs, source selection on the remotek, and don't need phono. How do the amps sound different? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
84audio
84audio OP
175 posts
 
I did find some info but much of it is about older Perreaux products and I found very little about the comparison of the integrateds.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
One has to generalise as both produce a range of product. The Plinius is a transistor design and sounds like it - a little crisp, slightly wiry in the upper mids, and slight hard grain in the treble. If the Perreaux is not Mosfet (which I think it is) then it certainly sounds like it - typical Mosfet haze, softer than the Plinius, and easier on the ear, but a bit flat with a soft grain over everything. The superior PRAT of the Plinius makes it a "no contest" for me. Others find the softer, gentler, yet powerful sound of the Perreaux more to their taste.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Wow Red, it's no wonder that we missed you. Your description of the two was spot on according to my experience. The Perreaux's are warmer and smoother ( slightly veiled ) while typically displaying gobs of "power" i.e. massive bass impact. The Plinius was far more transistor sounding with a hard, glaring upper mid ( in my opinion ) but does sound more lively. Like anything else, what you like and how complimentary a piece is compared to your other components will dictate what works best. Sean
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anne_audiophile
42 posts
 
i was wondering about the same thing myself although i was comparing the separate pre and power amps. yes, perreaux uses mosfet. i arived at the same conclusions as sean and redkiwi. i found john ransley at Totally Wired ( NEW Zealand ) very helpful in this regard. he carries both lines and he also exports to other countries. you can contact him at www.totallywired.co.nz.
good luck !
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
Thanks Sean - great to have time to be here again. The Plinius comes right eventually, but it can take three months of running before it hits the sweet spot. I am not a big fan of the SA100, preferring the SA250 in its Mk IV iteration. But the SA102 is very nice. The main problem with both is they can sound sad after several years of very hot running. The 8200 and 8200P are my favourites when it comes to value. The equivalent Perreaux to the 8200 is about a third dearer I think.

Anne is right - John Ransley is great to deal with. From my experience he will stear you towards the Perreaux, but sells Plinius too.
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