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Virgo II owners: What amp to buy?

I currently run my Virgos with a Symphonic Line tube pre-amp and I'm looking to partner that piece with a new (or used) amp. I bought the Virgos based on a listening experience I had at a Stereophile show in Los Angeles. If I remember the Virgos were paired with a Rowland integrated. I've been trying to recreate that sound ever since (yes, I know I should have bought a Rowland integrated but unfortunately did not). I love my speakers but they can sound a bit bass shy at times and an amp that "rounds" the sound a bit and maybe adds a little warmth would be a good thing. That said I would hate to give up the soundstage and clarity the Virgo bring. Any thoughts?
glrtrgi
glrtrgi OP
69 posts
 
My budget is under $2k if possible.
jtimothya
612 posts
 
If the budget can stretch a bit, my experience suggests the Virgos work superbly with a (used) pair of CJ Premier 12 monoblocks.
gregm
3,404 posts
 
My budget is under $2k if possible
Why not consider one of the Odyssey amps? They're quite affordable new and, reportedly, their design is from the same stable as yr pre.
saltyflyguy
3 posts
 
I have Virgo IIIs and am using a recent Audiogon purchased ARC VT100MkII driven by my Bottlehead Foreplay III preamp. Best sound in my room yet. I auditioned these speakers in a NYC dealer with the BAT VK75 and what I hear now matches that.
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
I drive my Virgo IIs with a pair of KR Audio 6000 (22wpc monoblocks). I get what I feel is a tremendous sound quality, eclipsing my previous amps which were Blue Circle BC2 monos (65wpc Class A). My sense is that the virgos do benefit from a little more power that what I have, but I'd be weary of moving to more power while sacrificing the finesse and airyness I think I gained with the Kr Audios. A local dealer, who I trust, recommend moving to Audiomat stereo amplifier (35wpc I think it was). I believe new it would be $3000. That might be an option. I'd also consdier the older Pass Aleph line. I don't experince any bass shyness in my current setup. I used to have a Rel Strata II sub, used with the Virgos, but I quickly sold it because while I got more bass, the bass was unwelcome and seemed to color the music too much. I think the virgos when set up right with the right amps should not be bass shy.
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