Totem Hawks/Forests - Upstream Components

So first off, I think given the price range of the other components you're looking at, that you should stick with the forests. If it came down to cash, I think the plinius 9200 would leave you the extra scratch for the difference between the hawks and forests.

That being said, here are my impressions:

1. Pathos Logos USED for $3600. Hybrid Integrated with SS Power Amp at 110 Watts into 8 Ohms, 220 Watts into 4 Ohms

Have to say that I loved this unit when I heard it with some Proacs, and I surmise it would voice very well with the Forests. It may not have the power reserves of the 9200, but I think it wouldn't sound lean. It's a beautiful thing and has a pretty great midrange.

2. BAT VK-3i USED for $1500. Will need to decide a good power AMP that I can get for $2000 - $2500 (New/Used)

If you mated this with something like a Bat VK-500 I think you'd be pretty happy. You'd have more than enough power, a very neutral revealing system, but of course you'd need one more set of ICs and another PC.

3. New Audio Research SP 16 (No Phono) for $1800. Will need to decide a good power AMP that I can get for $2000 - $2500 (New/Used).

Can't comment on this unit since I've not heard it, but there are a number of ARC lovers (and haters) on audiogon so maybe post just about that unit if you're curious.

Also, as I mentioned before, I would consider the YBA Passion Integre, which is fantastic. I would trust your ears and play around. I suspect you'd be happy with the Plinius and save some money for other upgrades, as well as some space. If not, I think either the Logos or Bat combo would be amazing. I think the Pathos gear has something of an inflated cost because of the look, but that's important to some (me). Have fun.

-matt

Matt,

Thanks for patiently answering all my question. I appreciate it.

Grakesh

Garkesh,
I guess you're realy undefined with your budget for the amplifier.

In this case don't rush-sh-sh!! Take it EASY especially before spending near $4k on Italian product which dictates paying more for less.

Stick with Plinius 9200 or Krell KAV300i. You will not regret what they can do with Hawks for sure even versus Pathos.

Marakanetz,

Thanks for the guidance you provided. I agree with you. May Be I really need to cross check with what Plinius 9200 can do with Forests / Hawks.

Mimberman (Matt), Marakanetz & All: How does Plinius 9200 compare against Pathos Logos in-terms of system synergy with Forests ? Just wanted to let you know that my interest is in Sweet Sounding Mid-Range with good watts for HT. For instance I really liked the tube sound.

Also, I saw BAT VK-3i tube pre-amp for $1500 and BAT VT-500 SS Power-Amp for $2500 which will be slightly above my budget. How does this compare with Plinius 9200 for Forests ?

Thanks
Grakesh

So I've never heard the combo of the VK-3i and VT-500 with the forests, but I like BAT gear and I think it would sound pretty great. I've heard the Pathos gear and very much liked the Logos (I actually didn't love the inpol2, but I think the unit I heard had problems, i.e. transformer hum) but still think the Plinius is the best buy. The Logos is beautiful looking, and has a great midrange, but I think you pay a huge premium for design and brand cache. I think the Plinius fills all your requirements, including a lush midrange, and you can always sell it with little to no loss if it didn't float your boat. I ended up spending rougly 4 times the pri9ce of a used plinius to better the sound. I don't think it would have bene easy to do it any other way, so I say go for the plinius, and use the left over money in other parts of your system.