Spearit Audio has a new CJ 125 SA for $4999. Makes a nice match w/the Sonus Speaker.
Best Tube Amp For Sonus Faber? Or Pass XA-100.5? $6-7,500 Budget, Purchasing Used.
As the title says, I have a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica III's that I am more than pleased with, for which I am trying to determine the best available amplifier, preferably tube. Of course, there are always budget limitations and my budget for this amp would be $6-7,500, and I would be buying used to maximize purchasing power.
Based on a lot of research, and quite a few auditions at brick and mortar stores, various home systems, Axpona, etc. I'm honestly not sure if there are any truly exceptional tube amplifiers available within that budget that meet my needs. These speakers need 100wpc tubed, or 200 wpc solid state, into 4 ohms to really open up and perform.
If, in the end, there are no really great tubed options, I've always heard that the Pass Labs XA-100.5's were probably the optimal choice in solid state for former tube lovers. I would also appreciate any thoughts on that option from owners.
Based on a lot of research, and quite a few auditions at brick and mortar stores, various home systems, Axpona, etc. I'm honestly not sure if there are any truly exceptional tube amplifiers available within that budget that meet my needs. These speakers need 100wpc tubed, or 200 wpc solid state, into 4 ohms to really open up and perform.
If, in the end, there are no really great tubed options, I've always heard that the Pass Labs XA-100.5's were probably the optimal choice in solid state for former tube lovers. I would also appreciate any thoughts on that option from owners.
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- 105 posts total
Would not go with the VAC Phi 300.1. Definitely go with the updated VAC Signature 200 IQ with continuous auto bias. 100+ watts and has all the bass and tightness of solid state and the midrange is fantastic. Retails for $14k but there is a like new one listed on US Audiomart. With the auto bias of the 200 IQ, you can plug in any KT88, KT120 or KT150 and change out the 6sn7 driver tubes if you want to tailor the sound. It is so user friendly and the stock tubes are wonderful though. Have owned both the Sonus Faber Olympica III and the Elipsa SE. The VAC controls the bass of the olympica which can often sound a little bloated if not having a high quality amp. If I were to go tube amp for SF, would go with the VAC 200 IQ. Plus Kevin Hayes of VAC offers the best service around. You are kind of limited with other tube amps (ARC, CJ, Zesto, etc) as the VAC is really user friendly. |
Here is the link to the VAC 200 IQ: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649357991-vac-signature-200-with-vac-iq-system-power-amplifier/ Here is a forum from a dealer on the amp as well: http://www.audioshark.org/vac-85/vac-signature-iq200-9738.html Keep us posted! |
I would go with the Pass, as the
Olympica III in the power region is around 2ohms at 100hz, a tube amp would be a gamble. https://ibb.co/hoYNyF Cheers George |
Nightfall, I've recently heard a system that had Olympica 2's paired with a pass xp-10 preamp and the xa100.5 mono's, I know you have the 3's but this was a very nice combo. Plenty of pwr with a very nice engaging midrange and too end with excellent control and no bloat whatsoever on the bottom end. The owner is a friend in our local audio club and he was a longtime tube guy for many years and he is totally satisfied with the sound,other than upgrading to the 3's someday. The Olympica's are not a easy load for a Amp I personally would stay away from tubes,just my opinion. The pass gear would be easier to sale just in case you needed to sale it,just a thought. Kenny. |
- 105 posts total