2. amps-preamps
  3. 130076-3022

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. 
nightfall
djfst
169 posts
 
Sorry for the confusion - It is the stereo Signature 200 iQ that I used with the Sonus Fabers and I felt it handled them with ease.  I moved from a Primaluna HP amp and the 200iq was a significant jump.  Everything came into focus and the bass improved significantly.  

That now makes sense about the current version 300.1a  beating the lower priced 200iq.  I thought you were referring to the older 300 model that is listed on audiogon.   It would seem strange that Kevin and Brent would give different information, but Kevin told me the power output of the 200iq would hand the Olympicas fine.   It may also have to do with the quality of the wattage.  The VACs put out a lot of power, but it is quality continuos power - Kevin gets a lot out of his amps.  Happy to help and keep me posted.  I understand being burned before on your prior purchase - I feel for you.   Kevin is one of the most honest and nicest guys in the business and can't believe he will steer you wrong.
djfst
169 posts
 
Also - I always use the 8 ohm taps for the Sonus Fabers (both the Olympicas and Elipsa), though they are rated at 4ohms.  Definitely performed best on the 8 ohm taps for both the Primaluna and VAC amp.

Did you ever look at the impedance curve for the Olympica III?  Here is the link:  http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1285:nrc-measu...

They only dip into the 2ohm territory very briefly and stay at or above 4 ohms most of the time.   At 91db,  I didn't think they were extremely challenging to drive well, compared to some other SF models like the Amati Futura and other homage models as well as other manufacturers speakers.  
nightfall OP
188 posts
 
Thanks for the tip on the 8 ohm taps. I would not have expected that. Another reason why it's good to experiment on what might work best. By the way, what preamp were you using with the Olympica III's and the 200IQ?

Very eager to call VAC tomorrow to get clarification, and answers to some key questions. After that, I think I will know where I stand, and what to do. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
They only dip into the 2ohm territory very briefly 
Yeah but it spans between 70hz and 150hz right in the power region for bass, and you'll get a big dip in power there if the amp can't give the current into it. especially from an 8ohm tap.
This is a more telling graph.
https://ibb.co/hoYNyF

Cheers George

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
They only dip into the 2ohm territory very briefly
Yeah but this dip spans between 70hz to 150hz, the power region for bass, if the amp can't deliver current into it, you'll get a big dip in power in that region, especially from an 8ohm tap.
https://ibb.co/hoYNyF

Cheers George  
More to discover