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Cary 805 questions; with Sonus Faber Amati Homage speakers

I just bought a pair of Sonus Faber Amati Homage speakers (92 dB efficient but some impedance dips in bass and treble). Looking for a good tube amplifier. I use a Thor TA-1000 preamp and listen to mostly vinyl (Sota Star Sapphire, Koetsu Rosewood Signature. Half jazz, the rest split between blues, classical and rock. I am quite allergic to any treble brightness but appreciate treble extension if it doesn't create fatigue. That said, I prioritize a rich, real midrange, and like a somewhat laid back stage perspective.

Stereophile described the Amati load as "The speaker is a moderately demanding load, however, as can be seen from its plots of impedance magnitude and electrical phase angle against frequency (figs.1 and 2). With a maximum of 7.8 ohms, but a value below 6 ohms in the midrange and below 4 ohms in the bass and high treble, a good 4 ohm-rated amplifier will be called for."

I appreciate any thoughts about other tube amps that might be good with the Amati's. Also I have questions about Cary 805 monos in particular because I have a chance to buy a pair locally:

1. Do the 805s have a forward presentation?
2. Do the 805 create "larger than life" images? I owned them for a short time quite a while ago and recollect that images were very big.
3. Does anyone know if they would work well with the Amatis?

thanks for any thoughts!
montaldo
montaldo OP
213 posts
 
Thanks lostbears. I am okay with the bass being a tad flabby so I don't mind using less power. My priority is avoiding any etch/brightness, and having a relatively rich balance with a weighty midrange. 

George's point about impedance mismatch was certainly true of my current amp, a VAC Renaissance 30/30 Signature. I love this amp and think it is one of the best anywhere, but with this particular speaker the treble just did not work... beaming/shouty treble in the 2500-4000 hz range. But the bass is fine for me. So I am hunting for a new amp.
montaldo OP
213 posts
 
Mac 275? Is that the likely suspect? If so I've heard mixed things about certain versions... any special version you would recommend?
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,082 posts
 
Depending on budget, perhaps consider the Jadis line...the JA80mk2 or the JA200mk2. I utilize the smaller JA30mk2 with my SFGH’s and I think it is a superb match.
montaldo OP
213 posts
 
I used to have ja-30...  They are fantastic. Thanks for the idea.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Does the math ever not manifest in overall presentation? Is this really an open and shut case?
The math and the measurements are primary feature in the design of any amp, then the designer listens to his creation. And if not happy, they go back and change things in the design, but never without math and measure again and listen again.
If math and measurements were not considered in the design of an amp, I suggest you give that amp a very wide berth, like you would with any voodoo.

Cheers George  
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