Ultimate pre/power amp for Sonus Faber Memento


Hi,

I'm on a quest for new amplification for my wonderful Sonus Faber Mementos. I'm currently using a Pathos Logos intregrated parnered with an Audio Aero Capitole CD-player. Cables are Harmonic Technology Pro-9 + Pro Silway. I do believe that the Pathos is the weak link in the chain at this point.

I'm aiming for the following:

1. A stable, trustworthy amp to hold on to for a long time (> 5-10 years).
2. Great dynamics, timbre and imaging are all things that I strive for, where I do favor midrange and treble excellence before "bass slam" as I mostly listen to sing and songwriters, small scale pop-music etc.

I'm open for either tube or transistor, even though the latter usually has an advantage when it comes to "trustworthiness" and ease of use.

The contenders so far:

1. Audio Research Ref 110 + LS26
2. BAT VK600SE + ?
3. ASR Emitter II Exclusive Version Blue
4. Mcintosh 2102 + C220

These are all more or less within the same price range (used) here in the northern parts of Europe.

I would truly appreciate additional contenders based on your experiences!

Many thanks!

/Marcus
128x128sidekick_i
You should add Plinius to your list of potential choices also as they offer at least 2-3 models which would meet all of your criteria.
There are 2 jeff roland amps I would add that are listed now:models 8t and 9t for solid state and Audiovalve Challanger 180 monoblocks;I have these on my soundlab m2 and you can run el34,6550 and kt88's.
I can strongly recommend you Jadis amplifier paired with Jadis preamp.
Preferably JA80 monoblocks and JP80MC preamplifier.
As a bonus you get great phono stage for future use.

Incredible musicality, reliability and great match with Sonus Faber.
I have had Audio Research before and it is not even close to Jadis musicality.
A Ayre amplifier will match very well with your memento. I used to drive them with a pair of Ayre MXR mono amps to great effects. In addition, the Ayre products hold their values very well as they don't change the models too often. When they have upgrades, existing owners do not have to pay too much for upgrades. If you want to upgrade your speaker cables, you may also want to consider getting the yteer (forgot how to spell it correctly) cables made by Sonus Faber for the homage series speakers including the Memento.