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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
sidekick_i
semi
649 posts
 
I would not go with Plinius based on my 9200 integrated experience, sound was not transparent and extended enough for me.

I have never owned a BAT SS amp, so can't comment on that. Some claimed BAT SS amps do share a house sound as BAT tube amps, I seriously doubt that. I have never heard a SS amp that capture the soul of a good tube amp and I have heard many including top line Lamm, Ayre, Plinius, Levinson, etc.
ryder
1,746 posts
 
I echo Semi's thoughts on the Plinius. It depends on system matching as always. Plinius sound great with Dynaudios but can be too warm and shut-in with Sonus Fabers. I have used the SA100Mk3 to drive lower range Sonus Fabers and the result is not good with undefined bass, muddled midrange and rolled-off highs. The newer range Memento may not be as warm and colored but still I would advise caution against the use of Plinius amps with Sonus Faber speakers.

Pathos Logos is a pretty engaging hybrid amp. One of my friends owned the amp for a while and eventually sold it off as it didn't give him the PRaT and excitement he was looking for. For what you seek you might want to look at Naims. There are quite a few Sonus Faber users who used Naim amps on the speakers with excellent results. A 282/250 might be worthy of consideration.
sidekick_i's avatar
sidekick_i OP
59 posts
 
Another contender is the Accuphase A60 power amp.

Any experiences?

Thanks.
jprice
50 posts
 


Believe it or not, I have experienced extremely good results using a plain-old integrated amp with my Mementos - well, maybe not so "plain-old" but an integrated never-the-less.

I'm using a McIntosh MA-7000 and I think the results are phenomenal. I have (current) Spectral separates on another system, I've tried them on the Mementos and I really like the MA-7000 just as well.

I also use a McIntosh MCD500 player and I think the combination is wonderful
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