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Wells Audio Majestic or a pair of Pathos Classic MKIII ?

For most of the year, I run tube separates, including a fabulous Wells Audio Commander preamp, paired with upgraded MFA M120 mono amps. During the relatively short warm season in the Pacific Northwest, I turn to a Wells Majestic Integrated, which has been upgraded by Wells. It’s a great amp and I love it almost as much as my all-tube system. My speakers are primarily Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage. I don’t play my system at high volumes and don’t listen to metal, etc., but rather to large and small scale classical, works, lots of jazz vinyl (Blue Note, Prestige, Atlantic, etc.), and some other genres- pretty much anything which doesn’t raise my blood pressure. Little to no pop even classic rock, and I’m too old to care about songs full of youthful angst. :)

But being a very visual guy and somewhat of an "Italophile" (if that’s even a word) I must say I love the looks of the Pathos and have been musing about running a pair of those in mono, instead of the Majestic. I’ve read some reviews of the Pathos and they are favorable. This is not to say that the Wells Majestic doesn’t look good- it certainly does.

Is there anyone with real-world experience who cares to comment? Calling Mr. Doug Schroeder, are you out there sir? :)

Thanks in advance.
ps
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
ps, ah, I did not see this until just this evening.

I cannot argue the dreamy aesthetic of the Pathi (twin Pathos Classic One amps; if that route is taken, I strongly suggest staying with a pair of the MkIII version). In terms of visual appeal and that unique, strong midrange presence they are quite attractive.

The Wells Audio equipment is also excellent, as can be seen in my work at Dagogo.com

To date the best amplifier I have ever handled is the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra, which review has just recently been published. Perhaps looking at the review would help you to determine whether you would like to try matching that amp to your speakers. I cannot comment on how it might match up with a Wells Audio preamp, as I have no experience in that combo, and it would be a guess. I'm not sure how ideal the combo of the higher output of the Commander and the i.V Ultra amp would be. No fault with either product, but there may be matching concerns. Perhaps it would be stunning. 

See the review at Dagogo.com to learn more about the i.V Ultra amp. Imo, it has no sonic downside, and would eliminate the "warm season" issue of tube amplification.

As to pairing gear, no one can say whether you would prefer the Pathi to the Wells pre with the Legacy i.V Ultra amp, or a dedicated DAC directly into the Majestic. 

I run the i.V Ultra amps direct from DAC and depending upon the DACs functionality, I either use software attenuation (if dedicated DAC), or the DACs volume control (if it's an integrated DAC).  

Bottom line is that I could build gorgeous systems with any of it. A key to that would be my recommendation of Iconoclast Cables, also reviewed, and as important as the components.

ps OP
740 posts
 
Thanks so much, Doug. I only posted a few hours ago, so rest assured you are "on it". :)

I can say with great certainty, that the Wells Commander makes for a lovely match with my vintage mono tube amps. I’d be very reluctant to part with those amps and likely will not. The synergy with the Commander is excellent and, as a plus, I continue to enjoy the "organic" look of glowing KT88’s or 6550’s in my darkened, dedicated listening room.

Again, I have no quibbles nor nits to pick with the Wells Majestic- the Majestic continues to sound great and has been completely reliable.  The reason for my post is that I find the Pathos visually quite appealing and your and other reviews give it (them) high marks.

I’m going to read your review of the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra shortly. Thanks again, sir.
ps OP
740 posts
 
I just read Doug's excellent, rave review of the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra.  These amps could be game-changers for some.  

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