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High end high quality int. amp for low level listening

Hello to all Audigon members.  I'm quite in a dilemma weather I should upgrade my amplifier. Currently I own Pathos classic one MK3 driving Sonus Faber Sonetto's speakers, and I must say I'm very happy with sound filling my 35 square meters room. However, it's known that the speakers are power hungry as they rated at 86db sensitivity and 4 ohm impedance and I think they will surely benefit from a bigger power supply. With all that being said I'm not sure if I will hear any improvement mostly because 90% of the time I listen at ~60dBs SPL. My budget is around 5k $ and these are the amplifiers I've been considering:  Hegel H390, Anthem STR, Cambridge Audio Edge A, McIntosh MA5300/MA252, Accuphase e280, Rotel Michi x3 or used Pass Labs INT 25, Mark Levinson 5805.

What do you think guys, will any of the amplifiers make ay difference at 60dB SPL ? 
celestial__sound
celestial__sound OP
102 posts
 
Why give up the tube preamp section on the Pathos? If you are very happy with the sound that you have now I doubt going solid state will be better. Save your money instead of making a side step or backwards move! BTW, that Pathos is rated at 130 watts at 4 ohms so it is plenty powerful with the speakers that you are using!
@yogiboy Yes, you are right. I'm very happy with the pathos and I have plenty of headroom as I'm not listening to high SPLs. However, I was under impression that I may get better sound quality (resolution, soundstage size, imagining focus etc) If I upgrade to a more powerful amplifier event at low listening levels. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,829 posts
 
You stated that 90% of the time you listen at a low 60 dbs spl. You will be payin’ for watts that you will never use. But if you want to make a change that’s up to you. Personally I think you would be just spinnin’ your wheels. That’s my honest opinion. But hey what the hell do I know?
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
The power amp is SS and doubles down on the watts. I think that side is good. Out of curiosity have you rolled the pre amp valves or changed the PC. I was surprised at low listening what a PC can change. Is it a lot? Enough to notice the difference.

Valves that is a given.. They can change the quality of any listening experience. Some break up at higher volume before others BUT play VERY clean at low volumes.. It's worth a try before an amp swap and a by guess and by God, venture. You're happy now, with just a little room treatment, a slight valve refinement.. ???? What ya think?

Good news, you saved a bundle..

Regards
mofojo
2,312 posts
 
I don’t think more power is going to do much for you at 60db listening levels. Now tone controls or dsp will do wonders at low levels. Even low sensitivity considered I have to believe your pathos is just loafing along at 60db. 
mofojo
2,312 posts
 
Wow just did my spl meter in my phone. 60 db is really pretty low volume. On the cheap you could try a Schiit Loki. 
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