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Sopra 2 Amp Recommendation

Hi all,
I've got the upgrade bug and I wanted to get some advice from the community. Right now I have a pair of sopra no2's, a JL Sub, and an Anthem STR Integrated. I love the Anthem room correction so I am looking to keep it as my pre-amp OR swap to the STR Pre-Amp.

My main question is what to get for a power amp? I've read some other threads and haven't come to any firm conclusions. Soundstage and punch tend to be the main things I look for. I'm hoping to stay with some of the brands that are well known and hold their value a bit better (Anthem, Pass, Macintosh, etc). I'll probably buy used and spend $6-10k. Anyone have suggestions? 

Ag insider logo xs@2xmattlathrop
vandy357
71 posts
 

@mattlathrop 

I have had my Sopra 2's for 3 years, I ran them with a BHK250 until about 2 weeks ago when I upgraded to the BHK300's.  I love the sound of this combination, in my room they just sound so natural with a mid-range that makes voices sound real to my ears, and those tweeters are absolutely sweet sounding (if that makes any sense).  I don't notice a lot of heat from the amps but they are warm to the touch.  Good luck with what ever amp you end up with.

jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
275 posts
 

@mattlathrop 

I know you want to keep your Anthem, but a used Gryphon Diablo 300 might suit you very well! It will provide a beautiful soundstage and tremendous punch. When I chose my system, it was between the Diablo and a pair of McIntosh MC6111s. (I power a pair of KEF Ref 1 Metas). I went with the 611s because they bettered the Diablo in midbass/bass, along with being warmer. However, when auditioning the Diablo, there were many jaw-dropping moments regarding bass that just made me smile and reflect on how this integrated can do this!

erik_squires
16,289 posts
 

The Parasound line is a good match. It’s warm and I think with the Focal tweets and mid presence it’s a good overall balance. Relatively affordable and IMHO less irritating to me than Pass.

Of course, I’m very much in the minority but if given a choice I am sure listening for yourself you’ll come up with strong preferences.

Some tips for your current setup:

  • Tilt the bass so it descends, and lift it 3 dB or more above your mains.
  • Try limiting the maximum frequency of the room correction to around 300-400 Hz. See if you don’t like that more.
  • If the Sopras are ported, plug them and re-run your room correction. 

Focal's floor standers tend to have a depressed impedance around the mid bass which can make them sensitive to amplifiers, so if you decide to upgrade your amp you want to go on the heavier/high current side.

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