Thinking Hybrid Integrated.

@astolfor ​​​​@meloman69 @cantorgale 

So any of you hear about Pathos Heritage MkII (Q1 2024)?

I love kinda off the cuff integrated amps (own the Technics SU-R100). I wanted to foray into tube land and am demoing two Canor Virtus i2's in mono, but now hearing about the Pathos Heritage MKII I feel like maybe the Pathos is a better way to go.

All things being equal, the Canor I'm paying for two chassis and the integrated amp parts of a second unit I'm not using. As much as I love my SU-R1000 I feel like another gorgeous intergrated amp sporting less common circuitry in a hybrid tube fashion might be the way to go.

Any thoughts... Should I avoid Pathos, or get a second Integrated amp that's on the other end of the spectrum of the SU-R1000.

My Heritage is in Italy now for the MKII upgrade.  This is Pathos to me on the mod:

“The InPoL2 MkII and the InPoL Legacy have an improved circuitry, so we introduced it in the Heritage as well; we replaced also some components with higher quality ones. The power remains the same and so the aesthetic design, but the performances have improved with a better dynamic. 
The unit will be longer than the old one, it will be provided with new VU meters and WBT speaker terminals.”

As to @astolfor’s comment re VU meter issues, I too had mine repaired. Apparently Pathos recognized the problem as the MKII will have different VU meters.  As to sound, I have gone from BHK 300’s and D’Agostino Progressive integrated and cannot imagine going back to either or SS in general.  However during that time I also transitioned from Focal Kanta IIIs and Rockport Atria ii’s to Tannoy Kensington GRs. As my preferences have clearly evolved toward a very different sound, I am perfectly content to stay with the Pathos/Tannoy and look forward to the MKII. 

+ for Modwright.  No experience with Dan’s amps but he tube modded my OPPO Sonica DAC years ago. Does great work.  Stand up guy. 

@cantorgale thanks for the information regarding the Heritage MK2 upgrade. I have one on order now and am getting excited.

As for the stock tubes, have you done anything or know of anyone using different tubes in the Heritage?

I just bought a BAT VK3500 from MusicDirect. I scored an open box, but they are on sale for $9K if you are in the USA.

Very happy - if you have any interest check my virtual system - I'm moving from all tube, details are there - not updated with the BAT yet as I have 60 days to return it but I doubt that will happen.