Sonus Fabre are considered a warmer speaker so I’ll bet a top neutral amp would pair well. The Boulder 866 is exceptional. Good luck in your search !
Best amp for Sonus Faber
Which integrated amp do you believe is the best match for Sonus Faber Olympica Nova (and why)?
Currently using Luxman 509Z - and have just bought Olympica Nova III.
I’ve heard a lot of different views: Hegel, Accuphase, McIntosh etc
Keen to hear thoughts and experiences - and any which a big mismatches too!
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- 28 posts total
I've always liked the Luxman/Sonus Faber combo. Your 509Z is actually the first one that comes to mind since in my opinion it is a little more punchy or full bodied than some of the others. Especially the tube designs. As someone said above I think you might have a hard time beating what you already have. |
Plenty of advice above my post. Mostly from people who do not own a Sonus speaker. We own the Stradivari speakers. We are a manufacturer of audio components and a repair facility so we have heard so many amplifiers on these speakers. If you are looking for an integrated amplifier I would start with the Line Magnetics. It has great transformers which is where the music starts. Recently we have heard the Niagara mono blocks and an older VAC Ren 30/30 300B. The VAC stereo amp made for a most enjoyable listening experience. The Niagara had a little more heft/weight to the sound but the VAC was simply more enjoyable. Happy Listening. |
@stephenwerner Statements like: "Luxman produces a very shiny sound... being treble forward", "MacIntosh produces a very heavy midrange and bass but is light on the details" and takes like "warmer", "richer", tonal balance", etc. are all personal opinion (i.e. what somebody else's ears hear ... or think they do, anyway), some of which MY ears couldn't disagree with more. Do some critical listening when you start shopping and trust YOUR ears! All I can bring to this discussion is what I've experienced in critical listening sessions and what MY (and a friend's) ears were impressed with. A friend and I spent about an hour & a half with a McIntosh MA7200 (can't remember if it was equipped with the DA1 or DA2 DAC) and a pair of SF Olympica Nova floor standers (think they were the 5s but can't remember) listening to a mix of music (i.e. rock; classical; jazz) streamed through Qobuz. Both my friend and I thought that pairing or matching was nothing short of outstanding! I've also spent oodles of critical listening time with Luxman and McIntosh amps and have always found these to be outstanding power sources when properly paired or matched with the appropriate playmates. Many trade publications indicate that McIntosh and SF are particularly well suited to one another in this regard. Perhaps this is why McIntosh acquired SF? Based solely upon reviews, specs and what I've read, I'm all but certain that amps like Accuphase, Hegel, Burmeister, Gryphon and others would be good pairings for SF Olympica Nova, as well, in the right room, right acoustics, with the right playmates, etc. The "best match" will be what YOUR ears like. I think the best advice here is what kofibaffour offers. Given what you are contemplating spending, accept nothing less than the biggest "WOW" factor. Good Luck! |
Depending on what your favorite local dealer carries in no particular order: Conrad Johnson, Audio Research, VAC would all be first on my list for your speakers. Your Luxman would be on my short list for solid state. If you want to try class D you might try the high end Marantz Model 10 or if you can find one, it's predecessor the PM10. |
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