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Tube or SS for Sonus Faber Amati Homage

I just acquired a pair of Amati Homage, much more efficient than my previous speakers. I have a Pass X-350 which will drive just about anything, but I actually like the "distortion" of tubes and would love to own tubes again. How much power is needed to drive the Amati? Dealer told me Amati works better with SS because Sonus Faber usually underdamps bass and needs SS to control the low end. I also heard Amati makes best sound with single ended like BAT VK-75SE or Nagra? Who is right and what do you use?

I have a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE, I am inclined to use Power 2 or Power 3 to get better synergy or will I be better off using something else?
davidlin
thorty40
149 posts
 
Best tube sound comes typically from the OTL type or SET (provided you have the right speakers, for either amp type). For your situation I would recommed the David Berning ZH-270 ZOTL, 70Wx2 @ 8 ohms. This is overall the best sounding amplifer I have heard to date in every regard. The match with your Sonus Faber Amati Homage would be shear joy.

As far as bass is concerned, the Berning ZH-270 has the best bass I have heard yet from any SS or Tube amp for that matter, it has bass and more bass. Incredible..... :)

The Berning is a different type of OTL which uses a radical switching type power supply and is very efficient and reliable. I highly recommend trying this amplifer with your speakers if it is at all possible, you will be more than impressed I think :)

Good Luck,
Chris
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Thorty40: Have you actually heard the combination? What other amplifiers have you heard? I haev listened to the amps and while being an exceptional value, they are not in the league with most of the top amplifiers I have heard.

With all due respect, an assumption is not really a basis for good advise.
audio999
178 posts
 
With all my respect to Chris i really agree with Jtin.
Berning ZH-270 is a good amp for the money,but not or still too far to be the best one.
thorty40
149 posts
 
Jtnn, might I suggest you contact Sonus Faber directly and ask them about this particular combination in regards to the Amati Homage, they know this amp well. I have heard many amps and speakers, which amplifers were you wondering about specifically?

My recommendation is not based upon pure assumption but rather upon personal opinion and experience. Does this mean only those who actually own the Amati and experimented with nearly every tube and SS amp in their own home may provide opinions here? Well, I think thats fine if that was the intent but this was not expressed by the person who began this thread.

The one thing a 70W tube amp lacks is the power to drive every large full range speaker on the market(room size is also a big factor), the reason I suggested the Berning is because this individual is looking into other tube amps like the BAT and Nagra (yes, I have heard both).


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