Amplifier for Sonus Faber Extrema

Hmmmm,

Its funny since I just downgraded and I am looking for an amplifier for my Concerto's. I had the Extrema and Electa Amator 1 before.

Your price range? New or used?

You need power I assure you, thats the first thing!

I used tube for the top and SS for the bottom biamped

Audio Research Reference Pre
ARC 100 Power for the TOP
KSA200's for the Bass

NICE sound for sure, source was mostly analog!

And important note: You need a big big big big room!
It never made music in my 25 by 25 foot room for a long time! Took it to some larger home and tested it out and ended up selling them after hearing it there, it was amazing and I realised I was missing out too much, since the upgrade towards a new home or room was not possible. I sold them! If you have the room and the proper gear to accomodate, you wont need another speaker!

Krell, Pass, Audio Research, VTL, Jeff Rowland, Goldmund, Classe, you wont go wrong with any of these stuff listed and there are much more of course!

Good luck

Rapogee

If you have the opportunity to audition a pair of BEL 1001 monoblocks it will be worth your time. Als, the Theta Citadels might be a good match depending on your taste.

Best amp I ever heard with the Extremas was the big Gryphon Class A stereo amp from the late 80s/early 90s; I'd imagine their current offerings would be up to the task as well, though pricey. The above posters are right, those speakers really eat up power, give them all you can.

I agree with Mikej on his recommendation of the BELs. ONE BEL 1001 MK V alone can drive the Extremas to realistic volume levels without strain although I use a pair myself.
My earlier suggestion of the ML 20.6 was based on my listening to them at a friend's house and it was awesome.
It looks like good quality amps with high current capability should match the Extremas well.

Well, I need to chime in here. First of all, nice purchase - i think you will ultimately LOVE these. I own a pair of Guarneri Homage (with a REL sub). Clearly this is different (easirer) to drive than the extrema, but to my ear - having tried various SS amps from Ayre, Rowland and a few others - SF's work best with TUBES!!! I found out that SF uses the amazing Berning ZH270 in their refernece system, so i looked into it, and bought one - AND WILL NEVER go back to SS amps. The sound is simply astounding.

Now, I dont know if a single ZH270 would be up to driving these, but I am sure a bridged mono set would. You should at least consider the amp used by the manufacturer in their reference system....