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Best amp under 1k for Soliloquy 5.0s

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a used pair of Soliloquy 5.0s with the matching stands. The recommended amplification of 8 to 200 watts really leaves the door wide open from low watt tubes to higher powered SS amps. If anyone has had experience with these speakers I would love to hear what they found to be the most pleasing combination.

At this point I don't have much of a preference between tubes and SS, simply because the only experience I've had with tubes has been in a Jolida 1501RC i owned a few years back. However, if possible I wouldn't mind trying monos (either tube or SS) simply because I've never owned monoblocks before and I'd like to give them a shot if it makes sense.

Just from looking around it appears that Antique Sound Labs, nOhr, Vincent, and NuForce all have monoblocks that are in this price range used, but I'm sure there are others I've missed. Are any of these options worth looking into?

Almost all of my listening is done streamed from an Apple Macbook Pro. My listening room is 14' b 20'

Thanks in advance,

Joe
jmleonard400
ssglx
203 posts
 
Great choice in speakers. I've had mine for several years. No real desire to change. I've run them very happily with an Audio Refinement Complete (50 watts/ch). Never clipped the amp, but goes quite loud. I still have the complete, but am currently running them with a Monarchy SM-70 Pro amp. Only 24 watts, but the sound is quite nice.

A little tip about the 5.0's. If you decide they sound a little thin or sterile bolted to the factory stands, lift them off the energy sucking pads and decouple with some vibrapods (what I use), or couple directly with some cones such as made by audiopoints.

Lots of experience here.

Chris
tweak1
3,673 posts
 
Go solid state with something like a BVaudio PA 300Si. No longer made, but very reliable- dual mono design with 2 300VA torroids! Tube warmth midrange with solid state bass
soix
9,630 posts
 
When I visited the factory (back when they had a factory), among others they were using Art Audio on the tube side and Sim Audio on the SS side to voice the speakers. These might be two to explore. Personally I wouldn't bend over backwards just to try mono blocks, especially in your price range - just use whatever sounds best.

That said, I've used a McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev. A with 5.3s and now with 6.2s and am very happy with the combination. Congrats on your purchase and best of luck.
mf2
24 posts
 
I don't have much experience with the 5.0, but I own a pair of 5.3 which I really enjoyed with a Cayin TA-30. I did try a few SS options, the favorite of those being a SimAudio Moon i-3, but I kept going back to tubes. In your price range, I would recommend the Cayin or the similar PrimaLuna ProLogue series.

If you're set on using mono amplifiers, used Quicksilver Mini-Mites are available well under your price target.

Good luck!
rbirke
144 posts
 
I had a pair of 5.0's and ran them with a Bryston B-60 integrated. It was awesome.

I sold the system because I moved cross-country and started over with a much bigger rig, but even though my current system is worth more than 10 times what the B60/5.0 is worth, I can't say that I get much more enjoyment.

So....if you can find a used B-60 out there, you won't be disappointed.

Rich
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