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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
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
jmleonard400 OP
24 posts
 
Thanks Rich

The Bryston (either the B-60 or B-100 if I can stretch the budget a little) sound like great options. Are these rare on A-gon or no?

Joe
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
The 5.0s are great speakers- I have run them in a room larger than yours with 10wpc. I also had the 6.0s for a while.

They did make a SM-2a3 for 2a3s and 300bs but in all honesty is want that good- it wasnt efficient enough.

A am very big fan of tubes, however- this is one speaker that you could go SS with. It is resolving but also one of the most laid back speakers I have ever heard. Bright is not the word for these. I almost worry that an el34 might be a little buttery for them.

If you really want to get crazy, try a pair or quad of the little Trends TA 10.1s. ($150 ea) I REALLY get excited about that potential pairing- you could even start with a single one at very little cost and then add more if you like.

Sophia Baby is another option- it has a sparkling top end which is really what I think you should be after.

Anything run in class A would be awesome too. The Monarchy's mentioned earlier would probably be really sweet.

However- as crazy as it sounds- I would actually try the trends. Having two on each speaker would be really cool- and I bet the synergy would be incredible.

Run a search if you are not familiar with them.
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
Joe- you could only use two of those little Trends. I'm not sure what I was thinking. The unit is technically already bridged due to the way the chip works. Even two would be awesome. At least give them a google.
jmleonard400 OP
24 posts
 
Hey everyone,

I ended up going for the Bryston B-60, and am very satisfied with my decision. In comparison to the Teac A-1D I was previously powering the 5.0s with the Bryston has a significantly lower noise floor, focuses the image better, and has more control of the low end - just to name a few improvements.

My better half was questioning the value of upgrading the amp, so I set up a blind listening test, and she picked the Bryston as the one that sounded better every one of 6 trials. That seemed to convince her haha!

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Cheers,

Joe
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