Which Super Integrated Amp to drive planars?

Here's something different for you; take a look at the twin Pathos Classic One MkIII tube hybrid integrateds that I'm using. 270w into four ohms bridged, super-clean signal path as you run directly from source into the integrateds. You lose a preamp and one set of IC's, but you gain mono block operation for channel separation and power with a tube pre stage and SS output stage.

I have been using this set up with the LFT-8B's for months, and it is a superb combination! In fact, I used these amps in the review I did for these speakers. see link:

http://www.dagogo.com/EminentTech-LFT-8b.html

http://www.dagogo.com/PathosClassicOneMkIII.html

They're Class A in bridged mode, and you won't spend a ton on tubes! They have one set of balanced inputs, and three or four single ended. Last I looked they were $5,500/pair. I have found them very competitive with pre/amp separates up to $10k.

There was a guy I sold my MkII units to as I was upgrading to the MkIII's. He had Boulder separates, and he tried the Pathi. When speaking with him after they arrived, he was quite surprised at the quality of the sound compared to the Boulder separates. But the MkIII's are much better.

On top of all that, they look seriously sweet too! It is an unusual set up, but I have superb results with it.

Which spkrs are you driving? It helps to know -- otherwise, how can one recommend a specific amp?

My speakers are Eminent Technology LFT 8B.

03-14-08: Douglas_schroeder
Here's something different for you; take a look at the twin Pathos Classic One MkIII tube hybrid integrateds that I'm using. 270w into four ohms bridged, super-clean signal path as you run directly from source into the integrateds. You lose a preamp and one set of IC's, but you gain mono block operation for channel separation and power with a tube pre stage and SS output stage.

Wow Doug, that is something different. Thanks for the insight. Does this mean you have two volume controls to set each time?

Kiwi, Ah, I got your attention, did I? It is a most unusual, and excellent performing set up! I like trying alternative methods as they sometimes yield wonderful results.

If the two units are within three feet or so of each other you will have no issues with running them in lockstep via the remote control. It is uncanny how perfectly the two work in synchony, almost like there is a physical link between them.

Other good aspects include the availability of running one stereo if some other component in a diffeent system craps out. You also have a second remote handy in case the first dies. And the fantastic looks! (If I said that before, it's worth repeating!) :)

I also use the Pathi with Legacy Audio Focus HD's, which are 96dB sensitivity, and that also is a fantastic sounding combo.

I would love it if more manufacturers produced integrateds which were switchable to mono block. Since this integrated is designed well enough to be run as a mono block amp the results are impressive. From my experience the benefit of losing an additonal component and set of IC's allows for this more modest integrated to perform at a higher level than expected. In my opinion it is the best of separates and integrateds, with virtually no downside. You even get the potential to tube roll at a very minimal cost!

I guess I accidentally put a double link for the LFT-8B above; meant to put the link to the twin Pathos amps article there. Here it is:

http://www.dagogo.com/PathosClassicOneMkIII.html