2. amps-preamps
  3. 1210624342

Amp for Verity Audio Sarastro

Hello my friends!

Recently I acquired the Verity Audio Sarastro and although I'm very happy with my amps concerning most of their attributes I would like more power. Actually I would like a lot more power. My amps, Mcintosh MC2102 and C2200 although they are very good with 60% of the music I'm listening they lack what is needed to perform rock music at realistic SPL's. My speakers are 93 db. So I suppose 200-300W would be more than enough. On the other hand I like the natural timbre my amps produce!

So my question is: What amp do you suggest that can drive my speakers to the limits even with music like Metallica with a sweet midrange? I would like to hear the kick drum as a kick drum but not lose the immediacy the valves produce... Am I asking too much?Lets say my budget is around 20.000 $ (so LAMM hybrids are excluded, hehehe). Opinions from people who have heard Verity Audio speakers with different amps would be highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot for your answers.

Regards,

Michael
argyro
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the 2200 matched with a 352 or a 402 will do the trick
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Hello Michael,

Congrats on your purchase of the Sarastro's. I own a pair of the Parsifal Encore's, and I have heard the Sarastro's on two occasions, I am jealous.

However, it sounds as if the Sarastro's may not be your cup o' tea. No speaker is all things on all music to all people. Those that do not like the Verity sound, say it is 'too polite'. I cannot argue with this. The Verity speakers that I have heard have a glorious midrange which sets them apart from most other speakers. However, that being said, I can't really say that these are 'kick-ass' rock n' roll speakers. I would not have cared for Verity speakers 25-30 years ago, in my rock n' roller days. They suit me very nicely these days, as my tastes have changed more to jazz, folk and classical.

You may have to look for different speakers, though you will then lose the sweet midrange. Tough call, no speaker has it all, no matter how much you spend.

FWIW, I always preffered tube amps on my Verity speakers, so I guess you could look for a used pair of VTL 750 Reference amps. If 750 tube wpc doesn't do it, nothing will. Or, since they are bi-ampable, you could try some tube amps up top and a big Krell amp for the bass drivers. Input sensitivities will probably differ, so you would need to find some way to adjust for that.

Cheers,
John
oregon
818 posts
 
My vote is the Joule Heaven's Gate tube amps. A friend uses these with his Verity Parsifals. To my ears, the band is in the room!!!
Excellent timbre, the kick drum has depth and punch. Highs are sweet and clear. Midrange- ooh-la-la.
The Veritys and Joules are a dream come true.
lapierre
547 posts
 
Suggestions for the famous Mr. Arygo:

MC2301

VTL MB-750

Joule VZN 220

Or...get used pair of MC501s and new C500 preamp.
argyro OP
438 posts
 
Guys thanks a lot for your anwsers!

@Jaybo

Do you think that with a solid state Mcintosh I will retain the sweet midrange but also drive my speakers to their limits?

@jmcgrogan2

I have heard the Sarastro performing rock amazing with the LAMM monoblocks, before I purchased it. Rock solid - earth shaking kick drum. So I know this can be achieved.

Oregon and Lappiere I'll try to see if the Joule amp is represented here in Greece and see what happens.

Has any of you heard the aesthetix hybrid ATLAS ne amp together with the Calypso pre-amp?I could easily get hold of that for a listen.

In any case I wont do any fast moves cause except the impact on certain kind of music on most of the music I'm listening I'm completely satisfied!

Thanks again my friends!!!!!!!!!:)
More to discover