Amp for Sophia-2

[SergeiK]

Well, is seems that I have just grown enough to be authorized for posting new threads. Thanks!

Ok, at present I'm considering adequate set of amps for Sophia 2 that should be just about the right choice for my listening room.

Dim's are 19" x 11" ft , ceiling 9", speakers free placement.

At present following amps are considered:

1) Pass Labs XP-20 & ХА60.5

2) Pass Labs XP-20 & Х350.5

3) BAT VK-52 SE & BAT VK-600

4) Lamm M 1.2 Ref & L2 Ref

5) Dartzeel NHB108 & NS18

Preamp can be replaced with something esle but power amp is something I'd like to get and forget about upgrades as long as I'm on Sophia 2.

So, I would wonder if anyone has experience of using some of the above listed and may be doing comparisoms to each other and can share the thoughts.

The budget for power amp is $15K and I do not mind going ex-demo or slightly used. No need to mension that extra $ paid for something Sophia 2 will never notice is not the way to go.

Music styles are jazz, rock, voice, great orchestra, piano.

Would appreciate your input as it's most likely the purchase would have to be done blind.

...Did have a listen to Dartzeel 108 & Sacha and got really impressed!

[Cellindo]

If you don't mind tubes, then take a used ARC REF 5 (not the new SE, being the previous version it should be relatively 'cheap') and partner it with the Passlabs XA60.5.
This combination is stunning, even giving excellent results on the Sasha. So, with the Sophia 2, this can only be better because of the benign speaker impedance...

[SergeiK]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

If you don't mind tubes, then take a used ARC REF 5 (not the new SE, being the previous version it should be relatively 'cheap') and partner it with the Passlabs XA60.5.
This combination is stunning, even giving excellent results on the Sasha. So, with the Sophia 2, this can only be better because of the benign speaker impedance...

Thanks. Have read lots of positive info about that pre-amp and it can be the one.

At present I'm more interested in getting a power amp since I also use Puccini and will be able to survive without a pre amp for some time.

X350.5 is available immediately while XA60.5 is 2-3 month away after pre-order

[chessman]

SergeiK, I run a BAT VK-52SE preamp and a "dual mono" BAT VK-600SE with my Wilson Sophia 2's and it is a match made in heaven! I also use a BAT VK-5DSE tube CD player which brought it up even more. Limitless power so always an easy feel to the music, liquid, organic, "you are there" feeling with the speakers disappearing. I cannot recommend this pairing highly enough.

[Franklmu]

Sophia1-2-3 are very easy to drive, and sound so good with almost all amps . With my previous pair, i had make a try with a cayin 500...the result was gorgeous !

A plug and play WA , and for that big congrats to WA team

Frank

[Cellindo]

I don't agree to run the Puccini directly into the amp XLR inputs. By pure curiosity, I've tried that solution a few times with different cables. The end result is always the same...: the bass is too shy and not 'coherent' with the rest of the audio spectrum.
I discourage you to do that otherwise you may think this is the amp or amp + speaker combination which don't work properly.
The dCS is a truly remarkable CD player, when used with a good preamp. ;-)

[SergeiK]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

I don't agree to run the Puccini directly into the amp XLR inputs. By pure curiosity, I've tried that solution a few times with different cables. The end result is always the same...: the bass is too shy and not 'coherent' with the rest of the audio spectrum.
I discourage you to do that otherwise you may think this is the amp or amp + speaker combination which don't work properly.
The dCS is a truly remarkable CD player, when used with a good preamp. ;-)

Thanks for input. I'm not saying that there is no point in using preamp with Puccini but with no preamp I'm still able to listen to the music for the time being while it's simply not possible without power amp.

In fact I still have preamp ATC SCA2 that is being used with active spreakers. Planning to sell it away but might as well wish to keep till replacement has been found.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by SergeiK

At present following amps are considered:

1) Pass Labs XP-20 & ХА60.5

2) Pass Labs XP-20 & Х350.5

3) BAT VK-52 SE & BAT VK-600

4) Lamm M 1.2 Ref & L2 Ref

5) Dartzeel NHB108 & NS18

...Did have a listed to Dartzeel 108 & Sacha and got really impressed!

Here is the order I would go, but others will have valid reasons why they would suggest a different sequence.

1) Dartzeel NHB108 & NS1
2) Pass Labs XP-20 & Х350.5
3) Pass Labs XP-20 & ХА60.5
4) BAT VK-52 SE & BAT VK-600
5) Lamm M 1.2 Ref & L2 Ref

Jim

[Cellindo]

Originally Posted by SergeiK

In fact I still have preamp ATC SCA2 that is being used with active spreakers. Planning to sell it away but might as well wish to keep till replacement has been found.

Dear SergeiK, keeping the ATC SCA2 for a while with a new power amp seems a pretty wise idea This should be the way to go, IMHO.

Pure Class A amplifier with WA speakers is a bliss

[thesaint519]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

Pure Class A amplifier with WA speakers is a bliss

So true!!