If... a guy was going to buy Sophia 3's what integrated would you choose???

[soundslikemusic]

Originally Posted by NoahG

Did you try the ARC vsi60?

The dealer did not have this vsi60 on hand so i couldnt try it.

[NoahG]

Originally Posted by soundslikemusic

The dealer did not have this vsi60 on hand so i couldnt try it.

That's too bad.

I think it would be a great combo.

Happy Holidays.

[soundslikemusic]

Originally Posted by NoahG

That's too bad.

I think it would be a great combo.

Happy Holidays.

I heard some ARC separates at the Show a few weeks ago. VS115 and the matching pre-amp. Personally, the sound did not appeal to me.. Maybe it was just the set-up...

[bodiezaffa]

Some great choices but I would grab a Luxman L507u or L509u or L590aII and you'll never look back

[soundslikemusic]

Originally Posted by bodiezaffa

Some great choices but I would grab a Luxman L507u or L509u or L590aII and you'll never look back

the 505u is actually quite a synergy w/ the Sophia 3. Am sure the 507 or the 509 would even be better

[NoahG]

soundslikemusic-

So what amp and speaker cables did you select for your Sophia 3s?

[Cellindo]

Dear NoahG,

* For transistors, try a PLINIUS.
* For tubes, a VTL or a SHINDO (Montrachet) or an AIR TIGHT (ATM1s/or 2).

The Sophia are not too demanding as a speaker load. ;-)

[NoahG]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

Dear NoahG,

* For transistors, try a PLINIUS.
* For tubes, a VTL or a SHINDO (Montrachet) or an AIR TIGHT (ATM1s/or 2).

The Sophia are not too demanding as a speaker load. ;-)

Cellindo,

Wasn't looking for recomendations, just wondering what soundslikemusic ended up with.

[soundslikemusic]

NoahG,

The Sophia 3s are among the most versatile speakers I have ever owned.
I have matched them with Luxman 505u, Accuphase 30w Class A Integrated amp, Peachtree Audio I-decco, Peachtree Nova Int amp, Vitus 25W Class A integrated amp, Plinius 9100 int amp. They all sound great w this speaker!!!
In the end, I think any amp with decent power can sound great w/ these speakers.
I tried various cables, Crystal Cables, Analysis Plus, Auditorium 23s, Transparent cables, at the end of the day, the speakers will reveal the character of the cables behind it but all seems to sound good....
So far, i have yet to make this speaker sound bad even with mediocre sources..... (i-pod, FM Tuner, $150 cd player, etc.)

To answer your question, i haven't end up with anything as everything i fired them with seems to work great! The funny thing is that i dont miss the expensive stuff when i use the cheaper amps. The speakers just hides the flaws of amps & just reveals its better side something i couldnt say when i heard the Magicos, Rockports, Maggies, or the other hi end speakers.

I'm also happy that i have friends around that let me babysit their amps for a few days to pair with the S3s. So i get to try everything out there.

[NoahG]

Soundslikemusic,

Thanks for your reply.

IMO, the Sophia 3s may allow you to enjoy listening with lesser amps, but
once you hear them with a true high end amp, you know something is
wrong/missing.

Good luck with your continuing adventure.