Had to take the Plinius back to the dealer. He was kind enough to let me listen to it for five days knowing I wasn't likely to purchase it. It is certainly a great amplifier to use with the big Shahinians. A term that I don't usually use when describing equipment krept into my mind as I listened--musical. The bass was rich and full. The vocals were robust- not recessed-- at the forefront of the presentation like a live performance. Horns were pronounced and very lifelike. Power seemed limitless. I played several recordings at ear splitting volumes. I can blow the fuses on my Bedini Classic 100 Monos. I was unable to make the Plinius shut down. It hurt too much to find its limits.
The Bedini seems to have more detail. Cymbals are crisper, individual voices are more discernable. Low level resolution is better. Bass is good with the Bedini, better with the Plinius. The Plinius has bigger balls than the Bedini for sure. If you like to rock or listen to music at live levels, the Plinius is your machine.
Using the Bedinis for the modules and the Rotel amp for the Double Eagles is a different story. With this combination, the bass is greatly improved and the Bedinis are less taxed with bass demands and can drive the modules to realistic levels. Still the bass of the Plinius is better. But not by a lot.
After listening to the Plinius for some time, I thought I might not like my Bedini/ Rotel combo when I went back to it. Instead I found myself happy with it.
Still I'd like to hear the Plinius SA-102 with my Diapasons or perhaps two of the SA-102's. One for the modules and the other for the subs. That would certainly be an interesting combo.
