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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

Showing 5 responses by argyro

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!!!!!!!!!:)
argyro OP
438 posts
 
Lappiere I have a dedicated line. I doubt the lack of the filter is problem. Cause that could give me only an increment of more power. I need some serious power amp!!

Gregm thanks a lot for your time my friend, very interesting findings. What do you mean when you say these amps are expensive?How expensive? I'll try to audition some of the amps you mentioned. But as I understood Krell is definitely not an option!

Regards,

Michael
argyro OP
438 posts
 
Tuboo thanks a lot for your answer!

Unfortunately I cannot come for a listen as I am from Greece...;)

The atmasphere may be satisfying but dont forget that the Lohengrin is 96 db as opposed to the Sarastro which is 93 db. A headroom is also important in the amp your using. You should not stress it too much and some additional wattage is always welcome. Are you talking about the OTL amps?

I finally settled to the Gryphon Diablo integrated, and I can say that I am more than satisfied with the results.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Greetings from sunny Greece,

Michael
argyro OP
438 posts
 
Hi Pierre!

The Mc's were great equipment indeed, but not the best match for my speakers! Of course the MC 2301 would also be a great choice but they are very very expensive here in Greece. I think 40% more expensive than the price in the States.

Yes the Diablo has an amazing-effortless punch and dynamics but also great detail and musicality.

I'll post some quality pictures soon.

Thanks a lot my friend,

Michael
argyro OP
438 posts
 
I agree with you Tuboo. Even the Sarastro reach concert SPL levels easily.

Even if you look at the specs (around 120 db) I think this is more than enough. And of course with no distortion at all.

Regards,

Michael
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