2. amps-preamps
  3. 1269982508

Best Match for Dynaudio Contour S3.4?

Amp Budget $2400. Peachtree Nova Preamp/DAC, Ocos II speaker cables, and a short list of amps as follows; Odyssey Stratos Mono Extremes, Spectron Musician III MkII Se, Plinius P8 (modified), Mark Levinson 331.

I loved the sound of the Plinius 9200 paired with the Dyns, but I was not using the preamp section so I sold it. Might be regretting this... But now I am seeing if I can do the same or better for under $2400.

Who has some experience with any of these combinations that could opine here about their preferences and why. I listen to a lot of soft rock and blues mostly (Steely Dan, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, SRV, etc) as well as female vocalists (from Patricia Barber to Joss Stone and Sarah Vaughan). Well recorded jazz is cool, but classical is not my thing.

Thanks!
fredorama

Showing 5 responses by knownothing

knownothing
1,655 posts
 
Fredorama,

Were the Odyssey's new? I have read they take "FOREVER" to break in fully, as much as 250 hours of use and several months, not just being turned on for a few weeks... YMMV

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/odysseyaudio_stratos.htm
knownothing
1,655 posts
 
Have you considered a big used ARC tube amp? I have heard these sound really good with Dynaudio Contour's. Their solid state amps sound pretty good too.
knownothing
1,655 posts
 
Fredorama,

Did you come up with plan B? I realize I posted recently on this subject on AC, and had forgotten, didn't recognize this was a related thread. Dooh!
knownothing
1,655 posts
 
Cool - I like the ARC-Dynaudio match very much. Someday you might want to try ARC pre and DAC too.
knownothing
1,655 posts
 
I feel bad about that bum steer. I really enjoyed listing to the ARC-Contour combination, but it was with an ARC pre and a really good Simaudio CDP. The fact that you have enjoyed the Contours with a different amp indicates there is a path to happiness with the rest of your current set up. Holding out for an affordable Plinius amp might be a safe bet.
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