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 9 responses by missioncoonery

missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
IMO,Too old and not on par with the new X series pass amps
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
IMO I would wait for the right deal on a X150.5..there is a reason why "It is fairly easy to pick up a used X250"
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
I suggest a Pass Labs X150.5..300 watts into that 4 ohm load and Pass is by far the best SS match with Dynaudio,IMO
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
I ran a X150.5 for a short time with C4s and it sounded really nice.Yes, when I ran a 350.5 it was more of a good thing..300 watts from the 150.5 is more than enough to drive those C1s where as the SA150 is only 180 watts into that 4 ohm load..Another plus for Pass is they are made in USA and the customer support is second to none ..Buy American and a better amp for your applications..cant argue with that!!IMO
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
Fredorama..Your thought process is all wrong.IMO, I agree with Tvad..Modded amps.NEVER!!..Resale is Sh*t,no service will touch it,chances are reliabilty goes down..Your money but thats just foolish....
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
Appears your trying to convince us your mindset is correct even though most disagree with it.Buy the mod amp and get back to us when ya sell it or need service.Personally I tend to follow advise from those who have hands on experience with what I want to know,seems to work better..Enjoy the amp!
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
Do yourself a favor and add the Pass X150.5 to that short list..Pass and Dynaudio are a match in heaven.Same $$,more power
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
Fredorama
For heaven sakes!..Why dont you audition a Pass labs X150.5 and be done with it.Its in your budget, mates extremely well with those speakers,great resale,great service,detail,musical,doesnt run hot,smaller size..comeon get in the game.IMO,it betters the Plinius and miles ahead of the ARC .Ya just wont listen to those who have been there..Your money,your time
missioncoonery
1,242 posts
 
You shouldnt have to pay more than $2500 for a dead mint one with low hours..I wouldnt spend more than say 2200 and Ive seen them as low as 1800.I would buy from private owner and not a store.Make sure you get the serial number and call Pass in CA and see what service its had and how old it is(remaining warranty),Pass has super great service,as long as the amp is less than 3 years old it is covered under warranty reguardless of how many owners its had or who you bought it from
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