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Best Tube Amp For Sonus Faber? Or Pass XA-100.5? $6-7,500 Budget, Purchasing Used.

As the title says, I have a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica III's that I am more than pleased with, for which I am trying to determine the best available amplifier, preferably tube. Of course, there are always budget limitations and my budget for this amp would be $6-7,500, and I would be buying used to maximize purchasing power.

Based on a lot of research, and quite a few auditions at brick and mortar stores, various home systems, Axpona, etc. I'm honestly not sure if there are any truly exceptional tube amplifiers available within that budget that meet my needs. These speakers need 100wpc tubed, or 200 wpc solid state, into 4 ohms to really open up and perform. 

If, in the end, there are no really great tubed options, I've always heard that the Pass Labs XA-100.5's were probably the optimal choice in solid state for former tube lovers. I would also appreciate any thoughts on that option from owners. 
nightfall

Showing 1 response by caphill

caphill
680 posts
 
nightfall, 
Pass XA-100.5 would be a great option. Also consider some McIntosh SS amps or integrateds such as the MA7900, MA8900, MA6700 integrateds or the MC350 stereo power amp. McIntosh and Sonus Faber have good sonic synergy together.
I've heard your speakers driven by one of these McIntosh amps before at the store and IMO they sounded great together. 
AR amps would be another good option for your speakers. 

I also heard your your speakers driven by the Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 integrated amp before and I thought they were paired very well together. 
Speaker cables also need to taken into consideration in getting a perfect match with your equipments. 

Some Lamm and higher end Primaluna would be a good option for your speakers.

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