hybrid integrateds

The Vincent SV-236 has gotten rave reviews but it only puts out 100 w/channel (I believe). You might want to check out Jolida's integrated amps also.

Why do you want to replace the Panache?

It doesn't have the power you're looking for but the Unison Unico is an outstanding hybrid. I never compared it head to head with my Panache (no longer own it), but I liked both very much. I went with separates to replace the Panache, but it was difficult to get that clean midrange back. I found it in using a Placette passive pre, with an Odyssey Stratos dual-mono (180wpc). This gave me the midrange magic of the Panache along with some low end muscle. I found that Panache midrange to be addictive.

Marco

I liked the Pathos Logos with 120/8 or 240/4. You can pick them up used for less than $3k. I used it with Hales T5's and Piega P2 LTD's with great results.

Marco,

why replacing the Panache - in the mood to look at others and may not change it out - like it a lot like you. How do you compare the Placette and Odyssey to the Panache?

txs Frank

How do you compare the Placette and Odyssey to the Panache?

They are quite similar in the midrange, I think because they use a similar approach - a passive gain stage into a solid state amp. Where they differ is in the low end. The bass response is much more authorative with the Odyssey. It only has 80 watts more power, but it sure makes a difference in my case. Don't get me wrong, I like the Panache a whole lot, but what I was missing with my 89db efficient speakers (Silverline SR-17's) was a tighter grasp on the low end. In the highs I'd say the Panache had a slight edge, perhaps a bit more refined and less edgy. But the margin is small there. The Odyssey combo seems to have more toe-tappin drive overall, and I'm not sure if that is a result of the added fullness of range, or a combination of things. Without the Placette, and with a tube preamp in the pre stage (Cary SLP-50A) it didn't have the speed and transparency overall, and I really missed that in the midrange. The bass was great though, so I decided to pursue it further and chose the Placette, at the suggestion of a friend, because it was a logical step in the direction of the Panache.

Hope that helps.

Marco

Unison Unico SE might fit your bill, 150 Watts a channel and has received outstanding reviews.

Check the "Music Direct" web site for the Excelent "Valve Audio" Predator (or smaller Exclame 100). Simply stunning for the $$$$$$.
Regards

Has anyone compared the Jolida 1501A with the Vincent 236?

I've enjoyed the Jolida hybrid for a couple of years but am interested in stepping up to an even better hybrid without going to separates. Any suggestions?

Bat 300x(se), hybrid 150w

I've enjoyed the Jolida hybrid for a couple of years but am interested in stepping up to an even better hybrid without going to separates. Any suggestions?

I've listened to a 1501a in my system that a friend brought over and wasn't too impressed with it there. That listening session did not last long, so take my impression with a shaker of salt. I didn't compare them head to head, but I've heard the Unico in that same system and it sounded significantly better. I was impressed from the get-go. I'd call it a definitive step up, but again, this is from first impressions. This was the standard Unico Unison with Level I upgrades (nothing really special). I thought it was a great sounding amp. Haven't heard the SE version that someone else recommended here, but it does offer more power.

Marco

it 's not a hybrid but it's different,it's digital,100stepped atenuator,look at the Nuforce IA-7 integrated,