2. amps-preamps
  3. 152051-114907

Integrated Tube Amp for Focal Sopra 3

Hello everyone, this is my first post here but I have been actively reading the forum discussions for over 2 years. I would consider myself a novice in the HiFi world so your comments and help will be greatly appreciated. 

I have been contemplating adding a tube integrated amplifier to my system. Why tubes... well primarily to satisfy my curiosity. 

Currently I have a pair of Focal Sopra 3's, which I got in 2017. Before buying the speakers, I had bought European mono block amplifiers from a company called AVM. I bought the Amp used from a dealer in Scotland. The model is called M5 and I couldn't find much information/reviews about it on the internet but trusted the dealer. The Amp is probably 18-20 years old. Solid State 180W/Channel and seems to be of a very high quality given the weight and build quality of the piece (Plus the company is quite well respected apparently)

In 2018, I bought myself a used PS Audio Direct Stream Dac, which I quite like and made a significant improvement in my system. I use Tidal over Roon connected thru an Intel Nuc running Roon Rock. The Nuc is connected to the DAC over ethernet. 

The DAC is currently feeding the the Mono Blocks directly using Shunyata Research Venom balanced interconnects. 

I listen to a wide variety of music from Jazz to EDM. Budget is around USD 3000-4000. I don't mind buying used as generally one can get a better piece of equipment within the budget.

The Sopra's are rated at 91.5 db/w/1m. Any help will be highly appreciated! Thank you all and hope you are all having a great weekend. 


bilaltata
5 responses Add your response
rshad0000
268 posts
 
Hi bilaltata,

I’ve seen the Octave v70se and v80se listed here on Audiogon occasionally.  The v70s going for less than $5k.  Also, Ive had dealers tell me that VAC integrateds sound really good with sopras also, but I’ve never heard them together in a system myself.   Not sure how much they are selling for.

You may want to check out some of the Rogue Audio stuff as well.
Happy hunting!
bilaltata OP
14 posts
 
Thank you for the responses guys. 
@rshad0000 the V80se seems to be out of my budget. Any suggestions around the 3-5000 mark?

@jond Can you suggest any pre amps that would have good synergy with my system?
rshad0000
268 posts
 
I second the Octave....
I just sold my sopra 3s and moved up the line to the Scalas.  I owned both a Gryphon Diablo 300 and an Octave v80se with a super black box that I swapped in and out for the past 6 months.  I really liked both a lot but ended up selling the Diablo and keeping the Octave.  I’m now move up the Octave line to the HP700 and RE320 separates.

I would highly recommend the Octave v80se!  I think it sounds great with Focal speakers.   Make sure you get the super black box with it because it takes the bass and sound stage to a whole other level.   Good luck!
jond's avatar
jond
5,798 posts
 
Just a thought as AVM is very highly regarded and your speakers aren't the easiest load perhaps add a tubed preamp to your system? A preamp can have a very serious impact on the sound and give you some of the tube sound you're craving.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
May want to consider a used Octave V70 SE.  They can drive loads down to 2 ohms and those Focals have a minimum impedance of 3.1 ohms.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Audio Research REF80S
80x80
Krell Chorus 7200 XD
80x80
Audio Research LS-28