For what you’re looking for I’d look at a used Gryphon or Vitus integrated for solid state, and a hybrid integrated like a Unison Unico 90 or 150 would also be very well worth exploring as you get some tube magic with solid state power. I’ve also heard the Pulsars sound excellent with Hegel electronics as well although they’re probably a little less warm or full sounding than the others but may still work well with your tube DAC. For an all tube amp I’d look at Audio Hungary or Octave. Just some ideas off the top FWIW, and best of luck.
Looking for an AMP to match JA Pulsar and Lampi
Hey everyone,
I’m on the hunt for an amp that pairs well with my Joseph Audio Pulsar speakers and Lampizator Big7 DAC. Right now, I’m using an older Arcam Alpha 9 amp and preamp, but the Arcam is struggling to drive the Pulsars properly. I’m still undecided whether I should go for a solid-state or tube amp. I’ve been considering a preowned Audio Research 80S, but it’s pretty expensive and hard to find in Europe. Been thinking also about VTL, Ayon Audio...
Any recommendations? I’m aiming for a sound that’s detailed but also rich and full. My budget is around $9k.
Thanks!
@gabriel123 your speakers have actually pretty good impedance modulus control. Dipping down to 6.5 Ohms at 210Hz. Outside of that, it is stable and nominally an 8 Ohm speaker meaning they're not a current hungry speaker. On the other hand they're voltage hungry because their sensitivity is a moderately low 83.5dB(B)/2.83V/m. Meaning even though you don't need a high current amp, you need one that can give you a lot of voltage swing. Since you're in Europe this monoblock is perfect for you.
Get two - Purifi 1ET9040BA Eigentakt Premium Monoblock Amplifier PET1200M Power Delivery is TOTL:
and they sound incredible with zero sag as their high current coupled with the consistently strong VRMS swing makes for driver coherency without sag. For the options:
and change the number from 1 to 2 |
@gabriel123 Wrote:
Two Schiit Tyr mono amps $1599 each see here. Mike |
From my own experience I can recommend Coda and Audionet. A Coda #8 will easily handle the demands of your speakers. I hear that the #16 is a significant step up in sound quality. I replaced my Coda with an Audionet amp, on a bit of a whim, and it is exceptional as well. Of the two, I think the Coda offers the richer sound that you seek, with Audionet being more on the neutral side. |
Thank you so much for your replies! I've been checking carefully all your recommendations over the weekend - so much new stuff to read about :) For now I decided not to go into class D and monoblocks. It's about a lack of space and a personal need to dive deep into A and A/B class amps. That said, I'm very curious about Coda #8 and #16 and Audio Hungary amps, there's a lot of rave reviews about them. Out of curiosity - why not Audio Research amps? No one commended on Audio Research, VTL and Ayon Audio and for me, those choices were like a safe bet. |
@soix any knowledge about Qualiton separates, like C200 pre + P200 amp? |
Sorry, I don’t know anything about Qualiton separates, but given the high praise for their x200 integrated I’d expect good things. For what you’re looking for I’d go with a tube pre and solid state amp, and a relatively neutral tube pre like ARC or Octave with a warmer amp like Coda might be a good match. Or a something like a VAC or Audio Hungary pre with a Hegel amp may also work well. I’d avoid VTL as their customer support/service has a poor reputation unless it’s somehow better in Europe. I still think a hybrid integrated like the Unison Unico or Class A integrateds from Gryphon or Vitus could also work really well. |