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

Showing 4 responses by soix

It’s really hard to see going wrong pairing something like an AH, ARC. Octave, or LTA preamp with a Coda or Hegel amp.  Just pick the combo of flavors that you think would fit best with your tastes in the context of your current equipment.  I’ve heard Pulsars sound excellent with mid-level Hegel and Bel Canto electronics so they’re not dependent on megabuck electronics to shine, and I’m sure they’ll sound absolutely fantastic with pretty much any of this higher-level gear you’re looking at now.  

They are excellent (I own one) but like ARC they are on the neutral side so if you’re looking for warmth you should take that into account for the amp you choose.  One thing is they are not balanced if that’s a consideration. 

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. 

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.