Pathos Classic One MKiII vs. my separates


I have been thinking of downsizing my rig by going back to a hybrid integrated amplifier. I currently use a Jolida Fusion preamp with a BEL 1001 MK V amp to drive a pair of Esoteric MG 10 speakers (87dB sensitive, 6 ohms nominal dropping to 3.8 somewhere below 2000ohms).  I enjoy the Jolida/BEL combo, change is just for the downsize. I like the idea of tube pre/SS output of hybrid integrateds, having owned a Vincent in the past.  The Pathos is currently on offer here on AG. Asking for thoughts from members with knowledge of the Pathos. Thanks.
mesch

Showing 4 responses by hifioutlaw

Hi hi all,

i’m a Pathos Classic One mk3 owner since 2012. Bought it pre owned, in excellent condition and still got it! It replaced my lovely Rega Brio R that was a wonderful amp but not grunt enough to feed my Dyns X12. 
Now i’m in “that cross road again” because i’ve upgraded the Dyns for Boenicke W5, 
The Boenickes are power angry, and they will benefit largely for more watts...
I’ve been Looking for a new Int amp, with more then 120 wpc classe AB, if class A about 90/100 wpc (don’t want class D amplification) and costing around 3000/4000€ new or pre owned and need to have the looks of my Pathos...
Thought about another Classic One MK3 to drive the Boenickes in bridge mode, to have 170 wpc with only a 800€ investment is a no brainier IMO... 

Any thoughts mesch...? 



I love the sound quality that I have! The Boenickes are out of this world, and I just don’t want to give up the harmony that i’ve.

Hate big black boxes, why hi fi brands don’t invest a bit more in looks... Like Pathos, McIntoch, Gato, Nagra...
Hi Mesch, in fact the Boenickes are power hungry, they are rated between 83-86db at 4ohms. https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/loudspeakers/w5/

This week will drive to Pathos dealer and ask for a home demo with an extra Classic One MK3. 
Love this hybrid, and after buying the Boenickes W5 i’m just in hi fi heaven. But for me to extract the best of them a new amp is recommended, but, replace a very good sounding amp with stellar looks is not easy, so, what’s best then a Pathos Classic One...?
Two Pathos Classic One I suppose... 

Here is my system at the present date. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NPnhKUZ7EKs

Hi Douglas, big fan of DAGOGO, thank you for dropping by, I've read your review of the Pathos at least 5 times over the years, and had thought about to send you an email, no need now... 😀

I got Fututech power chords and power filter as well, QED rca and coax, speaker cables are Inakustic (Germany).

At the present my system is operating really well, and with a high degree of musicality, the Boenickes made a HUGE IMPROVEMENT in sound quality. They really are special! 

The two units are going to be side by side on display, will need to move the TT a bit but nothing major. 

Will post back my own impressions if I can get a demo unit to bring home to demo in bridge mode. 

Going to to read your article about the Schroeder Method, once again thank you very much for dropping by! 

All the best
Giovanni