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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
hifioutlaw's avatar
hifioutlaw
8 posts
 
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...? 

dill
2,475 posts
 
I would go for another MK3. If I had a larger room & speakers, that would be my choice. Just don't need the extra power in my current setup.
hifioutlaw's avatar
hifioutlaw
8 posts
 


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...
mesch OP
3,419 posts
 
Hifioutlaw, I am not familiar with the Boenickes. I believe results from using two Pathos Model ones in bridged mode would be dependent on the reasons the Boenickes are power hungry, sensitivity or impedance. The Pathos are rated at 70wpc into 8ohms and 130 into 4 ohms. As I understand it, bridging works best when watts are needed, due to low sensitivity, however if low impedance is at play then current is important. It has been explained that current delivery is reduced in a bridged amplifier. Others may explain this better.

I still have the Pathos, can't seem to part with it, smooth non analytical sound, great looks. 
hifioutlaw's avatar
hifioutlaw
8 posts
 
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

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