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
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That's a generous sound on your video; kudos. However, it can be improved several ways starting with a second Pathos and going mono.
Having reviewed and owned a pair of Pathi, I concur that it's a great package overall. If I still owned them, and there are times I kick myself for selling them, I would use my Schroeder Method of Interconnect Placement in order to obtain the best sound from them. I'm pretty certain that had I known about the double IC method back then, I could have gotten them to perform far better than more expensive separates.
And they look SO fantastic for an affordable product!!!!
Before you consider doing the Schroeder Method, know that it is an at your own risk proposition, and you would benefit from reading my article on it at Dagogo.com, as well as the thread here on the cable forum that bears my name. You will note that everyone who has tried it here has been extremely pleased. At this point caution is advised in regard to using it with NOS DACs that send the signal direct from the DAC chip, and class D amps. Check with your manufacturer if you have any questions about compatibility.
Regarding outperforming separates using Schroeder Method, that would be a relative superiority, as it would be expected that were I to place the double ICs between the separates they likely once again would outperform. The question is, however, at what cost? I am confident that I could get the Pathi to perform on the level of most separates at a minimum of double the cost, given that the separates were using single ICs.
I presume you have worked with aftermarket power cords; if not, you need to. Also, you may wish to roll tubes with the Pathos, as it is efficacious and typically not costly. :)
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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 |
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. |
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...
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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. |
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...?
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I would not describe my Pathos as 'Digital' bright.
I still own the Jolida preamp and BEL 1001 amp. Couldn't part with the BEL. Use the Pathos in a second system, though could have easily remained in the primary. |
Might have been the new stock tubes, most likely Russian or Chinese. I tried both in my MKIII and where a bit hot in the high end. My favorite tubes in the amp are Matsushita-National 7DJ8 tubes or Amperex PQ 6922 as they are more relaxed without the loss of clarity or detail. Also could be the aluminum dome tweeters in the 607's. |
Wanna bump this thread as I auditioned the mk3 with marantz 8006 playing a variety of CDs and B&W 607 speakers(I think)
Sound was clear and detailed but v 'digital' bright on top end. What was causing this? As a result I didnt pull trigger on amp. |
Thanks rudge. I am not in any hurry to change anything in my system until I sell the separate pre and amp. |
Mensch, I'm very happy to hear you like your Pathos. I really enjoy them monblocked, but my room is much larger. I do know that two of them gives you power to spare and an even fuller sound. It all depends on what you need. |
Just wanted to get back to say how much I enjoy the Pathos II. Very smooth sounding, solid bass, and great soundstage. May entertain the purchase of another to mono the pair. Not sure the need, since system is in a 12 x 15 x 8 foot room. Near field listening.
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Yes, I recently acquired a matched pair of Matsushita-National 7DJ8 tubes (made in Japan) from a seller over at AudioMart. I only have a few hours on them, however they sound really good. The tubes they replaced are rare Valvo Cca’s, expensive and great sounding, but I am liking the 7DJ8’s! Glad you got the Pathos ... http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649352753-matsushitanational-7dj8-tubes/ |
The Pathos arrives safely and in great working order. I haven't yet listened to it enough to determine it's character referenced against my separates. Will get back to all once I am more familiar.
Any suggestions for tube rolling? |
Dill and rudge, thanks for the comments. I will get back to you regarding my thoughts once I have listened to this amp. |
I've had two pathi mono blocked for ten years and have been very happy with them. In fact, I just received a new modded Marantz cd player from Dan Wright and have been listening all day to the player through the Pathi. Great sound. Good choice for you and happy listening.
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Great news, I think you are really going to like it and will be interested in your opinions after hearing it. Let it warm up for a half hour or so before listening. |
Well, I just struck a deal with the seller of the Pathos. Looking forward to hearing it. Will post my thoughts. |
Thanks dill! Your input is truly appreciated. Based on online research conducted I thought this might be a good integrated as a replacement. |
I had an all Pass Labs Aleph system for years. Due to a remodel, I had to downsize my system. I decided on a Pathos Classic One MKII and loved it. I had a chance to get a MKIII and did. The think the MKIII is marginally better than the MKII. The one that is on AudioGon now that includes an aftermarket power cord and shipping is an excellent deal. The speakers I use have similar specs. and I don't think you will have a problem driving them. Also, if you have any balanced sources, I recommend you use the one balanced input. You will not be disappointed with this amp, build quality is great, I have had no issues with either one and they can be converted to mono blocks with a flip of a switch, if you want to invest in two. The Pathos does benefit with an upgrade of better 6922 signal tubes too. |
