SS is definitely an option. I am looking for the same laid back tube sound but with more bass response and authority. It is a large family room/kitchen in an open concept home... or I could just go 2.1.
Sonus Faber Venere S - What amp to choose? I'm at a crossroads!
I recently purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Venere S (wood) and want to upgrade my amplifier to something better suited for the speakers. It sounds really good but I think the speakers need a little more horsepower to push them.
I currently have a Jolida 502CRC sporting Gold Lion KT88s (rated @ 60wpc) and has the upgrade 1 package from Jolida. I have also complimented it with a 10awg power cable and Kimber 12tc.
The remainder of my system is:
Denon DP47f w/ Pickering XSV3000 Cart / LPgear Vivid Line stylus (recapped)
Jolida JD9 Phono Pre Amp w/ Upgrade pkg and Mullard Tubes
Binary B7 Silver interconnects
The speakers have a nominal impedance of 4ohms but I’ve read that on bass extension it can drop as low as 2.1ohms.
Also, I need to stay with an integrated amp.
In my mind I have 3 choices that will fit my budget that I am considering:
1> Keep the Jolida and start spending money on tube rolling to achieve a better sound?
I dislike the trial and error aspect of this option and no headphone amp.
2> One of my good friends has a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP that I can buy (EL34 @ 70wpc / KT88 @ 80wpc)
Sell the Jolida 502 amp and buy this? I also like that it has a headphone amp built in @ $3,000 used.
3> McIntosh MA252 - I like the Tube/SS Hybrid and it is aesthetically pleasing. 160wpc @ 4ohms also helps. has headphone out and phono stage built in @ $4,000
Sell the Jolida 502 amp and JD9 Phono and buy this?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks!
I currently have a Jolida 502CRC sporting Gold Lion KT88s (rated @ 60wpc) and has the upgrade 1 package from Jolida. I have also complimented it with a 10awg power cable and Kimber 12tc.
The remainder of my system is:
Denon DP47f w/ Pickering XSV3000 Cart / LPgear Vivid Line stylus (recapped)
Jolida JD9 Phono Pre Amp w/ Upgrade pkg and Mullard Tubes
Binary B7 Silver interconnects
The speakers have a nominal impedance of 4ohms but I’ve read that on bass extension it can drop as low as 2.1ohms.
Also, I need to stay with an integrated amp.
In my mind I have 3 choices that will fit my budget that I am considering:
1> Keep the Jolida and start spending money on tube rolling to achieve a better sound?
I dislike the trial and error aspect of this option and no headphone amp.
2> One of my good friends has a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP that I can buy (EL34 @ 70wpc / KT88 @ 80wpc)
Sell the Jolida 502 amp and buy this? I also like that it has a headphone amp built in @ $3,000 used.
3> McIntosh MA252 - I like the Tube/SS Hybrid and it is aesthetically pleasing. 160wpc @ 4ohms also helps. has headphone out and phono stage built in @ $4,000
Sell the Jolida 502 amp and JD9 Phono and buy this?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks!