Sonus Faber Venere S - What amp to choose? I'm at a crossroads!
Your Jolida amp is 60wpc and the Prima Luna HP integrated (I am familiar with this amp as my friend has one) is 70-80wpc. It won’t sound much better as you would only be going up 10-20 watts! The Prima Luna sounds excellent with the KT150 tubes and that would give you 100wpc. You could consider that option although 8 KT150 tubes will run you at least 800.00 new. I also briefly heard the McIntosh amp you mentioned when I was at Audio Classics picking up some McIntosh equipment for myself. It is quite powerful and still gives you some of that tube sound. How much compared to the Prima Luna I couldn’t say. I think the best sound would be the Prima Luna HP Integrated with KT150 tubes. I found the KT120 tubes don’t sound that great in the Prima Luna. Second best would be the McIntosh. I saw one on here a few days ago at a steal, not sure if it sold or not. No affiliation. The Prima Luna HP amp will sound like your friends, only with a lot more balls with the KT150 tubes. |
Since you like the sound you’re getting and are not opposed to adding a sub, I’d definitely go that route. Not only will it bring you to full range, but your whole soundstage will open up and expand and your amp may not have to work as hard depending on which sub you choose. If it were me, I’d get a Vandy 2Wq sub as they’re extremely musical and offer a unique design that works with your existing system and eases integration. There’s one available now... https://tmraudio.com/speakers/subwoofers/vandersteen-2wq-powered-subwoofer-mahogany-finish-x-2-cross... Hard to imagine making a bigger improvement for relatively so little money. Best of luck. |
"It sounds really good but I think the speakers need a little more horsepower to push them." You like what you hear., keep it. Relax...listen to music. I wouldn't get caught up in paper specs if your ears hear what they like. Classic audio nervosa symptom. I have the PL HP, yes, it would be a considerable upgrade over the Jolida. The phonostage is equivalent to $300 entry level unit. Fine if you're not serious about record playback. Otherwise, your JD9 is worth keeping. |
