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Sophia Electric 91-01 and 91-5 300B

Hi,
I have been using a Tannoy Turnberry SE speakers for the last 1 year, I was driving it with Naim amplification and was happy with it. However I would like to add a good tube amp to drive the Tannoys. I have been listening to various amps. It is quite evident that SET based on directly heated triodes have a special magic about their presentation. However most DHT SETs are low powered, within 10 watts. Recently I read some very good things about Sophia Electric 300B amps, especially driving Tannoys. Jeff Day has given glowing review to it even replacing is reliable Leben 660P. But before I pull the trigger I am looking for some first hand comments from the community here which is expectedly more devoid of the reviewer's bias. Has anyone heard it ?

Moreover I am also looking for some views on the various models that Sophia offers, 91-01, 91-05 etc. Is it really worth going for their more expensive models like the 91-05 when the 91-01 already seems to be doing so well ? Has anyone heard the higher models ?
pani

Showing 2 responses by washington_highend_audio

washington_highend_audio
41 posts
 
The top of line Sophia Electric 91-05 300B amplifier is $10K.
washington_highend_audio
41 posts
 
91-01 is of Sophia Electric's modest priced level one amplifier. For those with Trio speakers should consider to go for Level Five Sophia Electric amplifiers or custom order. If 91-01 is of great sound, then 91-05 should have been in another league.

You simply can't expect a $4500 new pair of mono-block come with all Black Gate caps. Voicing is an art, spending money within a budget is also an art. Only fool would spend money without any sonic improvement.

I view the magical sound from Sophia Electric 91-01 as a great achievement. Some of the mega dollar 300B amplifiers from well known brands are not impressive sonically even though all expensive parts loaded.

Buyers and users should ask yourself if the sound is more important or the parts brand is more important in the end. The parts Sophia Electric used for 91-01 are above computer grade with mostly from brands like Sophia Electric CDE, Rubycon, allen bradley, Dale, Western Electric, etc.

91-01 also can run cool in long hours. As long as you do not push it beyond 8w amplifier can do, it should last for many years to come.
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