Tube or SS for Sonus Faber Amati Homage

Jtnn, might I suggest you contact Sonus Faber directly and ask them about this particular combination in regards to the Amati Homage, they know this amp well. I have heard many amps and speakers, which amplifers were you wondering about specifically?

My recommendation is not based upon pure assumption but rather upon personal opinion and experience. Does this mean only those who actually own the Amati and experimented with nearly every tube and SS amp in their own home may provide opinions here? Well, I think thats fine if that was the intent but this was not expressed by the person who began this thread.

The one thing a 70W tube amp lacks is the power to drive every large full range speaker on the market(room size is also a big factor), the reason I suggested the Berning is because this individual is looking into other tube amps like the BAT and Nagra (yes, I have heard both).

Best tube sound comes typically from the OTL type or SET (provided you have the right speakers, for either amp type). For your situation I would recommed the David Berning ZH-270 ZOTL, 70Wx2 @ 8 ohms. This is overall the best sounding amplifer I have heard to date in every regard. The match with your Sonus Faber Amati Homage would be shear joy.

As far as bass is concerned, the Berning ZH-270 has the best bass I have heard yet from any SS or Tube amp for that matter, it has bass and more bass. Incredible..... :)

The Berning is a different type of OTL which uses a radical switching type power supply and is very efficient and reliable. I highly recommend trying this amplifer with your speakers if it is at all possible, you will be more than impressed I think :)

Good Luck,
Chris

Jtnn, does this mean you would like a resume of mine also along with a personal biography and maybe a complete color portrait? :) Please, lets stay on topic and instead of expending energy trying to discredit me why don't we just offer some advice for this person looking for a nice amp to use with his Amati Homage.

This is an observation of mine based soley upon the comments of yours above, if I am wrong then I am mistaken and I appologize. It just seems like an aggressive approach (ie. "This guy just bothers me so let me see if I can do something to instigate an uprise.") to what should be a fun topic to explore.

If you want some background information about me and my knowledge of various audio equipment then just e-mail or call me and lets talk.

Chris

One last thing, the answer to your question is no. Now, if the thread would have stated please only owners of Amati provide (feedback or something like that) then I would not have posted anything.

These threads should be educational and light hearted in my opinion, if someone does not agree with anothers thread then thats fine. We are all entitled to our opinions, right? Even if it is speculation - still an opinion and just that, an exercise of free speach if you will.

Here's the whole list of speakers I have personally heard with the David Berning ZH-270:

Sound Lab Pristine II
Harbeth HL7ES
Jean Marie Reynaud Twinn MK II
Sonus Faber Grand Piano
Sonus Faber Electra Amator
Magnepan 1.6QR
Magnepan 3.6QR
Dunlavy SC4A
Quad ESL 63
Acoustat Spectra 2200
JM Lab Electra 926
JM Lab Electra 906
JM Lab Cobalt 802
Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v.2
Revel Ultima Studio

I think thats it, I'll be sure to repost if I think of any I may have overlooked.

Also Preference Audio Baby Bear - made in Canada.

Sonus Faber uses Berning amplification to voice their loudspeakers, that information alone tells a great deal about the integrity of the Berning products and yes, this includes the Amati Homage model also.

For confirmation of this, call either Sonus Faber directly or Sumiko at 510-843-4500. Sumiko can provide Sonus Fabers phone number if you cannot locate it elsewhere.

So, I feel the Berning ZH270 "may" be a good match with the Amati Homage but I would contact Sonus Faber directly for a more accurate, first hand opinion.

I knew you would appreciate that Jtnn :)