Which Super Integrated Amp to drive planars?

Which spkrs are you driving? It helps to know -- otherwise, how can one recommend a specific amp?

My speakers are Eminent Technology LFT 8B.

03-14-08: Douglas_schroeder
Here's something different for you; take a look at the twin Pathos Classic One MkIII tube hybrid integrateds that I'm using. 270w into four ohms bridged, super-clean signal path as you run directly from source into the integrateds. You lose a preamp and one set of IC's, but you gain mono block operation for channel separation and power with a tube pre stage and SS output stage.

Wow Doug, that is something different. Thanks for the insight. Does this mean you have two volume controls to set each time?

03-14-08: Douglas_schroeder
Kiwi, Ah, I got your attention, did I? It is a most unusual, and excellent performing set up! I like trying alternative methods as they sometimes yield wonderful results.

Yes, it certainly caught my attention. Thank you!

I've had a read of your Classic One MKIII review and of course i've read your LFT review several times. A couple of questions if i may?

1) I take it that it is definately confirmed that the MKIII can accept up to 5 volts input from the source? Reason i ask is that its not uncommon for balanced XLR signals to be >=3dB higher than unbalanced which is usually around 2 volts.

2) I went to the Pathos site and could not find dimensions for the MKIII. Do you have them? If you sit them side by side on the shelf - what width is required?

3) Your article quotes power (bridged) at 170 watts into 8 ohm. I dont see that quoted on Pathos site. Did the manufacturer provide you with that particular spec?

4) In your earlier LFT review you also tried Channel Island D200 monoblocks. Do i take it you prefer the bridged Pathos over the CI product?

5) If you were to pick just one highlight of the synergy between the Pathos and the LFT's - what would that be?

03-14-08: Rtilden
I have been using the CODA CSi Limited Edition since last June and love it from top to bottom.

I don't understand why Coda don't spend more time on promotion. Doug Dale maintains that mainstream magazines review iPods and have no impact on sales when they review product. I'm not so sure.

On my shortlist which Douglas Schroeder has now extended nothing can touch the Coda for outright power. Indeed its fair to say the CSi would shame the majority of pre-pwr combo's out there. I mean did you check out the power supply - there's a freakin 2 kVA terriod in there! Of course its not just about power - so i do have a couple of questions

1. Why did you select this amp? What was compelling for you?

2. I thought it odd that the amp didn't offer balanced connectivity. I assume your source is unbalanced? What is it?

3. Could you describe the sound of this amp? I have noted some comment that its MOSFETS give the sound some body and warmth. Is that your experience?

I will be trying this amp with my planars in a couple of weeks time.

Rtilden,

Thanks for your detailed response.

Its deeply disappointing to hear (again) about the poor ethics demonstrated by some reviewing magazines. As any marketer will tell you word of mouth is the frequently the best form of promotion, albeit one that's effectiveness can be constrained with limited circulation.

That Coda were willing to modify product is remarkable.

If Coda is coming out with a new integrated i'd be surprised they would call it the CSX - since a CSX product already exists in the form of a stereo power amp?

A number of the products on my shortlist (i.e. BAT, Unico, Pathos) are in fact a marriage between valves and SS. Its clear to me that after trying a number of valve power amps (including some big VTL's) whilst the sing in the mid-range they can't, at least to my satisfaction, control the bass. So SS is required for the PA stage to control the LFT-8's.

I have no doubt that the CSi will exercise full authority over the planars and so the only question that now remains is how well the inter-product synergy works and whether the character of the CSi's sound meets my personal taste. For that i need an audition and i'll be doing that soon.

03-14-08: Sugarbrie
Blue Circle BmPH (160w - 8 ohm)(260w - 4 ohm).

Do you own one? Do you know how big (VA) the terriod is?