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Wilson Sasha W/P amplifier pairing

I acquired a pair of Wilson Sasha W/P speakers this year. They’re Series 1 Sasha’s. Now trying to find great mono blocks to power them. My other system has Harbeth Speakers and a Pass Labs amp, I love the combo and can listen for hours without fatigue. I’d really prefer something warm and non fatiguing for the Sasha’s. 
 

Amps I’ve tried so far:

Pass Labs X350 - too bright and forward, etched vocals, not a lot of sparkle but plenty of authority

Pass Labs INT-30A - much better all around than the X350 but still too bright and forward. Not nearly enough power for Sasha. End result is too cold and thin

Bob Latino ST-120 - this is a $1200 kit tube amp I built. 60WPC. This amp was surprisingly kind of magical with Sasha.  Never fatiguing and full bodied. Unfortunately it went up in smoke because I can’t solder.

 

Mono blocks I’m considering:

Audio Research Ref 160M

Lamm 1.2 Reference

Pass Labs XA100.8

 

Preamp is a PrimaLuna EVO 400. Rega RP3 with Exact cart. Denafrips Ares II DAC streaming Roon via MicroRendu. Any advice welcome. 

audio_bidder
testpilot
896 posts
 

Try Pass Labs XA point 8 series of amplifier.  Never heard anyone describe Pass as bright. 

garebear
1,064 posts
 

......correct me if I am wrong, but I do recall Dave Wilson showing as well as owning his speakers with Nagra equipment. It would seem to me based on the sonic characteristics of those two companies it just might be the match you are looking for.   

audio_bidder OP
15 posts
 

@gpgr4blu excellent summary. You've actually experience all of these amps so I really value and appreciate your opinion. I'm leaning Ref 160M since I know I won't have issues getting them serviced, plus they're gorgeous, auto bias, longer tube life, etc.

I've heard some people have had issues getting Lamm's serviced (they claim they can't get a hold of anyone). Vlad was a genius but since his passing this year I worry about customer support. Their website has been "under construction" for some time. That said, I've heard nothing but good things about the sound.

@adg101 maybe bright isn't the best descriptor. More forward and top heavy. I applied a 1.5dB rolloff above 14kHz via Roon and that helped. I've treated first reflections with GIK panels after consulting with them, that helped tremendously. But remember, I'm coming from Harbeth's, so going from zero fatigue to some fatigue seems like a stark difference.

 

erik_squires
15,791 posts
 

I got a chance to audition a lot of amps with Wilsons in general, especially when I was buying my integrated.

Here is the opinion I have for amplifiers I've heard with Wilsons:

 

Top Tier:

  • D’Agostino
  • Luxman
  • Ayre

OK:

  • ARC (modern not old)
  • Parasound
  • IcePower based Class D

Just no:

  • Pass
  • Mark Levinson

Also want to recommend the Luxman preamp which does an excellent job of showing off Wilson’s from top to bottom.

audiojan's avatar
audiojan
390 posts
 

I would highly recommend Gryphon. I’m driving a pair of W/P 8 with a Diablo 300, by far the best they’ve ever sounded 

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