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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
audio_bidder OP
15 posts
 

UPDATE:

I brought home a pair of ARC REF160M mono blocks to power the Sasha’s. Wow!!! These amplifiers are a wonderful match. So much more musical than the Pass INT-30A and Pass X350. Tone and timbre are beautiful. They are relatively lightweight (about 60 lbs each) compared to SS designs which is a big plus for me. Not to mention I think they are a contender for best looking amplifier ever. If there’s any downside, they might not have as much low end slam as the best SS amps but are certainly no slouch. I think I slightly prefer triode mode. 
 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,360 posts
 

Congratulations!!! I bet that sounds awesome!

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skucie
56 posts
 

Congrats! Use the 8 ohm output taps!!

ghdprentice
6,492 posts
 

OP,

 

I brought home an Audio Research Reference 160 to compare to my Pass x350s. After seconds I realized I would not have to put the Pass back in for comparison. I immediately told my dealer… sold. There was no comparison.

 

I have had the privilege of having both a pair of Ref160m and a Ref 160s for the last year. Wow, either are incredible amps. Detailed, musical, and natural with power. Never going anywhere else.

gpgr4blu
1,079 posts
 

Agreed. Peter McGrath recommends this on ARC (and other) amps. I did it with my Ref160Ms and Sashas and now with my Alexia2s. It works.

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