Tubes or solid state for Sonus Faber Grand Piano

hgeifman: I am thinking to build a similiar system, just wondering if you got a chance to listen to mc352 and the c2200 (tube pre). If yes, what do you think of them. I got a chance to listen to the c2200 at my local mac store when Ron/Mike hosted the event. I really enjoyed the sound; huge soundstage; not as detail (don't know if it is the right word) compared to all tube.
jabo: interested to hear your opinion on mc352 and c2200 with the SF GP Domus.

I am stillconfused about a basic concept: if one wants to play music at a moderate level, does the wattage produced really matter? I have the Sonus Faber Home Editon Grand Pianos with a 55 watt Nakamichi RE-2 and concomittant tape deck and cd. I am reading all the comments of you more experienced guys as to power, tube, ss or integrated, and I still don't know whether I would notice the difference if I upgrqade. Does the tubevs ss or power accordingly make for better reproduction ofviolins and operatic voices. Not trying to be facetious, I really don't know. Please help a newbie, thanks Alan

If you want bass wamping sound then high power SS is in order. If you want sweet midrange magic with a softer more tubuy bass then the Mac is the ticket. If you want a combination then pick something in the middle. The GPH's will show the colors of the amp.

I auditioned the GPH's with both high power SS and the 275 before buying GPH's and IMO the 275 had a slower more romantic sound to it then SS did.

Btw, I prefer slightly higher power tubes if that helps. I went with a VAC PA100. IMO, the best of both worlds.

P.S. Also tried a VTL ST-150 (in home) and found it too SS sounding for me. Too much power? I dunno.

I have Sonus Faber Home Grand Domus & love them. I have them with a Cary rocket 88 witch is only 20 watts in triod / 30 in ultra-linear. I dont feel I need more power. It is a nice combo. The Cary replaced a Mac MC-402.

FWIW the folks that own Sonus Faber in Italy elected to buy Audio Research; that should tell you something :) Sonus Fabers sound great with tubes.