Pathos classic one mk2


has anyone hook up two of this integraded amps in balance mono configuration, how does it sound? do you feel more power? did it loose its magic?
thank you leo
leoinstereo
Leo,

After reading about Doug Schroeder's experience bridging the Pathos here on Audiogon (a quick search should get his post)and AA, I went and ordered a second one. In short, I found his observations regarding more power, clarity, etc. spot on.

One point he made was about the piano now sounding like the recording mic had been moved to inside the casing rang especially true. Yesterday listening to a Mozart minuet this really was evident. In addition I found that the increase in power seemed to make an already great bass even tighter and deeper which I didn't think was possible.

One other item, to note . . . as my pathi (plural of Pathos???) are situated near my speakers that are nearly 7 feet apart I was concerned about whether the remote would catch both. Again as Doug S. stated, both units worked in lock step - another great bonus.

So, to answer your question, IMO, the magic wasn't lost - it actually increased. No regrets whatsoever. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Garry
thank you garry, excellent information, one more question did you switch them to mono yourself, it sounds like is easy even dough they tell you a technician should do it,by the way iam using a velodyne sub with remote plug into the tape out, and it works great
Leo,

You're welcome. Yes, I did it my self. I have the MK3 which has a cutout on the bottom. Easy as pie - the dip switch comes from the factory set to "S"; just get yourself a pencil or jeweler's screw driver and move it over to "M". It will take you know more than 3 seconds. From what I've been able to gather, your version has this cutout as well.

One thing to be mindful of is the connections when bridged. In mono mode, all inputs are connected to the Right inputs for each side. Make sure that the ++ speaker lead for each respective speaker is attached to the Right ++ terminal on the amp with the -- speaker lead attached to the Left ++ terminal on the amp . . . it's all in the manual for your reference.

Good luck and let us know if you go ahead with the purchase. I'd be interested to hear your take on the this.

Cheers,
Garry
Leo,
I continue to be very pleased by the sound/performance of the "Pathi" as Garry refers to them. No complaints at all. They seem to be especially superb with very revealing speakers, as they will take some of the edge off the high end without making them sound dull. I have only known a handful of individuals who have run them bridged, but all that I'm aware of are extremely happy with that configuration. I understand that on the oldest version, the original Classic One, a person may have to remove the bottom chassis cover to access the S/M switch. Not a major issue.

Be aware that there was a change in the top silver plate over the transformer. Earlier MKII versions had a rounder, slightly taller plate, but newer ones have shorter, more square plate/cover. Not a huge deal as most people in my listening room never even noticed. You really need to be looking closely to notice much of a difference, but if you purchase two of them used in different transactions and you're hung up on things like that, you may want to try to match them.