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Best Tube Amp For Sonus Faber? Or Pass XA-100.5? $6-7,500 Budget, Purchasing Used.

As the title says, I have a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica III's that I am more than pleased with, for which I am trying to determine the best available amplifier, preferably tube. Of course, there are always budget limitations and my budget for this amp would be $6-7,500, and I would be buying used to maximize purchasing power.

Based on a lot of research, and quite a few auditions at brick and mortar stores, various home systems, Axpona, etc. I'm honestly not sure if there are any truly exceptional tube amplifiers available within that budget that meet my needs. These speakers need 100wpc tubed, or 200 wpc solid state, into 4 ohms to really open up and perform. 

If, in the end, there are no really great tubed options, I've always heard that the Pass Labs XA-100.5's were probably the optimal choice in solid state for former tube lovers. I would also appreciate any thoughts on that option from owners. 
nightfall
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
djfst
georgehifi,

I noticed the bass improvement the most when going from the primaluna to the VAC.  that would coincide with what you were saying.  The best bass on a tube amp I've heard was with the VAC.

It could be the the VAC has a lower output impedance because of two things either it's transformer has a lower impedance winding or the it has a lot more global feedback than the PL creating a lower impedance.

Cheers George 
nightfall OP
133 posts
 
djfst,

Are you a member on any audio forum where I could PM you, I have made a decision after a long call with VAC today. Some of what was said is not information I feel it right to share here, as it was a private, and extremely upfront conversation. 

For everyone else, I'll report back here with what choice I made, assuming my offer is accepted, etc. 
nightfall OP
133 posts
 

06-19-2017 3:32pmnightfall said...
"My current preamplifier is the top of the line PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium, which I have loaded up with very good NOS tubes. I find it to be a giant killer under $10k"


aolmrd1241 said
I concur. What NOS tubes are you running?

These for the 5AR4’s:

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/vacuum-tubes/products/philips-5r4gys-made-in-holland

CBS 5814A for the two critical positions, RCA NOS, 1950’s for the four other 12au7’s.



jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Are you a member on any audio forum where I could PM you

You can PM members on Audiogon.
djfst
163 posts
 
Nightfall,

I'm also on audio asylum, but you can just feel free to PM me on audiogon.  



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