Tube or SS for Sonus Faber Amati Homage

Thanks everyone for your input. I have heard great things about YBA, but I don't think any solid state can be a tube regardless how hard they try. I am still leaning toward real tube amps instead of "tube like" solid state which I already used to have.

I might stay away from OTL as well as Amati does not have the most friendly impedance and OTL usually chokes with varying impedance. I know Berning has proprietary output stage that will cope with varying impedance, but nothing beats the old fashion transformer.

Any more input?

IMHO the Nagra always seems to have trouble controlling base on even intermediate-load speakers at moderate listening volumes. I have heard the amps on three separate pairs of speakers and would be surprised if you would find them complete and compelling on the Amati Homage.

You should be able to find truly wonderful tube match for the Amati Homage depending upon price constraints. I have heard a couple of SS amps with the Amati Homage (but not the Passion 1000 monos), and found myself not fully engaged by the music. They should really blossom with a great tube amp I would imagine. A couple of the posters so far including Audio999 (Johan) can give you some quite varied listening impressions...

Good luck,
Jacob

If the opportunity arises, the following tubes in my (limited) experience deserve a listen: Tenor, KR mono, CAT (stereo), big ARC monos, Pathos monos. I wouldn't want to give preference which could only reflect my musical tastes.
There are certainly more choices that others can contribute. Good luck!

Thorty40: Let us make it clear... have you heard the Amati's with the amps you are recommending? If not it is an assumption or second hand knowledge and should be stated as such.

When you state the amp you own is "the best you heard to date", I think we all have a right to know what your level of experience is.

I know it appears that I am being a bit harsh and I do no intend for that. I just think while the Berning amps are a nice inexpensive solution that may work, it would be nice to know if you have heard the combination.

Jtnn, does this mean you would like a resume of mine also along with a personal biography and maybe a complete color portrait? :) Please, lets stay on topic and instead of expending energy trying to discredit me why don't we just offer some advice for this person looking for a nice amp to use with his Amati Homage.

This is an observation of mine based soley upon the comments of yours above, if I am wrong then I am mistaken and I appologize. It just seems like an aggressive approach (ie. "This guy just bothers me so let me see if I can do something to instigate an uprise.") to what should be a fun topic to explore.

If you want some background information about me and my knowledge of various audio equipment then just e-mail or call me and lets talk.

Chris