2. amps-preamps
  3. 1269982508

Best Match for Dynaudio Contour S3.4?

Amp Budget $2400. Peachtree Nova Preamp/DAC, Ocos II speaker cables, and a short list of amps as follows; Odyssey Stratos Mono Extremes, Spectron Musician III MkII Se, Plinius P8 (modified), Mark Levinson 331.

I loved the sound of the Plinius 9200 paired with the Dyns, but I was not using the preamp section so I sold it. Might be regretting this... But now I am seeing if I can do the same or better for under $2400.

Who has some experience with any of these combinations that could opine here about their preferences and why. I listen to a lot of soft rock and blues mostly (Steely Dan, John Mayer, Buddy Guy, SRV, etc) as well as female vocalists (from Patricia Barber to Joss Stone and Sarah Vaughan). Well recorded jazz is cool, but classical is not my thing.

Thanks!
fredorama
missioncoonery
732 posts
 
I suggest a Pass Labs X150.5..300 watts into that 4 ohm load and Pass is by far the best SS match with Dynaudio,IMO
fredorama OP
46 posts
 
Missioncoonery (whatever the hell that means!) Thanks for the suggestion. I am a fan of Pass. Cannot afford the X250.5. But I am concerned the X150.5 is not enough power. Any thoughts on this from the rest of you out there?
fredorama OP
46 posts
 
Updated! So I have narrowed it down to the souped up Stratos Monos (95% of the Kizmets according to Klaus, sounding better than the extremes), and the Plinius SA 100, which I may have modified by a former Plinius designer in Buffalo. Now what?

Has anybody heard both of these amps with the Dyn 3.4s or 5.4s? That would be most helpful. Thanks!
missioncoonery
732 posts
 
I ran a X150.5 for a short time with C4s and it sounded really nice.Yes, when I ran a 350.5 it was more of a good thing..300 watts from the 150.5 is more than enough to drive those C1s where as the SA150 is only 180 watts into that 4 ohm load..Another plus for Pass is they are made in USA and the customer support is second to none ..Buy American and a better amp for your applications..cant argue with that!!IMO
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I would not recommend buying a modded Plinius (or Pass Labs) amp, nor of having one modded.

People like Plinius and Pass because of the quality of the factory products.

The pool of buyers interested in a modded Plinius amp will be extremely small, and if you decide to sell it, you will likely have to sell at a deep discount.

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