Power amp - where to go from here...

[howiebrou]

Thanks howie! Orpheus is not really known and represented here. And it relates to my goal for purchasing a known and trade-able brand. As I’ll be buying blindly.

Yeah I thought as much!

 

[bonzo75]

Then you should go dagostino. Keep in mind symphonic line is much lower cost and can be sold off, so your trade loss might be lower. In terms of sound it is very similar to Luxman with more speed. Lots of power and drive, similar tonally, class A type sound. Full bodied tone.

 

[asiufy]

To the OP:

Perhaps it'd be better if you disclosed what speakers you're getting
It'd definitely help.

 

[LL21]

Thanks a lot for the detailed info!
So, Boulder has a sweet tone?
I’ve heard that Gryphon are more on the linear/neutral side, is that right? What about the Antileon EVO? The Mephisto is way off budget.

Boulder has the ability to deliver the intense depth of note as a violin soars...which has an intensity/sweetness to it. however, the overall impression one gets from Boulder 2000 series is not as 'sweet' as Gryphon or probably your Luxman.

As for Antileon Evo, i have heard great things about it...i have owned the original Antileon, Colosseum and now Mephisto. If you are willing to go for Mephisto 2nd hand, you might be able to get it at your budget if you look hard enough.

 

[iaxel]

To the OP:

Perhaps it'd be better if you disclosed what speakers you're getting
It'd definitely help.

Soon I believe they'll be a bit more colored in tone than the Magicos, but can be similarly hard to drive.

 

[bonzo75]

At 30k (euro) I could get you one of the best systems I have heard, in the top 4 to 7 depending on what one values, it will be a big horn plus pre and power. If you don't like it I will buy it from you in two years for 20k. Deal is open to anybody. Plays classical, rock, and jazz with aplomb

 

[iaxel]

At 30k (euro) I could get you one of the best systems I have heard, in the top 4 to 7 depending on what one values, it will be a big horn plus pre and power. If you don't like it I will buy it from you in two years for 20k. Deal is open to anybody. Plays classical, rock, and jazz with aplomb

How big? Big horns do not fit in my listening space.

 

[bonzo75]

How big? Big horns do not fit in my listening space.

Well then, it won't work. Approx 1m wide and deep, plays better if pulled out but can go back to wall and roughly 5 feet tall I guess.

 

[iaxel]

Well then, it won't work. Approx 1m wide and deep, plays better if pulled out but can go back to wall and roughly 5 feet tall I guess.

Yep, that’s huge. Just out of curiosity what are those horns?

 

[christoph]

Yep, that’s huge. Just out of curiosity what are those horns?

I second that question

 

[iaxel]

Adding to the list the Boulder 1161, the smaller brother of the 1160. Anyone know how they compare? Is the 1161 powerful enough?

And the Audia Flight Strumento no. 4 mk2. Any love for those? Are they in the detailed/neutral camp? They seem to be quite powerful (500W @ 4ohms, 900W @ 2ohms).

 

[morricab]

At 30k (euro) I could get you one of the best systems I have heard, in the top 4 to 7 depending on what one values, it will be a big horn plus pre and power. If you don't like it I will buy it from you in two years for 20k. Deal is open to anybody. Plays classical, rock, and jazz with aplomb

Ok, what system?

 

[shakti]

The decision should be also driven from your preferred source. The VAC is a full symmetrical PreAmp. If your source is also full symmetrical, it will make sense, if the Amp is it as well. So all Single Ended Amps would be out
(at least for me).

I tried several amplifiers to drive my Wilson Speakers, incl Boulder 1060, CHP A1, Grandinote Demone, VTL S-400 and to my surprise the Jeff Rowland 825 is by far the best match.

I heard the JRDG 825 at the dealer with Magico speakers and compared the amp with Goldmund Telos 2500. Again the 825 was more close to my expectations.

As the Rowland 825 should be within your price range, you might incl this amplifier into your considerations.

 

[Bodhi]

Adding to the list the Boulder 1161, the smaller brother of the 1160. Anyone know how they compare? Is the 1161 powerful enough?

And the Audia Flight Strumento no. 4 mk2. Any love for those? Are they in the detailed/neutral camp? They seem to be quite powerful (500W @ 4ohms, 900W @ 2ohms).

I've heard my friend's previous Strumento No.4 & new No.8 mono's driving his Marten Coltrane 3's several times. They are lovely sounding amps, powerful, well controlled, yet natural and musical (warm). They're also very well built & weigh a tonne! If you could swing it, the No.8 mono's are quite a step up from the power amp in terms of overall musicality and ease.

I've heard the Boulder 1160 many times before. That amp sounds natural and neutral, with a nice musical flow which was missing from the 1060 (which sounded a bit dry in comparison). Imho the Boulder needs some tubes in the mix to add a little warmth & dimensionality, so it might be a good option with your Vac preamp. If you were looking for a warmer, more laid back presentation i'd steer toward the Audia Flight.

 

[iaxel]

The decision should be also driven from your preferred source. The VAC is a full symmetrical PreAmp. If your source is also full symmetrical, it will make sense, if the Amp is it as well. So all Single Ended Amps would be out
(at least for me).

I tried several amplifiers to drive my Wilson Speakers, incl Boulder 1060, CHP A1, Grandinote Demone, VTL S-400 and to my surprise the Jeff Rowland 825 is by far the best match.

I heard the JRDG 825 at the dealer with Magico speakers and compared the amp with Goldmund Telos 2500. Again the 825 was more close to my expectations.

As the Rowland 825 should be within your price range, you might incl this amplifier into your considerations.

Thanks Shakti!
The local dealer has the 625 on demo, so I may be able to audition it.

 

[iaxel]

I've heard my friend's previous Strumento No.4 & new No.8 mono's driving his Marten Coltrane 3's several times. They are lovely sounding amps, powerful, well controlled, yet natural and musical (warm). They're also very well built & weigh a tonne! If you could swing it, the No.8 mono's are quite a step up from the power amp in terms of overall musicality and ease.

I've heard the Boulder 1160 many times before. That amp sounds natural and neutral, with a nice musical flow which was missing from the 1060 (which sounded a bit dry in comparison). Imho the Boulder needs some tubes in the mix to add a little warmth & dimensionality, so it might be a good option with your Vac preamp. If you were looking for a warmer, more laid back presentation i'd steer toward the Audia Flight.

Thanks Bodhi!
The Boulder seems to be more in the direction I’m looking for.
The mono 8’s are off budget.
Any experience with the 1161?

 

[KeithR]

You really need to tell us the incoming speakers to make good recommendations.

ps. I've never heard a convincing Boulder system in 20 years

 

[kswanson27]

Really? I have...

 

[Zero000]

I own a Luxman M-800a and I can tell you it is fast if the input is fast. You only need to listen to something like this to know it.

But what it doesn't do is hype speed or have unnaturally strong bass drive or grip. If you want obvious push and drive look elsewhere.

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks Bodhi!
The Boulder seems to be more in the direction I’m looking for.
The mono 8’s are off budget.
Any experience with the 1161?

No, as the 1161 is a new amp, I haven't had the chance to hear one yet. Though the basic sound signature should be the same as the 1160, just with less power.