Devore 0/96 - Integrated AMP help


Hi everyone,

I am in the process of securing Devore 0/96s with A23 cables.  My source will be an Auralic Vega G2.  I have narrowed my list of integrated amps to some tube and SS (Class A) gear.  I am looking for some help from those that have experienced this speaker and amp combinations.  I am moving from a very transparent system and looking for a little more warmth, musicality, and a system that is more emotionally engaging.

Tube amp potentials:
Leben CS300
Leben CS600
Line Magnetic 845
Maybe a simple SET (Unison Research Simply Italy)

SS Class A potentials:
Pass Labs INT-25
Sugden A21se or Masterclass IA-4

Looking to end my constant desire to make system changes once and for all! LOL
crandell25

Showing 7 responses by charles1dad

Coherent Audio speakers fly under the radar amongst a plethera of available speaker brands. Yet from all I’ve heard/read about them they are genuinely excellent sounding and very easily driven as a bonus.
Charles
@davehg, 
"I’m usually skeptical of custom builds but I compared 3 of his builds to my Leben and was shocked by the performance. It was interesting to compare identical amps where the transformer and caps were different - really huge differences. "

Yep! I've never understood why some people are skeptical of the benefit of upgrading to better quality capacitors,  output transformers (Most definitely) and other vital parts.

Many stock parts are often chosen due  to cost considerations/price point targets and   can be improved upon. Just because a part meets"spec" does not mean it cannot be bettered. Thank you for providing the additional information. No doubt that you are enjoying some beautiful sound quality via your audio system. 
Charles 
"@kw6 You’d be shocked how well the Luxman MQ-88uC pairs with O/96’s. And the MQ-300 pairing is stellar - even more so."

I wonder if @kw6 was referring to the Luxman solid state amplifiers specifically. It’s difficult to imagine why their tube amplifiers (Particularly the MQ series) wouldn’t pair well with the Orangutan/96. I do not doubt that the 4 he recommends are excellent choices.
Charles
@davehg,
I was not aware that the Bottlehead  components offered that level of optional upgraded parts. I’m sure they sound as exceptional as you describe. I definitely agree with you in regard to the importance of high quality output transformers, crucial for excellent sound quality.
Charles
@fsonicsmith, 
Thank you,  I really appreciate your kind remark. 
Charles 
@fsonicsmith,
That is indeed quite the contrast between two amplifiers.  I'm very interested to read what sonic distinctions you hear between them.
Charles 
My first thought was, ’I find it hard to believe that the Pass Labs XA 25 would have better sound quality than the Line Magnetic 508ia amplifier.’ But then I have to acknowledge that this is pure subjectivity and people simply like what they like,. Preferences span a very wide spectrum.

This is the way it should be and one of the major factors that make High End audio and listening to music such an interesting and enjoyable endeavor. So I happily say to each their own. There’s an audio component out there that will suit an individual’s taste whatever it happens to be.
Charles