SS amp to match with deHavilland UltraVerve


I have owned the UltraVere for a week and will use the stock tubes until the pre has had a chance to break in. Out of the box, this preamp has far, far exceeded my expectations. I am using Focus Audio FS 688 monitors (85db) and Naim CD player and Flat Cap. I currently have a Proceed HPA2 (250WPC) and Acoustic Zen interconnects and Satori cable. I wanted to ask for recommendations on a compatible SS amp. I would like to keep the price no higher than @ $4500 and will buy new or used. My short list is GamuT MK3, Pass Labs, and Blue Circle Audio. The deHavilland owners manual says the 'high gain' configuration verve is intended for power amps with less than 1v RMS sensitivity, so I like the feature of the GamuT where sensitivity can be selected. How important is matching your pre's sensitivity to an amp? I'm in an area where I can not demo a lot of equipment. Your thoughts and recommendations on these and any other amps are much appreciated!
classical1

Showing 2 responses by 1markr

So far, as an owner of the DeHavilland UltraVerve, I've had great luck with both, a Plinius SA-102 and an Ayre V-5X. Both wonderful SS amps, with different topologies and sonics. If you're after a tubier sounding SS amp then the V-5X is a good choice. If you're after a slightly faster amp, with better "slam", then the Plinius will work for you.
Wait to you try some NOS 6SN7s with it. Many good possibilities. I'm currently happily running it with an RCA grey glass VT-231 (Dick Osher of EnjoytheMusic.com nailed it on the head with that one!) with great results.