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 1 response by classical1

Thank you 1markr..I just talked to Kara at deHavilland and wanted to clarify what I wrote above..The pre-amp that was shipped to me was the 'standard gain' pre-amp, not the high gain configuration, so matching to a SS amp should be no problem. Would like to hear from anyone else who has used the dehavilland with a SS amp that you liked. This is the first tube gear I've owned and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Kara is a wonderful person to talk to and the build quality of this preamp is outstanding. It sounds better every day--can't wait to try the upgraded tubes!