Guess tube pre + power is still king. SF Line 3 is designed with very low output impedance (4 tubes/channel for the output buffer), but Pass is not very tolerant (there is another thread on this topic) and still posts a problem for my case. Sounds like my SF Line 3SE should work fine with Cary 805.
What pre amp to use for Cary 805?
I have a Sonic Frontiers Line 3SE which I like a lot, but it sounds better when use with XLR input and output. I used to own a Pass X-350, but it did not work well with the SF Line 3 and I sold the amp hoping to find a better match without spending more money.
My speakers are fairly efficient, Sonus Faber Amati Homage. I can drive them with 1000wpc amp or I can drive them with 30+ wpc of SE tube power. I decided to give Cary 805 a try as I have always wanted to try one, but will it work well with my SF Line 3SE? With the Cary, I will not use the balance benefit of SF Line 3SE which is why I bought the pre in the first place.
What pre amp do you use with your Cary 805 and what sounds good? Also, will I be better off using other power amp instead of Cary for my Amati Homage?
David
My speakers are fairly efficient, Sonus Faber Amati Homage. I can drive them with 1000wpc amp or I can drive them with 30+ wpc of SE tube power. I decided to give Cary 805 a try as I have always wanted to try one, but will it work well with my SF Line 3SE? With the Cary, I will not use the balance benefit of SF Line 3SE which is why I bought the pre in the first place.
What pre amp do you use with your Cary 805 and what sounds good? Also, will I be better off using other power amp instead of Cary for my Amati Homage?
David