Which Super Integrated Amp to drive planars?

Here's something different for you; take a look at the twin Pathos Classic One MkIII tube hybrid integrateds that I'm using. 270w into four ohms bridged, super-clean signal path as you run directly from source into the integrateds. You lose a preamp and one set of IC's, but you gain mono block operation for channel separation and power with a tube pre stage and SS output stage.

I have been using this set up with the LFT-8B's for months, and it is a superb combination! In fact, I used these amps in the review I did for these speakers. see link:

http://www.dagogo.com/EminentTech-LFT-8b.html

http://www.dagogo.com/PathosClassicOneMkIII.html

They're Class A in bridged mode, and you won't spend a ton on tubes! They have one set of balanced inputs, and three or four single ended. Last I looked they were $5,500/pair. I have found them very competitive with pre/amp separates up to $10k.

There was a guy I sold my MkII units to as I was upgrading to the MkIII's. He had Boulder separates, and he tried the Pathi. When speaking with him after they arrived, he was quite surprised at the quality of the sound compared to the Boulder separates. But the MkIII's are much better.

On top of all that, they look seriously sweet too! It is an unusual set up, but I have superb results with it.

Kiwi, Ah, I got your attention, did I? It is a most unusual, and excellent performing set up! I like trying alternative methods as they sometimes yield wonderful results.

If the two units are within three feet or so of each other you will have no issues with running them in lockstep via the remote control. It is uncanny how perfectly the two work in synchony, almost like there is a physical link between them.

Other good aspects include the availability of running one stereo if some other component in a diffeent system craps out. You also have a second remote handy in case the first dies. And the fantastic looks! (If I said that before, it's worth repeating!) :)

I also use the Pathi with Legacy Audio Focus HD's, which are 96dB sensitivity, and that also is a fantastic sounding combo.

I would love it if more manufacturers produced integrateds which were switchable to mono block. Since this integrated is designed well enough to be run as a mono block amp the results are impressive. From my experience the benefit of losing an additonal component and set of IC's allows for this more modest integrated to perform at a higher level than expected. In my opinion it is the best of separates and integrateds, with virtually no downside. You even get the potential to tube roll at a very minimal cost!

I guess I accidentally put a double link for the LFT-8B above; meant to put the link to the twin Pathos amps article there. Here it is:

http://www.dagogo.com/PathosClassicOneMkIII.html

Kiwi, Answers:
#1 From the Pathos website: (If you are still worried over it, email Pathos and they'll get you an answer. The original Classic One had potential issues of oversaturation of the volume input with cdp's having more than 2V volume output. Not this unit.)

Innovations about the new Classic One MKIII :
1-we use an high quality op-amp to drive the MosFet power amplifier. It is an ultra low noise, high
linearity and very low distorsion op-amp. More definition on the sound and clearer. You'll immediately
appreciate its superior sound.
2-we use a new volume control with Burr-Brown ic which is more linear and it can accept up to +/-12V audio
signal. In this way we avoid the input saturation when the cd player has high voltage output (5V). There is also
a new power supply.
3-we added a particular electronic stage to protect the power amplifiers against short-circuit on the speaker
connectors. This particular network is an high impedence stage that feels the current and save the output stage
when a short circuit happens.
4-we use a new high quality speaker connectors that are completely protected with a transparent plastic, in order
to avoid short circuit.
5-use a new stainless steel cover for the power transformer
6-new power transformer which can work up to 130Vac , so it is less sensitive to the different voltages in the US
territory.
we also supply an addictional set of spare fuses.
We use chromium plated knobs and wood of front panel is paduk (red).

#2 Yeah, that's one of the weird things about the site, that such basic things as dimension are not mentioned. It's right at 9"W x 20"L x 6"H You will need a slightly deeper cabinet than for normal sized components. I would recommend keeping them in the open versus putting them in a cabinet; however, there are no heat issues - they run cool enough to touch (except the tubes!) Note also that the binding posts require the speaker cables to be attached on top of the units.

#3 Gianni Borinato, the designer, gave me the 170w 8 Ohm/ 270wpc at 4 Ohm mono specs

#4 It's personal preference, but I prefer the Pathos amps to anything I have written about to date in reviews. They are reference quality amplification. There is one SS pre/amp combo which I'm reviewing that I like as well, and it does some things in terms of power - at 1,000wpc - that the Pathos amps cannot, but at twice the price. OTOH, the Pathos amps have a certain balance/richness tonally which is very engaging and sounds good with a wide variety of sources and speakers.

#5 Smooth, tube sound with enough power to drive the planars well. I have heard a lot of tube amps under 50wpc which just can't hack driving the ET's well. I have also heard them with several SS set ups which tend to accentuate the stridency of the ET's treble. (The new tweeter helps in this regard tremendously!) I have put that 1,000wpc on them, and they become fundamentally different speakers with tremendous power. However, just adding gobs of power does not guarantee to make the ET's sound their best, as they can take on a bit of an edge from SS electronics (this is a subjective evaluation; likely many others with a higher tolerance for sharp treble might see no issue with the SS electronics). The Pathos amps have a richness to them, a very engaging midrange which I have not heard on many SS amps, and enough power to keep the ET's vibrant/lively sounding.

Note: the associated electronics, i.e. source and cables make a critical difference also in the end result. I have been able to achieve a lovely blend between detail and control of potential edginess in the treble with the right source and cables. All personal preferences in this regard.