Best amp for Sonus Faber


Which integrated amp do you believe is the best match for Sonus Faber Olympica Nova (and why)?

Currently using Luxman 509Z - and have just bought Olympica Nova III. 
 

I’ve heard a lot of different views: Hegel, Accuphase, McIntosh etc  

Keen to hear thoughts and experiences - and any which a big mismatches too!

 

stephenwerner

I find most local dealers lead with all amps sound alike until i tell them what pieces are in my system and when they know I take my stereo as a big time hobby they start to open up a bit and start sharing knowledge and loaner components to try at home. We can share what we hear at different demonstrations, but while you might get an idea of tendency you still won't know. Sometimes we get our system sounding really good, but we're not staying up til 3am because the last little bit is missing. sometimes we get there by moving the speakers an inch at a time and sometimes it's a specific speaker amp combo that pulls everything together. You need to put the time in if you're one of us.

@steve59 

My experience is not like that at all. I think because I approach dealers differently. I lead with a super short history of my experience and system and ask some questions on sonic presentation for which I know the answer. Their answer will reveal their experience level, preference and integrity. They immediately know were I am coming from so, they don’t have to guess. I immediately know if this is someone that I can learn from and if they will have my best interest in mind. It’s basically a job interview. 

When I get the exuberant, knowledgeable reply from their experiences... I have found someone I can work with... and even learn from. 

@soix Until you share what specific improvements and sound characteristics you’re looking for this is just a crapshoot.

+1

 Faber are neutral-musical transparent speakers, so amp choice is much more a subjective sonic preference than a ideal match which doesn’t exist.

@stephenwerner - it would be very helpful if you tell us which sonic direction you’d like to go, otherwise suggestions may not fit your preferences.  You do seem to be willing to try different brands/models- likely a great idea if you can afford the time and cost, to better understand what you like and maybe a clearer sonic direction to go.

Instead of strictly SS options, you may consider an integrated with tubes in the preamp section, sometimes the tubes last a long time (low maintenance) and/or easy and inexpensive to replace.  You may like the tube presentation.

There’s also warmer SS amps like GanFet amps or sliding bias like the Krell 300i.

 

 

I am really watching this particular column. I have the Accuphase E-800S.  And right now, my speakers are Magnepan LRS + and Focal 1028be  {I switch them back-n-forth}  

But my reading is probably getting the best of me.  I’m drawn right now to Sonus faber--Guarneri,Olympica Nova I Bookshelf, Olympica floorstanders and maybe the Sonetto VIII G2.

The cost of these speakers is mind blowing.  But I’m looking at a "remainder of life" purchase to work with the Accuphase.  

Any thoughts on those models?

@rightslot I have owned many SF speakers, including original Guarneri H, but since Franco Serblin sold his company I am more interested in speakers he produced in his new company. In fact, I now own FS. Accordo. If you like the SF, you may look for Serblin speakers, they are the ’real deal’. As for the ones you have mentioned, I would skip Sonetto and depending on space you have, look for Guarneri, perhaps Evolution before Tradition model. Olympica 1 is not in that league and Olympica floorstanders are nice, but would choose FS Accordo Essence before any of them, or perhaps, if the funds are sufficient Ktema or SF Amati. If you search ytube videos you will notice that often on shows Franco Serblin speakers are played with Accuphase, but I've heard them playing well with PS Audio BHK (Essence) and even Jeff Rowland (Ktema) . I use Burmester amplification, which is also good pairing, imho