I run Atmasphere Class D's with my Sopra 2's and can't see myself using any other amps. Cool to touch, smooth, silent when left on and detailed as. Never understood the brightness people claim Sopra's exhibit because I don't hear it and I'm in a 9x13 tiny room.
Amp For Sopras
I’ve been running a Bryston Cubed amp with my Sopra 1s for a while, but it’s time to move to an amp that downplays the occasional Sopra brightness. Preamp is a Spatial Audio Raven. Audience speaker cables. Budget up to about $10k. Solid state preferred but I might consider something mildly-tubed if there’s such a thing. Pass Labs and the new AR S-100 come to mind. Mac and big heavy amps do not. I prefer a decent amount of resolution. New over used in most cases. What else works well with these speakers?
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Thanks all. To my knowledge and based on reviews the Hegels are reported as bright. Even dealers have told me that. Talked to a Coda dealer today. I’ve heard the AtmaSphere class Ds at the NY audio show. Nice but not sure I’m ready to go D. I’ve had a few and sold them pretty quick. A friend runs the 600 watt Macs with the Sopras. But even the 150 watt model is deeper than my rack shelf. Interesting that Focal users replying say they don't find them bright. But, beryllium tweeter. We all have different tastes and tolerances. I was running Pass until right before I got the Focals. Sort of wish now I held onto it. As much as I don’t want another 80 lb amp, I’m not excluding it. |
The 100% Class A Krell Duo 175XD. amp Krell Duo 175 XD Stereo Power Amplifier Bl... For Sale | Audiogon This linked ad is for my old unit that I bought new and sold to fund the purchase of a CODA #16 amp. The KRELL Dou XD lineup is amazing on brighter gear. The line is large and ugly but not heavy. It also runs cool. You will never hear the fans nor did I think it ever went on when I owned it. The unit above was in MINT condition when I sold it, and it looks like it has had a bit of a journey since then. This is one of the finest amps I owned and really the only amp that I liked better was the CODA #11 and CODA #16, but I would take the Krell over them for Beryllium.
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jaybe Your speakers are relatively easy to drive, as long as the amp can maintain control. I can highly recommend the CODA S5.5. I drive mine with the Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, which is incredibly similar to your Raven preamp.....both utterly brilliant. Can find it new for under $6,000; I bought mine from Audio Archon, Mike Kay is a really good dude and will work with you. CODA S5.5 specs - 50WPC full Class A (quite a bit more in A/B), 100WPC 4ohms, 200WPC 2ohms.......peak 100 amp delivery. It's a terrific companion with a tube preamp, and drives any speakers I've tried without any issues.....as long as it's not some ridiculously difficult load. CODA #8 would be a great match as well, and it's just a bit more than the S5.5 at a little over $6,400. It's a power beast by comparison I'd definitely give Doug Dale a call at CODA to discuss both options, I've always found him to be really giving of his time. |
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