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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?

jaybe
noodlyarm
151 posts
 

+1 on Krell.   Simply a great amp all around, very musical, engaging, dynamic, and stunning control of the bass drivers.   Mine run warm, but never hot.

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

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.

retiredaudioguy
289 posts
 

The Pass Labs XA 25 might do well.  It can handle difficult loads and is sonically excellent.

Read the reviews, they are spot on.  It is (for me just) OK to move at 45lbs.  I still have mine (driving Rockport Atria IIs) but I am now going through a 300B phase.

 

 

 

jaybe OP
863 posts
 

@vthokie83 

Thinking hard of going with the #8. A little research tells me it might be better on the top end with the Sopra. I’m going to get in touch with him.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Motherlode XL. Going back and forth with Aric last year. Came close. Talked to Supratek too but the wait was very long. In the end went with Spatial. The better remote was part of it. I’m sure I’d be happy with any of them sound-wise.

12many
354 posts
 

Although you may not like this option, you can consider the PS Audio BHK 250 or a pair of BHK 300 monoblocks.  I have Focal speakers and it is a great match.  These amps have a tube input stage which pairs well with the Focal tweeter, plus you can tube roll to tailor the sound.  Both are under budget and repairs are available in the US if needed.  

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