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Preamp/Amp synergy with Cain Abby's?

Well here it is: I finally got my Cain Abby's three months ago and they are completely broken in (800+ hours). Now it's finally time to try out some different preamp/amps. After talking to Terry (Cain) and since no amp seems perfect for my musical tastes (everything from World, Jazz, Rock), I am currently looking at getting two different amps for different moods with a matching preamp:

Fi Y preamp

SET amps:
(intended for low volume, relaxed listening sessions)
Bottlehead S.E.X. amp (already got it, but it is still not quite finished)
Fi X amp (planned for sometime in the future, fits 2A3 and 45 tubes, just love the looks)

Solid State:
(for more bottom end control, and a fast, tight sound)
First Watt F1

Any comments, experiences, recommendations?

The rest of my system...(just replaced the Super 3 with Abby's)

Well, thanks already in advance for all your help.

Best wishes,

Rene
restock
restock OP
831 posts
 
Oakiris, by the way there are some changes in the Sophia line up. At least cosmetically the changes are major, and the new set of amps is manufactured in California rather than China. Jim should probably now more about this, but there is some info on the Sophia website.
arkprof
182 posts
 
The Sophia Baby is a fine amp that will drive the Abbys w/o a problem; the music will be very engaging, but the articulation softens on the upper end and the bass lacks the authority you might want. I was driving the Abbys with a Pathos Classic One, but the Sophia was a lot more enjoyable to have in my system. It is a good amp, especially when you consider price. I switched an A205A Almarro ($700 Quest for Sound) and the upgrade in sound was immediately noticeable. Great resolution and dynamics, and those 4.8 watts let the Abbys open up. I'm holding on to the Sophia for the moment, but I won't be switching out the Almarro. No matter, all of the above replaced a couple of Pass amps I'd been using for several years, and I don't miss SS at all. All of the negative hype about tubes kept me from going this direction, but I won't be returning to SS.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I listened to the Abbys on the Sophia and the Grommes monos. It may seem like over kill but the Grommes were the better of the two.The sales person as well as a friend all agreed. The difference for the better was quite noticeable.Of course the difference in price was noticeable too! LOL
oakiris
206 posts
 
Do any of these amps have an HT pass through? I am looking for an integrated tube amp with the pass through but haven't found any in my price range; I would rather not pay more than $2000... :-( I think I am out of luck and will end up just continuing to use my Rotel SS equipment.

Holly
oakiris
206 posts
 
Just to let folks know, when I picked up my Abbys last weekend, I somehow also ended up with the Sophia El34. :-D

I'm loving the combination!

Now all I need is a new CD-player, and some different interconnects, and some after-market power cords, and.....Guess I'm not off the roller coaster yet but my system already sounds much, much better.

Good luck with your search, Rene. I hope you are as happy with whatever amp/preamp you choose as I am with mine.

Holly
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