New amplifier: my long journey...

[acalex]

Ahaha, I know...but I am still looking for my "Nirvana" type of sound and I am happy to see I am on the right path :bounce:

Having said that...no rush, if I won't get there I won't be unhappy as my kit sounds very very well...especially when I will get the SFs...but you know dreaming is free

But Cno trust me, the Amati Futura with all tubes AR kit was a dream kit. Plus the dealer is the "owner" of last pair of Sonus Faber Stradivary Palladio (special edition), last pair available worldwide! :read:

Ah...the guy had also the Jadis DA88 from a client (needed to change tubes) and he promised me we would have a listen before it gives it back!!! :wall:

With a €70k budget, a variety of great systems can be put together from the likes of Audio Note, Pathos, Icon Audio, Unison Research and MF AMS....and once you've heard the perfect system, it's then the goal to see if you can get 85% of the sound, for 60% of the cost. For example, you can get a superb from Icon Audio mono blocks for a lot less.

I think you will be very impressed with the DA88.

I really like your approach, that's why I will go soon to visit the Jadis factory and listen to their JA250 pure class A monoblocks to see how those will compare to what I heard. My dealer also proposed he will give them a call to fix an appointment before going...it will be a lot of fun!

 

[CnoEvil]

If you come across some Icon Audio MB 845 Signature Monoblocks, give them a listen........Remarkable VFM.

 

[acalex]

If you come across some Icon Audio MB 845 Signature Monoblocks, give them a listen........Remarkable VFM.

I will. For now I don't seem to see any dealer around here...

I am also trying to organise a trip to visit the Sonus Faber factory in Italy...

 

[CnoEvil]

I will. For now I don't seem to see any dealer around here...

I am also trying to organise a trip to visit the Sonus Faber factory in Italy...

This is really one for "the long finger".

They have dealers in Italy, Spain and Holland, and as a company are usually helpful: http://www.iconaudio.com/dealers/

If you get to the SF factory, it could be worthwhile picking their brains about this (ie. SF + Icon Audio)

 

[acalex]

I will. For now I don't seem to see any dealer around here...

I am also trying to organise a trip to visit the Sonus Faber factory in Italy...

This is really one for "the long finger".

They have dealers in Italy, Spain and Holland, and as a company are usually helpful: http://www.iconaudio.com/dealers/

If you get to the SF factory, it could be worthwhile picking their brains about this (ie. SF + Icon Audio)

You wanted maybe to say when... :cheers:

Of course I will...and I will take a lot of pics if possible!

 

[acalex]

I will. For now I don't seem to see any dealer around here...

I am also trying to organise a trip to visit the Sonus Faber factory in Italy...

This is really one for "the long finger".

They have dealers in Italy, Spain and Holland, and as a company are usually helpful: http://www.iconaudio.com/dealers/

If you get to the SF factory, it could be worthwhile picking their brains about this (ie. SF + Icon Audio)

The monoblocks 845 MKII Signature cost "only" 7k eur brand new for a pair...unbelievable. If they get close to what the AR delivered is an evident bargain.

 

[CnoEvil]

The monoblocks 845 MKII Signature cost "only" 7k eur brand new for a pair...unbelievable. If they get close to what the AR delivered is an evident bargain.

Ah ha, I have now caught your interest.....do a little research, and you will find they have quite a reputation as a giant killer!

Your splendid dealer should be able to wangle something, if and when you're ready for a listen. >)

 

[acalex]

The monoblocks 845 MKII Signature cost "only" 7k eur brand new for a pair...unbelievable. If they get close to what the AR delivered is an evident bargain.

Ah ha, I have now caught your interest.....do a little research, and you will find they have quite a reputation as a giant killer!

Your splendid dealer should be able to wangle something, if and when you're ready for a listen. >)

Yes you did! But that's great as I like to keep myself occupied :cheers:

I will talk to my dealer to see what he thinks!

 

[egoBen]

There are also much cheaper Audio Research products that might sound almost as good as the super expensive system you heard. Fot instance, the tube power amp VS-115 sound amazing. I have seen it on the used market for 3000-4000 euros. 115 watts from a tube amp is pretty good. Compared to the small Jadis Orchestra it can't compete in terms of mid range magic, but the details, separation, space and above all, perfect bass control, this Audio Research amp is really something. Try to listen to it! If it wasn't for the horrid looks and size I probably would have got one. But still, I think any Jadis is a nicer amp to own. The looks, the feel, the sound!

 

[acalex]

There are also much cheaper Audio Research products that might sound almost as good as the super expensive system you heard. Fot instance, the tube power amp VS-115 sound amazing. I have seen it on the used market for 3000-4000 euros. 115 watts from a tube amp is pretty good. Compared to the small Jadis Orchestra it can't compete in terms of mid range magic, but the details, separation, space and above all, perfect bass control, this Audio Research amp is really something. Try to listen to it! If it wasn't for the horrid looks and size I probably would have got one. But still, I think any Jadis is a nicer amp to own. The looks, the feel, the sound!

I know, Jadis is somewhat special in terms of feel and look...and the midrange is also unbelievable. That's why I will be visiting the factory soon in France and get to listen their 250 monoblocks...I am curios to see how they would perform.

The system I heard was very well balanced as these amazing speakers need a proper amplification to shine...

 

[egoBen]

Have you considered the mono's JA 80's? Can be found around 4500 euros. I've never heard them myself but according to what I've read they should be really something! Can be found on www.ebay.be among other places.

I am going to southern France myself in mid july. Would have loved going to the Jadis factory too!

 

[acalex]

To be honest I have never considered monblocks so far but I would be interested in trying them to see how they perform. Anyway if I would ever change my jadis integrated it would be for something more powerful able to drive easily the sonus faber Amati futura speakers.

On eBay there are also ja500 monblocks on sale .

 

[acalex]

I really love my amp! Every day I feel I made a great choice...especially when I put some vinyls on and listen.

I hope to rearrange the furniture in my living room so I could finally enjoy a comfortable position and give my system the space it deserves to shine

Having said that...I feel every day more intrigued to try some Pathos amps. I haven't read so far a single post/article which do not underline how they shine in musicality...plus they are beautifully built...plus it's an italian brand :cheer:

Just wondering how they would match with Sonus Faber speakers and what would you (Cno?!?) expect when compraing the Jadis to the:

- Inpol2 or Inpower monoblocks

- Adrenaline monoblocks

Adrenaline + Sonus Faber Amati Futura (or Stradivari) might be a dream system...unachievable for now...but you never know! :cheers:

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi there again.

Since I haven't heard Sonus Faber on the end of Pathos, my comments are more conjecture than anything else.

When dealing with personal taste, there is no wrong, as such; but saying that, I still think it would be a pleasant musical mix, if lacking a little hard edged punch for those who like a lean, detailed and "neutral" sound.

Tonally, I would expect the Inpol to inhabit the middle ground between the AMS35i and your Jadis.

Oh, as an aside, can you please go and buy something, so that we can have a pleasant distraction from never-ending, obsessive debate about digital!

 

[acalex]

Hi there again.

Since I haven't heard Sonus Faber on the end of Pathos, my comments are more conjecture than anything else.

When dealing with personal taste, there is no wrong, as such; but saying that, I still think it would be a pleasant musical mix, if lacking a little hard edged punch for those who like a lean, detailed and "neutral" sound.

Tonally, I would expect the Inpol to inhabit the middle ground between the AMS35i and your Jadis.

Oh, as an aside, can you please go and buy something, so that we can have a pleasant distraction from never-ending, obsessive debate about digital!

Thanks for your comments as usual!

I put a note to go out and check the Pathos amps!

I just got my contract renewed so I might think to re-start spending again. Ahaha, it is true that here there are 2 or 3 recurrant obsessions (cables, actives, digital...etc). I try to avoid those threads to be honest as most of the time are purely provocative...

 

[egoBen]

Hi Acalex. Do you think the power in your current Jadis is enough? I am thinking of getting a pair of Ja30s but I don't know if it will be enough. I just can't get speakers with very high db and impedance, they look too ugly and are too big. I got me a pair of 8 ohm (min 7) speakers the other day, Amphion Argon, they are great, I hope it would work. They are neutral and not too far from Monitor Audio I think, but with more 3D and bigger sound which I like.

 

[oldric_naubhoff]

Hi Acalex

I think this video may interest you (I hope it plays in Belgium); Pathos Synapse +Adrenalins driving Pathos speakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdonruYfhPk

and, as we're already watching vids, here's another one that may interest you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGyUhlZ5FFI

both of them were recorded live with some handy-cam or maybe even some photo camera? but still, both sound great IMO. just imagine how would it be like to be there in person.... ray:

BTW didn't I told ya so? you should've listen to Pathos before you made your purchase.

 

[acalex]

Hi Acalex. Do you think the power in your current Jadis is enough? I am thinking of getting a pair of Ja30s but I don't know if it will be enough. I just can't get speakers with very high db and impedance, they look too ugly and are too big. I got me a pair of 8 ohm (min 7) speakers the other day, Amphion Argon, they are great, I hope it would work. They are neutral and not too far from Monitor Audio I think, but with more 3D and bigger sound which I like.

Ben, I actually can play as loud as I want with my RX6 and the Jadis which is "only" 35W. Do not let yourself get confused by the specifications as these amps have great power transformer and can deliver stunning performance per watt. I have hard the Jadis with Sonous Faber Guarneri Memento (which is 88db) and it was unbelievable (next speakers I will be getting)

 

[acalex]

Hi Acalex

I think this video may interest you (I hope it plays in Belgium); Pathos Synapse +Adrenalins driving Pathos speakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdonruYfhPk

and, as we're already watching vids, here's another one that may interest you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGyUhlZ5FFI

both of them were recorded live with some handy-cam or maybe even some photo camera? but still, both sound great IMO. just imagine how would it be like to be there in person.... ray:

BTW didn't I told ya so? you should've listen to Pathos before you made your purchase.

Yes they play...haven't watched them yet as I am listening to Stripped (Rolling Stones) on vinyls and it sounds so great today

Frankly I am glad I have bouht the Jadis as I could appreciate how beautiful is the "tube sound" without spending "too much". It is all part of the learnin process and I am sure that if I would sell back my Jadis I wouldn't lose much money. I will post my impressoins after watching the video.

The problem of Pathos is that is not available in Belgium...as there are not dealers. To be honest I was thinking about becoming distributor myself for Belgium for Pathos only :cheers:

 

[acalex]

Stunning performance indeed...I really need to go to one of these hi-end shows in Milan soon...

The monoblocks are massive...

 

[egoBen]

Thanks! It's not really the volume I am worried about, but the bass control. Tubes are tubes and can't deliver 100% perfection in bassI guess, unless you pay astronomous amounts or get weird looking speakers. But I think I will try it out, will report back how it all works out!

The Pathos you're thinking about seems like a nice choice, a hybrid right?

 

[acalex]

Thanks! It's not really the volume I am worried about, but the bass control. Tubes are tubes and can't deliver 100% perfection in bassI guess, unless you pay astronomous amounts or get weird looking speakers. But I think I will try it out, will report back how it all works out!

The Pathos you're thinking about seems like a nice choice, a hybrid right?

Ben, if you are worrying about bass...don't do. This beauty can deliver an unexpected amount of bass...nice, tight and controlled. I might post a youtube video once it is everything set at the right place. I use KT90 as valves instead of the KT88.

I think you can't go wrong with Jadis...but I really invite you to try by yourself. If you are close enough to Belgium you are more than welcome to pop in for a listen.

That Pathos is still for now a dream (over 30k euro only for the monoblocks)...and yes it is an hybrid. Still haven't heard any Pathos so far...will make up for that very soon

 

[egoBen]

I am in Lyon at the moment and the other day I searched for some hifi stores. In one of them, they were listening to the Da88! What a coincidence, made me really happy. I didn't listen for very long or with an analytical ear, but what I heard was very very nice. A powerful sound, but still very smooth and delicate, everything good you can say about an amp really. It was different to the JOR (Jadis integrated class ab) I have heard, can't really tell more though, maybe it was the much more controlled and very real bass that was the big difference?

It was HUGE! I saw a Da50 in the window and it looked small in comparison. Almost funny how big the Da88 was, but still very beautiful!

 

[acalex]

I am in Lyon at the moment and the other day I searched for some hifi stores. In one of them, they were listening to the Da88! What a coincidence, made me really happy. I didn't listen for very long or with an analytical ear, but what I heard was very very nice. A powerful sound, but still very smooth and delicate, everything good you can say about an amp really. It was different to the JOR (Jadis integrated class ab) I have heard, can't really tell more though, maybe it was the much more controlled and very real bass that was the big difference?

It was HUGE! I saw a Da50 in the window and it looked small in comparison. Almost funny how big the Da88 was, but still very beautiful!

Hi Ben, glad you managed to listen to the DA88 as I still haven't! Yes it is quite big but not much bigger than the DA50...both very heavy amps at around 35 Kgs.

This weekend I will listen to some Pathos stuff finally...Inpol 2 and Inpower monoblocks!

Findings will follow...

 

[Macspur]

Will look forward to your thoughts on Pathos Alex.

Can't really run to the cost of an Impol2, but the Logos interests me.

Cheers

Mac