RaymondWong Posted February 13, 2023 Posted February 13, 2023 Hey guys. I just inherited a pair of Sonus Faber sonetto 5 from my uncle. These are 4 ohm speakers, rated at 50w to 200w. I currently don't have any amplifier but I think these speakers need something reasonable to show its true colour. Any recommendations for an entry level amp (it's a cost issue for me) that I should consider?
Upgrayed Posted February 13, 2023 Posted February 13, 2023 What is your source and budget? I like the Primare range,
MattyW Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) I'd be inclined to look as the Aspen Audio Titan monoblocks from Hugh Dean Edited February 14, 2023 by MattyW
frankn Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 @RaymondWongas cost is an issue it would be very helpful for you to offer guidance on the upper limit of what you are willing to pay for amplification, whether you are willing to entertain a stereo amp only, or two monoblocks and also whether you want anything else included in the package. Nowadays you can purchase “boxes” with amplifier only, amplifier + pre-amp, amplifier+preamp+dac etc. Monoblocks, are only a single amplifier in a box so you need two for stereo, but, that means you must have either a preamp or a DAC (or source) with its own volume control. lots of choices. 4
frankn Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 This manufacturer is worth a look. 14d free trial to allow you to decide if you like the product. Small form factor. Light weight, sound very good, nice aluminium cases, measure exceptionally well, latest Purifi Class-D amplifier modules, (I have a pair of their monoblocks driving Quad 2905 ESL speakers). the link should go to the stereo amplifier but click on the “burger” to look at other offerings. https://www.marchaudio.com/product/p262-stereo-power-amplifier/?v=6cc98ba2045f
andyr Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 13/02/2023 at 10:07 PM, RaymondWong said: Hey guys. I just inherited a pair of Sonus Faber sonetto 5 from my uncle. These are 4 ohm speakers, rated at 50w to 200w. I currently don't have any amplifier but I think these speakers need something reasonable to show its true colour. Expand Lovely spkrs - but correct. They need an amplifier which is happy to drive a 4 ohm load (not all amps are - particularly inexpensive ones). On 13/02/2023 at 10:07 PM, RaymondWong said: Any recommendations for an entry level amp (it's a cost issue for me) that I should consider? Expand On 14/02/2023 at 2:01 AM, MattyW said: I'd be inclined to look at the Aspen Audio Titan monoblocks from Hugh Dean Expand I would second that recommendation (as a long-time user of Hugh's amps) ... but it may be above your definition of "entry level"!
MattyW Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 10:29 AM, andyr said: Lovely spkrs - but correct. They need an amplifier which is happy to drive a 4 ohm load (not all amps are - particularly inexpensive ones). I would second that recommendation (as a long-time user of Hugh's amps) ... but it may be above your definition of "entry level"! Expand I’d call them an excellent value….. And maybe even end game in terms of performance.
andyr Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 10:31 AM, MattyW said: I’d call them an excellent value….. And maybe even end game in terms of performance. Expand I absolutely agree, Matt ... but as the OP wrote: On 13/02/2023 at 10:07 PM, RaymondWong said: Any recommendations for an entry level amp (it's a cost issue for me) that I should consider? Expand ... I'm thinking he thinks he can find a suitable amp for ... say, a grand.
rocky500 Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 Maybe something like these if after a Integrated amplifier. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/275663879080 https://audioconnection.com.au/products/arcam-a65-plus-integrated-amp-as-traded https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/571336-marantz-pm6007/#comment-6139826
andyr Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 10:58 AM, rocky500 said: Maybe something like these if after an integrated amplifier. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/275663879080 https://audioconnection.com.au/products/arcam-a65-plus-integrated-amp-as-traded https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/571336-marantz-pm6007/#comment-6139826 Expand Seriously, Rocky? Where are the specs for a 4 ohm load?
Guest deanB Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) As long as we don't have a price limit etc; so we're basically just spitballin' at this stage- https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/572147-eoi-lavardin-it-integrated-amp/#comment-6144062 Edited February 14, 2023 by deanB
andyr Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 11:12 AM, deanB said: As long as we don't have a price limit etc so we're basically just spitballin' at this stage- https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/572147-eoi-lavardin-it-integrated-amp/#comment-6144062 Expand Q1: entry level price??? Q2: It's 50w into 8 ohms - what are the specs into 4 ohms?
muon* Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 10:35 AM, andyr said: I absolutely agree, Matt ... but as the OP wrote: ... I'm thinking he thinks he can find a suitable amp for ... say, a grand. Expand How would the SAKSA85 go with 4 ohms? 2
rocky500 Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) On 14/02/2023 at 11:08 AM, andyr said: Seriously, Rocky? Where are the specs for a 4 ohm load? Expand It was this quote "Any recommendations for an entry level amp (it's a cost issue for me) that I should consider? " I was trying to think of something he could start out with to get them going, that would sound quite reasonable to start without spending too much. As long as not wanting rock concert levels. If he really gets into his music/system with his new speakers, he could do not more reading and trialing and move up in power/quality as funds might become available? Was really trying to think along the lines of cheaper integrated that might get him started to start to appreciate the speakers. I did a quick google and they all supported 4 Ohm speakers but not with that many watts. It would be nice to know what sort of budget he was thinking of spending? Does he want a Integrated amp or just power amp that he may be running off say a AVR or has a preamp already? Edited February 14, 2023 by rocky500 1
Spider27 Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 11:18 AM, andyr said: Q1: entry level price??? Q2: It's 50w into 8 ohms - what are the specs into 4 ohms? Expand It looks like it is even 2 ohm stable. Specifications - Output power: 2x55W RMS on 8 Ohms / maximum 2x105 W on 2 Ohms It is 75w RMS on 4ohm?
muon* Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 12:23 PM, muon* said: How would the SAKSA85 go with 4 ohms? Expand I'll answer it 85W into 8R, and around 150W into 4R https://aksaonline.com/index.php/products/ 1
5L15 Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 This amp’s spec sheet look satisfactory and gives you a bit of extra functionality with your set up. Not bad for $999 currently. https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/collections/amplifiers/products/nova150 1
RaymondWong Posted February 14, 2023 Author Posted February 14, 2023 On 13/02/2023 at 11:34 PM, Upgrayed said: What is your source and budget? I like the Primare range, Expand Thanks. Trying to stay under 2k AUD
RaymondWong Posted February 14, 2023 Author Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 8:29 PM, 5L15 said: This amp’s spec sheet look satisfactory and gives you a bit of extra functionality with your set up. Not bad for $999 currently. https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/collections/amplifiers/products/nova150 Expand This one is very interesting
RaymondWong Posted February 14, 2023 Author Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 1:01 PM, Spider27 said: It looks like it is even 2 ohm stable. Specifications - Output power: 2x55W RMS on 8 Ohms / maximum 2x105 W on 2 Ohms It is 75w RMS on 4ohm? Expand Yeah.....I am thinking less than $2k AUD. Initially was thinking $1k. But I might be kidding myself.
RaymondWong Posted February 14, 2023 Author Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 12:59 PM, rocky500 said: It was this quote "Any recommendations for an entry level amp (it's a cost issue for me) that I should consider? " I was trying to think of something he could start out with to get them going, that would sound quite reasonable to start without spending too much. As long as not wanting rock concert levels. If he really gets into his music/system with his new speakers, he could do not more reading and trialing and move up in power/quality as funds might become available? Was really trying to think along the lines of cheaper integrated that might get him started to start to appreciate the speakers. I did a quick google and they all supported 4 Ohm speakers but not with that many watts. It would be nice to know what sort of budget he was thinking of spending? Does he want a Integrated amp or just power amp that he may be running off say a AVR or has a preamp already? Expand Many thanks for the thoughtful reply. $2k is what I think I now need to even get into something that could push these speakers and not damage anything.
digoxin Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) On 14/02/2023 at 8:09 AM, frankn said: This manufacturer is worth a look. 14d free trial to allow you to decide if you like the product. Small form factor. Light weight, sound very good, nice aluminium cases, measure exceptionally well, latest Purifi Class-D amplifier modules, (I have a pair of their monoblocks driving Quad 2905 ESL speakers). the link should go to the stereo amplifier but click on the “burger” to look at other offerings. https://www.marchaudio.com/product/p262-stereo-power-amplifier/?v=6cc98ba2045f Expand This is also my recommendation and it comes under budget. I use the more powerful version 422 to drive SF Amati Futura and also used it with the older SF Cremona Auditor. Neutral, clean sound. SF needs lots of current to drive them well and these do an excellent job for the price. What preamp are planning to use with it? These have 20k input impendence and should play well with most modern preamps. The Peachtree is also a very good all in one package. Uses the older ice class d modules but may be worth auditioning too. I think the $999 is USD pricing. https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/peachtree-audio-nova150-amplifier-with-dac Edited February 14, 2023 by digoxin 1
5L15 Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) My bad sorry, I went to the Global distributors link and clicked on Australia which opened up the busisoft.com.au link and assumed pricing was regional correct. I thought it was a bit too good but was in a rush. Edited February 14, 2023 by 5L15
Andythiing Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 (edited) I’d look at some second hand nad power amps or even a Bryston if you are lucky to find one in your budget - also why not contact Trevor at rage audio and see if he has and lower cost used ME amps in stock that might fit your budget also I have a CA Azur 840a I would sell for $850 plus postage that might be a starting point - reasonable specs at 4ohm @Zaphod Beeblebrox Edited February 14, 2023 by Andythiing
frankn Posted February 14, 2023 Posted February 14, 2023 On 14/02/2023 at 11:25 PM, Andythiing said: I’d look at some second hand nad power amps or even a Bryston if you are lucky to find one in your budget - also why not contact Trevor at rage audio and see if he has and lower cost used ME amps in stock that might fit your budget also I have a CA Azur 840a I would sell for $850 plus postage that might be a starting point - reasonable specs at 4ohm @Zaphod Beeblebrox Expand To get the ME power amp sounding the best he’d need to purchase the accompanying Pre-amp , or, have an appropriate pre-amp, or, have the ME power amp modified. Doubt all of that can be done for less than 2K. 1
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