Amp to get the most out of My new Serhan Swift MU2 special edition speakers

[JMN1999]

Looking for some advice on what amp would best suit my new speakers. Serhan Swift mu2 special edition?  I also own a pair of Wilson Benesch square one v2 stand mounts. 
I am currently using a Roksan Blak with a Holo spring dac and they sound pretty good ( both speakers) just not sure how much I would be better served in upgrading my amp?   From a budget perspective I could go up to $10k.  My initial thinking was a Hegel H390 but I don’t want to waste my money replacing the Roksan for very minimal gain…
Appreciate any advice anyone may have especially owners of mu2 speakers.  Thanks! 

[rantan]

With speakers of such quality you will need an equally premium amplifier.

I would strongly recommend the Luxman 509 which is currently listed on our classifieds section.

 

 

[Cacofonix]

Does the Holo perchance have the preamp module installed?

[JMN1999]

  On 19/05/2024 at 3:18 AM, Cacofonix said:

Does the Holo perchance have the preamp module installed?

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No, it’s just the straight out DAC model 

[Cacofonix]

The SoulNote A-2 might be of interest although it is priced at the outer limit of your suggested budget. It is an integrated that can also be used as a power amp. Not a mainstream company but there's plenty of kind words about the A-2 on the web, fwtw. 

Lowbeats used an A-2 for their Burmester B28 review, not the easiest load, but singled out the A-2 as an enjoyable partner-

 

https://www.lowbeats.de/en/test-floorstanding-speaker-burmester-b28-primus-inter-pares/

 

Absolute Hiend are the distributor, Sound Gallery in Melbourne are a stockist but not sure about Sydney.

I prefer valve power amps but the A-2 is something I would consider if a change of direction was required.

 

[JMN1999]

  On 19/05/2024 at 4:22 AM, Cacofonix said:

The SoulNote A-2 might be of interest although it is priced at the outer limit of your suggested budget. It is an integrated that can also be used as a power amp. Not a mainstream company but there's plenty of kind words about the A-2 on the web, fwtw. 

Lowbeats used an A-2 for their Burmester B28 review, not the easiest load, but singled out the A-2 as an enjoyable partner-

 

https://www.lowbeats.de/en/test-floorstanding-speaker-burmester-b28-primus-inter-pares/

 

Absolute Hiend are the distributor, Sound Gallery in Melbourne are a stockist but not sure about Sydney.

I prefer valve power amps but the A-2 is something I would consider if a change of direction was required.

 

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Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Can this amp run sub from its speakers terminals? As I own a rel sub. 

[Cacofonix]

I don't know but here's the manual:

A-2_BDA_EN.pdfFetching info...

 

[JMN1999]

  On 19/05/2024 at 4:44 AM, Cacofonix said:

I don't know but here's the manual:

A-2_BDA_EN.pdf 2.49 MB · 0 downloads

 

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Thanks again!

[Al.M]

It’s generally said an equal or close 70% spend on amps to match the speaker cost but it’s broad assumption, from the speaker drivers used one can see they are split cone Scanspeak woofers and ring radiator tweeters so quite nice but generally used in speakers ranging from say $6-20k+ price tag, subject to what’s inside the speaker and other factors. New amps ranging from $4-15k would be able to cut the mustard.

 

If you want be more creative something like a $2500 March Class D hypex power amp connected to existing wifi dac preamp function device or preamp would likely beat many $5-10k integrated amps.

 

Edit: your Roksan is a $7k substantial amp so probably meets the criteria and stick with it. But if you want to max out the quality of the power amp try dedicated and potentially purer sounding options that suit the speakers better to your tastes.

Edited May 19, 2024 by Al.M

[JMN1999]

  On 19/05/2024 at 8:11 AM, Al.M said:

It’s generally said an equal or close 70% spend on amps to match the speaker cost but it’s broad assumption, from the speaker drivers used one can see they are split cone Scanspeak woofers and ring radiator tweeters so quite nice but generally used in speakers ranging from say $6-20k+ price tag, subject to what’s inside the speaker and other factors. New amps ranging from $4-15k would be able to cut the mustard.

 

If you want be more creative something like a $2500 March Class D hypex power amp connected to existing wifi dac preamp function device or preamp would likely beat many $5-10k integrated amps.

 

Edit: your Roksan is a $7k substantial amp so probably meets the criteria and stick with it. But if you want to max out the quality of the power amp try dedicated and potentially purer sounding options that suit the speakers better to your tastes.

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Appreciate the advice! Cheers 

[ICUToo]

I have heard the Mu2s- they sounded great.

I would buy the DIYAudio Hypex Nilai kits

Preamp and two power amps https://www.diyclassd.com/products/diy-amplifier-kits/

Fun and easy to put together even with skills as average as mine.

(DAC-to-power amps works well too, but you don't have pre-amp function?)

Sensational sound - really really good, and plenty of power, as the S&S aren't highly sensitive.

Add one or two powered subwoofers (the Hypex pre-amp has a second set of XLR-outs) and you have a super high-quality and neat system.

You are welcome to listen to my Hypex amps (which I have in a second system) if you like.

The power amps are also available in Australia https://audiophileshop.com.au/search?q=hypex&options[prefix]=last

[cafe67]

Michi X3 ? 

[agisthos]

The SerhanSwift are only 84dB efficient so they would benefit from a bit of juice.

 

@JMN1999 I almost bought a pair of the Square One mk2's a few years back, just to see what the WB sound was all about. Would appreciate your comments on it - in comparison to your previous speakers and of course the new Mu2 !!

[JMN1999]

  On 24/05/2024 at 11:27 AM, agisthos said:

The SerhanSwift are only 84dB efficient so they would benefit from a bit of juice.

 

@JMN1999 I almost bought a pair of the Square One mk2's a few years back, just to see what the WB sound was all about. Would appreciate your comments on it - in comparison to your previous speakers and of course the new Mu2 !!

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@agisthosThe WB’ s are great speakers. Very holographic and scales nicely as you upgrade your gear. Imaging and mid base clarity is amazing. I found with the Roksan Blak the bass is fine as some say they are light on in the lower frequencies .  Before owning the WB’s I owned the the PMC 25 21’s and the speaker project trohets. The WB’s imo are at a much higher level..  In comparison to the MU2 special edition which retail for more than 10k. The MU2 imo does edge out the WB in musicality. There is something special on how these speakers are tuned… also the special edition cabinets are better. 
If you can obtain the WB’s for $3k or less you will have yourself an absolute audiophile bargain imo… I hope this helps 

[agisthos]

@JMN1999 Are you still enjoying your Serhan Swift mu2's? What amp did you end up getting to drive them?

[JMN1999]

  On 21/10/2024 at 10:35 PM, agisthos said:

@JMN1999 Are you still enjoying your Serhan Swift mu2's? What amp did you end up getting to drive them?

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Yes mate still enjoying them, they are great speakers. I am now using separates., A musical fidelity m6prx and the burson soloist voyager with V7 ops amps and the new fusion core power supply as the preamp, Extremely happy with this combo atm. Cheers.. 

[agisthos]

A couple of things interests me after reading all the reviews on this speaker.

 

It has lots of detail but is not fatiguing. This comes up again and again. The expensive ring radiator tweeter may be factor here.

And also it can play busy music like hard rock and does not lose composure when pushed. That last one is difficult for any audiophile speaker, they can often sound congested and go to pieces when playing real music.

 

Is this what you hear?

Edited October 23, 2024 by agisthos

[JMN1999]

That is a pretty accurate indication of how they sound . I have a very resolving amp and preamp and clarity is amazing with no signs of harshness or brightness especially in the heighs , re tweeters. Amazing stuff.  As you have also likely heard they are quite power hungry despite the compact size..  I think it will be quite a challenge beating them if I considered upgrading again….

[Silver Audiophile]

  On 23/10/2024 at 7:31 AM, JMN1999 said:

That is a pretty accurate indication of how they sound . I have a very resolving amp and preamp and clarity is amazing with no signs of harshness or brightness especially in the heighs , re tweeters. Amazing stuff.  As you have also likely heard they are quite power hungry despite the compact size..  I think it will be quite a challenge beating them if I considered upgrading again….

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Nice Aussie speakers with ScanSpeak drivers (perhaps bookshelf Duntech Senators). In the early days, I had Musical fidelity A5, KW550 super chargers, M6, and finally the M8 700m monos. 

Pre amp, had the A5, M8 pre, PrimaLuna Evo 400 pre, Pass Labs X2.5, XP10, and nowdays - Sunvalley SV-310, 01A SET tube pre, VT-76 tube pre, and 300B tube pre. 

 

If you are ready to move up (sound wise), those Serhan's have boatloads of more potential. The pre and power amps are not up to same level as the Serhan's 

Below my Duntech Senators (uses similar ScanSpeak drivers to your Serhan speakers) playing in my YouTube channel (in this case with the Sunvalley pre amp and 845 tube monoblock power amps).

 

 

 

Edited March 5 by Silver Audiophile

[JMN1999]

  On 05/03/2025 at 6:51 AM, Silver Audiophile said:

Nice Aussie speakers with ScanSpeak drivers (perhaps bookshelf Duntech Senators). In the early days, I had Musical fidelity A5, KW550 super chargers, M6, and finally the M8 700m monos. 

Pre amp, had the A5, M8 pre, PrimaLuna Evo 400 pre, Pass Labs X2.5, XP10, and nowdays - Sunvalley SV-310, 01A SET tube pre, VT-76 tube pre, and 300B tube pre. 

 

If you are ready to move up (sound wise), those Serhan's have boatloads of more potential. The pre and power amps are not up to same level as the Serhan's 

Below my Duntech Senators (uses similar ScanSpeak drivers to your Serhan speakers) playing in my YouTube channel (in this case with the Sunvalley pre amp and 845 tube monoblock power amps).

 

 

 

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Wow! Thanks for sharing . Very very impressive! It’s good to know I still have a lot of room to scale up my sound with these speakers. I did recently update my preamp to an Accuphase C2110 and obtained some significant improvement. This is in combination to upgrading my dac to the Esoteric n-05xD ….next upgrade will be power amp. 

[Silver Audiophile]

  On 05/03/2025 at 7:19 AM, JMN1999 said:

Wow! Thanks for sharing . Very very impressive! It’s good to know I still have a lot of room to scale up my sound with these speakers. I did recently update my preamp to an Accuphase C2110 and obtained some significant improvement. This is in combination to upgrading my dac to the Esoteric n-05xD ….next upgrade will be power amp. 

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I see you have been bitten by the Japanese gear bug . Accuphase pre amp will sound nice. The Esoteric DAC, a little too clean and clinical for my emotionally needy soul!

Speaking of emotional soul and joy, you need a great big fat 845 Single Ended Triode tube power amp! Below- One of my 845 SET power amps. All Japanese Tango Iron. Built in Japan, one of one. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 5 by Silver Audiophile

[Silver Audiophile]

That 845 stereo amp in action with the Duntech Senators..  Don't worry, the 845 is a massive triode tubes and has boatloads of power to power the larger floorstander Senators in a large room.

 

 

Edited March 5 by Silver Audiophile

[JMN1999]

Thanks again for sharing @Silver Audiophile sounds amazing even through YouTube.  I subscribed to your channel

[Silver Audiophile]

  On 05/03/2025 at 9:19 AM, JMN1999 said:

Thanks again for sharing @Silver Audiophile sounds amazing even through YouTube.  I subscribed to your channel

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Cheers . On my YouTube channel, I've uploaded most of my various 8 tube amps. Below is the same song but with a humble Sunvalley SV-91B (a Japanese 300B stereo amp).

You will notice a deep level of control, despite being only 8 watts of Class A single ended triode power. I would avoid 90% of 300B tube amps made elsewhere. They just don't sound anywhere near as good. 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 5 by Silver Audiophile