Deestay Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 Hi all, I have a pair of Osborn Epitome's with separate bass units, they're the older type with yellow Focal K2 drivers. I'm currently running them with a Willsenton R8 24 watt push pull tube amp, but I feel like these speakers have a lot more to give. The Willsenton is good amp for $2000, but I've also scored a Denafrips Pontis II and added in a DAC that's worth more than the amp - So it's time to upgrade the amp with upcoming tax return. I do like the Willsenton sound signiture and was considering an upgrade to the R800i 48 watt SET amp, but the dealer does not offer an in home demo, even though I offered $200 for his time. I really want to get the pairing right - My budget is around $5-$6K. I demo'd the Musical Fidely M6si and the Advance Paris XI 1100, paired with Sonus Faber Olympica II - and to me the Musical Fidelity slaughtered the Advance Paris. I'm unsure of how the sound signiture of Olympica II's compares to the Osborn Epitome's. The Epitome's tend to lean on the revealing/detailed side, with Greg always pairing them warm leaning tube amps. They're 93db efficient, so amp power doesn't require a whole lot. I'm looking for tonal balance and stunning soundstage and separation like we all are. Something with that holographic WOW factor you can listen to all day. My wish list was Willsenton R800i 45w SET amp, Musical Fidelity M6si, PS Audio Stella Strata, Exposure 3510, Vincent SC700, Unison Research Unico Primo, Naim Uniti Nova - or be patient and wait for a second hand Audio Research i50 to pop up. Does anyone own or have previously owned Osborn Epitome's, and know what pairs really well with them to get the best tonal balance and soundstage out of them? Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance gang! Anyone who can help with my severe case of upgraditis will be greatly appreciated.
Cafad Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 Add the Exposure 2510 to your list. For my money the earlier 2010S2 was a far superior amp to the 3000 series integrated at the time. 1
Willmax Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 If it was me, I would get this combo and be done with: 3
Herbyj Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 I think you need to run them with a valve/tube amp. I had a pair ages ago and the warmth of a single ended amp (Golden Tube Audio SE40) really suited them. Great mid range and highs, bass was a bit slow. They are pretty efficient and are an easy load so you don't need a lot of power. In my opinion, they can sound a bit dry without the warmth and colouration of a valve amp.. 1
Willmax Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 This would probably be even better than the previous one 8
aussievintage Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 I have Osborn Eclipses, similar specs, just smaller, and they sound really great with a low power 2A3 SET amp. Also, think about bi-amping them - a class D amp running the woofer, and the SET running the mid and tweeter, sounds superb. The ability to balance the bass for different styles of music is the icing on the cake. 1
Whites Posted June 27, 2024 Posted June 27, 2024 (edited) I paired mine with a Pass Labs XA30.8, it transformed them after initially a Consonance valve amp. Edited June 28, 2024 by Whites Minor text addition. 2
psychometrics1 Posted June 28, 2024 Posted June 28, 2024 Some good advice here already. Re your list, I suggest omitting the PSAudio (but BHKs separates that I own are a different matter but too expensive and power unnecessary). 1
Deestay Posted June 28, 2024 Author Posted June 28, 2024 11 hours ago, Willmax said: If it was me, I would get this combo and be done with: But you already have this combo lol What speakers you running? I do work trips to Canberra monthly
Deestay Posted June 28, 2024 Author Posted June 28, 2024 10 hours ago, Whites said: I paired mine with a Pass Labs XA30.8, it transformed them after initially a Consonance valve amp. Gotta be honest - I A/B the Consonance Cyber 880i against the Willsenton R8 - The had slightly better bass control and that was it. Good amp, not worth double the investment.
Deestay Posted June 28, 2024 Author Posted June 28, 2024 11 hours ago, Willmax said: This would probably be even better than the previous one Trialled one with the Epitome's for 3 days - Tighter bass than the Willsenten R8 - But I found it a match in imaging and soundstage - Great amp - Not worth $3500 upgrade. Kudos to the little Willsenton R8.
padde23 Posted June 28, 2024 Posted June 28, 2024 In case you missed it, seems like still available: 1 1
betty boop Posted June 28, 2024 Posted June 28, 2024 On 28/6/2024 at 12:20 AM, Deestay said: I demo'd the Musical Fidely M6si and the Advance Paris XI 1100, paired with Sonus Faber Olympica II - and to me the Musical Fidelity slaughtered the Advance Paris. I'm unsure of how the sound signiture of Olympica II's compares to the Osborn Epitome's. they make a good pairing for sure ... On 28/6/2024 at 12:20 AM, Deestay said: My budget is around $5-$6K. will find something nice for that money ... On 28/6/2024 at 12:20 AM, Deestay said: Unison Research Unico Primo unison research will also make a nice pairing ... I run a unison research s8 hey are new around $9k but 2nd hand ? it is a lovely amp gutsy and just a beautiful sound .. in my demo it kicked the prima luna alternative right out the park On 28/6/2024 at 12:20 AM, Deestay said: I'm looking for tonal balance and stunning soundstage and separation like we all are. Something with that holographic WOW factor you can listen to all day. this is unison research and musical fidelity ... definitely check out the audio research i50 ... another quality amp.... go valves the osborns love them 4
Kaynin Posted June 28, 2024 Posted June 28, 2024 1 hour ago, betty boop said: go valves the osborns love them Yeah absolutely. I've had my Epitome tower elite's for a number of years now, and swapped SS and tube amps, integrated and separates, and tube amps have easily brought out the best from them. It's what Greg demos his gear with, so I think that says something. 1
Steff Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 FWIW, pretty shmick looking pair of Consonance 845i on sale on gumtree (last I checked this week) - the complications of running a larger tube set up notwithstanding. 3
Deestay Posted June 29, 2024 Author Posted June 29, 2024 On 28/06/2024 at 8:54 AM, Herbyj said: I think you need to run them with a valve/tube amp. I had a pair ages ago and the warmth of a single ended amp (Golden Tube Audio SE40) really suited them. Great mid range and highs, bass was a bit slow. They are pretty efficient and are an easy load so you don't need a lot of power. In my opinion, they can sound a bit dry without the warmth and colouration of a valve amp..
Deestay Posted June 29, 2024 Author Posted June 29, 2024 Thank you all for all your advice! Greatly appreciated. Please send pics of your systems so we can all discuss / chat and druel.
muon* Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 Plenty of other good suggestion so far, so no need to resort to rolling the dice on a Willsenton amp. 3
Deestay Posted June 29, 2024 Author Posted June 29, 2024 (edited) @muon* Absolutely. Especially since the Willsenton dealer refused to let me demo it with my own speakers. The smaller R8 I've run for past two years has been great for $2300 though, but with Osborn Epitomes and Denafrips pontus ii DAC - It's the weak link in the chain Edited June 29, 2024 by Deestay
muon* Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 9 minutes ago, Deestay said: @muon* Absolutely. Especially since the Willsenton dealer refused to let me demo it with my own speakers. The smaller R8 I've run for past two years has been great for $2300 though, but with Osborn Epitomes and Denafrips pontus ii DAC - It's the weak link in the chain I'm just going off the issues found with the R8 and R300 in the threads here, especially the R300. Can do better 3
xlr8or Posted June 29, 2024 Posted June 29, 2024 These would be recommended: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/305640584788 2
Allan Posted June 30, 2024 Posted June 30, 2024 (edited) if the Music Fidelity woke them up thats telling me you need a bit of current. Slightly over your budget but the person is taking offers. I think this would be game over for you.. pure Class A Pass yumminess. With the bass units the systems ~4Ω and being ~93dB as you know you dont need gobs of power, just a bit of class A current from this little ripper would be right up your ally Edited June 30, 2024 by Allan 1
Deestay Posted July 1, 2024 Author Posted July 1, 2024 Thanks again to everyone for your info! Some really helpful info guys, cheers! As important as the upgrade of my components - I am renovating my 6m x 6m basement into a dedicated listening room. With my system currently in our main living room it's stifled by reflections, I'll-positioned speakers and lack of breathing space. I can't wait to get the most out of this system and have my own space of audio nirvana Happy listening to all.....! 3
Recommended Posts