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I have been using these speakers for several years now with an ARC VT-100 Mk III tube power amplifier. The Stereophile review of the speakers strongly recommended a high powered, high current solid state amp for these speakers, and I posted a few inquiries here asking for recommendations especially from owners of Ayre, Bryston, Classe, Levinson, Parasound, Pass and so on. I write now to follow-up on the history since then, with thanks to those who responded earlier with recommendations.
I tried a Parasound A-21 and a Bryston 4B ST and didn't care for either of them. I have just received a used Pass Labs X-250.5 and have been comparing it to the ARC amp now for a few days. First, the Pass amp is, by a long shot, the best sounding high powered solid state amp I have ever heard. It is the most tube-like s/s amp I have ever heard. It is extremely detailed with a relaxed musical presentation that avoids that over-crisp "hi-fi" detail of so many s/s amps I have heared.
I have been hem-hawing for the time I have had it as to whether I prefer it to the ARC tube amp, which still sounds amazingly good to me. I will have to do some more careful listening for awhile and am enjoying this comparison greatly.
I'll likely post again if and when I can decide on a preference.
Enjoy your music,
George
Follow Ups:
If your still not satisfied w/ a solid state amp why not try the high powered version of your amp the ARC VT 200 MK 2 or 3 , maybe it will suit you .
Mondial
Thank you for your response. I doubt I have overtaxed the VT-100 as I do not listen at traumatizing levels. I don't think I would get much imrpovement with a VT-200 though I have considered one from time to time. Cost, weight and eating up tubes (at great cost) are concerns too I guess.
Having owned 801 III's and Pass X250 and X250.5. I can tell you if you like to open it up from time to time. you need the power of the pass.
Just my opinion.
I agreed. I have the 801 III speakers as well and they do need lots of power to make them sing properly. As of now I'm using the Krell Evolution 402 power amp together with the Krell Evolution 202 pre amp.
If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well
(Proverb)
Thank you for your response. I do not listen at traumatizing levels in my 14 x 22 x 7.5 foot listening room. From what I have heard so far, I do not think the extra power of the Pass amp is providing me an audible benefit. It is more the sound quality I am listening for now. Hard to make a decision on this.
Sound quality. I didn't spend a lot of money on a high powered power amp so I can listen very loud. I bought it, because I want a power amp that has an excellent and very robust power supply that can control the speakers in every aspect of the frequency spectrum on any given volume. And of course, sounding; articulate, visceral, natural, neutral, full bodied and glorious midrange and top end while doing it.For the record on average, I listen to my system with an SPL of around 70-85dB. However, every now then I'd unfurl the sails of the Krell Evolution power just to feel the wind on the seat of my pants.
If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well
(Proverb)
Edits: 06/29/16
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