Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pathos Classic One Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by Doug Schroeder

Model:	Classic One
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	US$1950
Description:	Hybrid Tube/Solid State Integrated Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Pathos
Model Picture:	View

Review by Doug Schroeder ( A ) on March 24, 2006 at 16:27:33
IP Address: 69.129.31.158

Add Your Review
for the Classic One

Rarely is a product strikingly beautiful and simultaneously impressively performance oriented. The Pathos Classic One MKII is both.
This is my first foray into the world of tube power - I'm liking this world A LOT! I wanted to keep away from the hassle side of tubes (extra cost, inadvertent space heater, etc.) so I stuck with an integrated w. tube pre. I had previously owned the Rogue 66 magnump tube pre, but that was a while ago. Never compared it to the Pathos.
As for build quality, this unit seems first rate. I see nothing short of top level construction. Nothing loose, cheap or flimsy about it. Aesthetically, it's a work of art. This is the first tube amp I think looks terrific and I would (am) proud to display.
Design-wise, there are only two things to be aware of(I say 'aware of' not because these are defects, but idiosyncrasies of the amp): #1 the thin and long profile of the amp. Thin is not a problem, but LONG it is! About 21" long, which may cause issues for some who have not so wide shelving.
I'd say, get new shelving instead of neglecting to explore the Pathos!
#2 the top deck mounted binding posts. Requires one to hike the speaker cables up and over the top, which is no big deal for most, but my Tice speaker cables are very stiff. Once their bent into shape, no problem. But, they don't lay down flatter for profile. I could care less. But someone may have an issue with wiring out in the open. (I'd say make a sacrifice for sound!).
#3 In relation to the top binding posts; Pathos is about to come out with the MkIII which will have (I'm told) not so radical improvements, however will have plastic screws on the binding posts. I'm told this is because a few people have touched wires/tools where they are not supposed to and shorted out the unit. As long as one works smartly and surely this is not a problem. The binding posts are quite substantial and can lock down very well on spades.
FYI I am running biwiring out of the Classic One; one set to the mains, and the other set to the stereo Vandersteen 2W subs. Nil issues.
Regarding tube rolling, Pathos was smart not to trap the tubes into a cage or under a cover. Super easy access, just pull em out and stick the new ones in. It comes with stock Sovtek tubes. I emailed Pathos asking what tubes to upgrade. Their answer: Different tubes are wonderful like different women are beautiful..." Spoken like true Italians! But man, these are not having me searching.
This unit is superb sounding. I owned PS Audio PCA-2 pre and PS Audio HCA-2 amp at the time I found the Pathos. The PS Audio gear is not bad; both are class A components. But, man the little Classic One kicked the crap out of them soundwise. Not even close. I really never expected a 70wpc integrated to slay a pre with digital amp and power conditioning built in. But it did, and did it quite niftily.
I can't comment about comparisons to other integrated tube amps, but after reading Sam Tellig's comments, I see no wrong in them. Several people mocked his assessment, but until those mockers hear the Classic One MKII they should button up their lips. This is the kind of sound that impresses.
Rich and satisfying are two words I would use to describe the experience of listening to this amp. I recently saw a review in HiFi+ mag on this very amp. (Weird, this is the second time I've purchased an item that only a month later HiFi+ reviewed; the other was the Eminent Technology LFT-8A speakers, which were named a component of the year by the magazine. The Pathos may be a bit underpowered to push the ET-8A's to their fullest, but at lower listening levels, I'd bet they'd sound heavenly). The reviewer did not dissect the sound into the trio of treble, mid, bass assessments. Instead he spoke at length about the wonderful coherency and musicality of the amp. I agree. Like no other amp I have owned, the Classic One MkII seamlessly weaves rich threads of treble/mid/bass into a beautiful musical tapestry. I detect no weaknesses or gaps in the sound. The difference moving from the PS audio gear to the Pathos is like moving from LCD projection unit to a plasma screen. Clearer, richer, more precise, yet more beautiful.
This amp will dish up whatever a good cd playback (and I assume as well vinyl; I am cd only) system will deliver. I recently obtained the Rega Apollo player, which reveals nuances quite well. Every single one of those nuances shuttled to the Pathos come out lovely. I dislike nothing about this amp!
The remote is rich, with nice real wood and matches the wood on the front name plate. It's intuitive and works flawlessly. There is no HT passthrough. If you're not a movie freak, this is no big deal.
I am using Chapman Audio T-7's which are I think around 88db or so efficiency, and at 4ohms. Not a super easy load to drive. The Pathos gets them singing really pretty at around 50 on the scale of 100. I can rock out good at 70. Here's the thing. I don't over drive my equipment. I baby it. That means I've never really cranked it up to distortion levels, concert levels, feel the organ in the room levels. If that's your preferred method of listening, then you may take the Classic One to their limits. I understand that it's not a big deal to push these to the 90 setting, but again, I do not listen at higher levels.
Now, having said that, a not so well known fact is that the Classic One MkII (don't know about the first one) can be set as monobloc! Under chassis inside is the "M/S" switch. I plan on putting that switch to good use, as I have ordered a second Classic One MkII and will be pairing them. I have not seen anyone else do this to date. I am hoping for more than just marginal improvement. The remote will operate both in tandem.
If there is an attendant increase in headroom and power, it should be exhilirating!
I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this amp. It's the most perfect aesthetic/operational piece of equipment I own, equalled only by the Chapman speakers. It is an insanely good bargain. The dealer from whom I purchased my first unit said they have difficulty selling their $10k pre/amp combos since people hear the Pathos and decide it's good enough to put with a $6k cdp and $10k speakers!
I don't know about them, but this thing sounds like a million to me!

Product Weakness: Possibly dimensions difficult for some racks.
Product Strengths: Amazing aestheitic, build quality, sound convergence. It's absolutely true: As pretty to hear as to see!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pathos Classic One MKII
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega Apollo
Speakers:	Chapman Audio T-7
Cables/Interconnects:	Tice all around
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Smooth Jazz, vocals
Room Size (LxWxH):	23 x 13 x 7.6
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room tuned Auralex panels
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Tice Solo
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Home dedicated audio/ht room

Product Weakness:	Possibly dimensions difficult for some racks.
Product Strengths:	Amazing aestheitic, build quality, sound convergence. It's absolutely true: As pretty to hear as to see!