Amp recommendation for Sopra 2

T

Tonal

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I know the majority of my system is way beyond the the caliber of my amplifier. I am looking for some suggestions on what I should try.

My system:
Speakers: Focal Sopra No2
Subwoofer: JL Audio Fathom F113v2
Crossover: JL Audio CR1
Amp: Cambridge Audio 851A (to be replaced)
Turntable: VPI HR-X
Phono Pre: Musical Surroundings NovaII (Next upgrade)

Budget is around $20,000 USD and they must be purchased new
So far, one of the amps I am considering is the Bryston 7B3 monoblocks.
 
Last edited:
Thank you.

I also forgot to specify the gear must be new. Budget is around $20,000 USD (for amp and preamp)
 
Tonal said:
I know the majority of my system is way beyond the the caliber of my amplifier. I am looking for some suggestions on what I should try.

My system:
Speakers: Focal Sopra No2
Subwoofer: JL Audio Fathom F113v2
Crossover: JL Audio CR1
Amp: Cambridge Audio 851A (to be replaced)
Turntable: VPI HR-X
Phono Pre: Musical Surroundings NovaII (Next upgrade)

Budget is around $20,000 USD and they must be purchased new
So far, one of the amps I am considering is the Bryston 7B3 monoblocks.
Click to expand...

VAC Renaissance 5SE
VAC Signature 200iq

Maybe sweet SS Integrated like Dart or Vitus

Lots of options and welcome to AS
 
Etunes said:
VAC Renaissance 5SE
VAC Signature 200iq

Maybe sweet SS Integrated like Dart or Vitus

Lots of options and welcome to AS
Click to expand...

I will take a look at the VAC amps, Unfortnuately an integrated will not work with what I am trying to do. I need to insert the CR1 Crossover between the Preamp and Poweramp.
 
Tonal,

My suggestion would be for a Hegel H30 stereo amp. At $15000, it punches way, way above its price point.
 
Thank you for the recommendations. It is going to be about a month before I am able to pull the trigger, keep the recommendations coming!
 
Are you considering tubes, solid state or hybrid? Have you ruled out one type or are you open to anything?
 
I second the VAC Signature 200iq. Brilliant combination.

Here at our shop, we often have them hooked up to either the VAC, or a Constellation AMP 1.0. They both sound great, but the VAC does have a bit more low end "oomph", so it would really depend on your preference. Both really make the speakers shine.
 
joeinid said:
Are you considering tubes, solid state or hybrid? Have you ruled out one type or are you open to anything?
Click to expand...

I don't really believe in ruling out one type of amp, as i believe execution of a circuit is more important than circuit topology.

That being said, the only thing that makes me nervous about tubes is the potential for major amplifier failure in the event of a problem. (I don't know if this holds true in Hi-Fi, I know it is a possibility in guitar amps).
 
Tonal said:
...That being said, the only thing that makes me nervous about tubes is the potential for major amplifier failure in the event of a problem. (I don't know if this holds true in Hi-Fi, I know it is a possibility in guitar amps).
Click to expand...

The new VAC iQ system has greatly improved the longevity of the tubes and some other potential tube amp issues. It is very cool.

Even without the IQ system, I have had great long term reliability with both the VAC 300.1 tube amp, and an Audio Research VS-115 tube amp that I have had for many, many years.

hope my 2 cents helps out!
 
Bryston is a good option. You may also want to look at the Parasound JC2's for good performance at a reasonable price.

I've heard the Sopra once driven by Pass, they didn't turn the volume up and the music was not very lively, but that ended up being my impression as well with the combo. I've owned Pass and know that's not always the case though.

The Mark Levinson 532h I'm currently using is an excellent amp, very quick and musical. The 532h is a bit different from the usual Levinson that double down etc., the 532h uses banks of smaller capacitors opposed to very large ones, the result is the music just seems to pop with an extraordinary excitement. And, in line with the Levinson rep it's not aggressive, the excitement is smooth and engaging.
 
I prefer Focals with tubes as well. Vac or VTL would be excellent auditions as would Jadis if you want something different.
 
I own Sopra 3s. Have tried a number of amps with them. Here's my 2 cents....

Absolare Integrated is a knockout. Accuphase and Naim are shown with Focal worldwide for a reason. Ultimately I chose Gryphon's Diablo 300 for myself.
 
Focal recommends amps between 40-300W for the Sopra 2 so a 4B3 should be plenty powerful, no need to spend double for the 7Bs (they're just bridged 4Bs anyway); more money left for a better pre and phono this way.
 
annapolis Raider said:
I own Sopra 3s. Have tried a number of amps with them. Here's my 2 cents....

Absolare Integrated is a knockout. Accuphase and Naim are shown with Focal worldwide for a reason. Ultimately I chose Gryphon's Diablo 300 for myself.
Click to expand...

Diablo 300 can be a good match for Maestro?
i'm trying to get rid of my monos, Pre, Dac
and go with integrated with Dac , more simple setup
 
 
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