Esoteric Grandioso S1X?

[mostlybaffled]

My system at the moment: Esoteric K-01XD SACD player, Grandioso C1X Solo pre-amp, Esoteric S02 power amp. My speakers are Marten Parker Trio Diamond Edition. According to the Marten website, they have a sensitivity of 91dB; according to the Stereophile measurements, the sensitivity is 86dB. My room is 18’ x 12’; ceiling height about 11’. I sit about 12’ away from the speakers.

Some time ago I listened to the Esoteric S-05 power amp, which is pure class A. I liked the sound quality but worried a bit about the power output at only 2 x 30W. I had speakers with a rather low sensitivity at the time.

I am considering buying a Grandioso S1X which is also class A but has an output of 2 x 50W and lots of current. I assume it would make a natural partner for the C1X and would be powerful enough to drive the speakers.

I would be grateful for any advice or comments, especially from people who know the S1X or who have made a similar upgrade.

Many thanks.

 

[crwilli]

Best I can do for you. From Chat GPT

The Esoteric S1X should drive the Martens well at moderate listening levels. However, their measured 86 dB sensitivity and challenging impedance make 50 watts potentially marginal for demanding musical peaks at 12 feet.

The S1X's high-current capability helps, but it cannot substitute for unlimited power headroom. I would strongly recommend an in-home audition before replacing the S02.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Beautiful amp both looks and sound. My friend has one powering the mids/highs of his Legacy Valors. The Valors are over 90dB and the amps aren't doing the bass modules however on what they do the sound is effortless and never straining at higher volume in a large room. It is rated a 50x2 but it's a beast. It has 60k microfarads of capacitance with solid copper buss bars, it doubles power into 4 ohms, I would trust it to drive difficult loads.

If you wanted to be perfectly sure buy from a source that allows a return window. Keep in mind there is a break in time when just out of the box.