Amp/ Receiver recommendations for Sonus faber (1 Viewer)

[MarkR]

A buddy of mine is planning to get a set of Sonus fabers (Grand Piano, Solo, and Walls). They'll be used 80% HT/ 20% music. The room is approx 25' X 13'.

Since I've seen people around here with SFs, I figured maybe you could make some suggestions as to what prepro/amp or receiver would match well with the SFs. Price range is up to $4000.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Mark

P.S. since I'm probably going to get the same speaker set, I'm also very interested in your suggestions.

 

[Jeff Ery]

My brother would say "Krell", and I'd say "over-budjet" and we'd comprimise at B&K..........

 

[MarkR]

Thanks Jeff.

Krell was also suggested by the dealer, but you're right - a new krell amp is out of the $$ range (since he'd still need a processor).

B&K is an interesting suggestion. I've read that they're considered "warm" - do they still mate well with the SFs, which are also warm?

 

[John A. Casler]

Hi Mark,

I have set up systems of similar quality speakers with the Harman Kardon AVR520 and AVR8000s, mated with the CineNova 3 or 5 channel amps, with great success for clients of mine.

The "street price" for these is well below $4000 and quality, performance, and features, compare quite favorably to most of the more expensive Pre/Pros and AMPS.

It is hard to get Logic 7, THX (8000) and great 2 channel for anywhere near the price.

Both also offer "assignable" onboard amps, which can move you to 7.1 and "multiroom" power if you desire it.

All the best,

John

 

[MarkR]

John,

Interesting idea. Thanks. I used to use an Onkyo 747 receiver as a preamp with an Adcom 7500 amp, and when I got my Outlaw 950, the difference was huge. Are the HK receivers really so good as pre/pros?

I think I've convinced my friend that it would be a shame to pair the SFs with a receiver like the Sony 4es or 7es (which he was considering). We've been tossing around the idea of the anthem pva 7/avm20 or even an Outlaw 950/770 combo.

It really is too bad that there aren't more "affordable" pre/pros out there right now. Hard to believe what you can and can't get for $10K.

 

[MarkO]

I hear ya Mark. I had the same delema when I was searching for an amp prepro for the 5 Sonus Fabres I own.(4 Concertinos and picolo center) I couldent afford what I really wanted, so I setled on a Harman Kardon prepro and amp I picked up for $800.00 refurbed. They are the Signature 2.0 and 2.1. Most likely not the worlds best match but the results were more than expected.

 

[Gil D]

The Proceed amp powering the GP Homes is one of the best I've heard.

I was also astounded by how well a Denon 5800 drove a pair of Electa Amotor II's using the Sony 777es CD player as a source. I couldn't believe it was just the Denon driving them.

I have been using Denon 380x or Sony ES receivers as pre/pros with H/K and Sherwood amps driving my Signums and Concertos with some good success. I would be hesitant to recommend the Outlaw amp with past experience with an ATI amp but YMMV.

If I wanted to spend the big $ I would be thinking Anthem and Proceed. Maybe the Denon since it's mostly HT application. B&K and Adcom has also sounded pretty good in the stores.

If your buddy wants to save a few bills, he may want to look at the Polk LSi-15 (similar tweeter to that used in the SF Cremona). Probably not as warm but clear as a bell with good dispersion and images well. I have the LSi-9 and they are good performers. Perhaps even slightly better for HT. But the GP Homes properly driven are very sweet - great imaging, and superb bass output IMO.

 

[MarkR]

MarkO and Gil, thanks for the suggestions.

Gil, what was your (negative?) experience with the ATI amp? Bad amp or not a good match?

 

[Gil D]

ATI had lots of grunt and was actually quite good for HT. But imaging was lost in 2-channel and highs a bit irritating.
You also might consider Parasound but I have not tried them with the Sonus personally.
MarkO, Nice system
What do you run for a sub?

 

[MarkO]

REL Strata III

 

[John A. Casler]

I think I've convinced my friend that it would be a shame to pair the SFs with a receiver like the Sony 4es or 7es (which he was considering). We've been tossing around the idea of the anthem pva 7/avm20 or even an Outlaw 950/770 combo.

I would do AVR8000/Earthquake CineNova(as per the Anthem combo)

or the HK AVR520/Earthquake CineNova (as per the Outlaw combo)

More power, lower price, similar features, and Logic 7

And you get 5 extra channels to do things with.

But as in all things it depends on your speakers, room, needed/desired processing modes, and music to movie ratio.

All the best,

John

 

[Gil D]

REL Strata III

Awesome! Definitely look at the Signums if you ever want to upgrade your fronts.

 

[MarkO]

Oh I have "looked". Thats as far as I ever got.