[decur]

So just a random data point on an amp I've never seen mentioned here: Pathos Acoustics ‘Classic Remix’ integrated (https://pathosacoustics.it/en/non-inpol-amplifiers/classic-remix/). This is a fully-balanced hybrid design with 2 x 6922 tubes for the preamp section, and a class AB SS power stage outputting 2 x 70W @ 8Ω. It also has a headphone section (1.6W @ 32Ω), but I use the speaker taps with a banana-to-XLR adapter cable.

Anyway, this amp is *fantastic* with Susvara and my new personal benchmark. Powerful but not scary – I’m around 85-100 out of 180 on the dial. Tonality near perfect - detail without harshness, organic mids and a little bloom in the bass (a good thing for Susvara imo). The widest soundstage I've yet experienced with this HP, bringing it much closer to my former HE1000se. Plus tube rolling potential and quirky Italian design. I love it!

Previous amps I've owned with Susvara: Burson Conductor 3XP, IFI iCan Pro Signature, Burson Soloist GT, Ferrum OOR/Hypos, Kinki EX-M1+.

i use to have the pathos "inpol ear" headphone amp version of the classic remix,which output's 10w@32ohm bal & 6.4w@50ohm bal.
i really enjoyed the sound&synergy with my susvara,HOWEVER i sold the inpol ear because,it was not powerful eneough for the susvara.
i should have purchased the remix classic at that time,and went thru the speaker taps. i also purchased the add on optional dac,which was a mistake,as it is a piece of crap(sound quality). all this being said,i'm now using the auris nirvana with my susvara,which is about the same price as the inpol ear.
the auris nirvana,at 6w is more powerful than the inpol ear,and is a step up in sound quality over the pathos(and drives susvara very well)

 

[Dr_Hibbert]

i use to have the pathos "inpol ear" headphone amp version of the classic remix,which output's 10w@32ohm bal & 6.4w@50ohm bal.
i really enjoyed the sound&synergy with my susvara,HOWEVER i sold the inpol ear because,it was not powerful eneough for the susvara.
i should have purchased the remix classic at that time,and went thru the speaker taps. i also purchased the add on optional dac,which was a mistake,as it is a piece of crap(sound quality). all this being said,i'm now using the auris nirvana with my susvara,which is about the same price as the inpol ear.
the auris nirvana,at 6w is more powerful than the inpol ear,and is a step up in sound quality over the pathos(and drives susvara very well)

Good info. If I strike it rich someday, I'd love to try the Inpol2 Mk II (https://upscaleaudio.com/products/pathos-inpol2-mkii?variant=41056160121016). Dual mono, pure class A, 2 x 45W @ 8ohm. *drool*

 

[decur]

yes,looks amazing

 

[iFi audio]

can HA300MK2 drive susvara to its full by turning the volume to its biggest and keep the Dac to -40 db?

Ideally you want to turn the volume on your DAC all the way up to bypass it (unlessthere's a switch/option to do that) and regulate volume on your amp alone. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[Polygonhell]

Ideally you want to turn the volume on your DAC all the way up to bypass it (unlessthere's a switch/option to do that) and regulate volume on your amp alone. Hope this helps, thanks!

Strictly speaking this is only true if the DAC’s volume control is either digital, or analog and worse than the pot in the Amp.
Now yes most DAC volumes are digital, and best avoided.

 

[iFi audio]

Strictly speaking this is only true if the DAC’s volume control is either digital, or analog and worse than the pot in the Amp.

Yup, there are exceptions. What I originally had in mind is that using two volume controls makes a signal path longer. That's why I'd use just one that's better than the other, of course if that selection is possible to begin with

 

[Somatic]

Did a A/B today. Lavricables Grand vs Magnus (upgraded plus).

I prefer the Magnus with the Susvara. Sounds more weighty. Very natural and smooth without loss of details. I can see some people who might find this combo maybe too bloated but I think it a great combo with the Susvara.

+1 for the Magnus. This is the specs I got on it.

 

[Aeonyx]

Or if you’re patient you can get a 15 year old+ pass labs or accuphase for about the same or less than the Ferum stack. I got the accuphase E-406 from 1994 for $4400 AUD, sounds phenomenal and works without any issues (it was recapped at some point).

The cherry on top is features; tone controls, 5 sets of RCA in, 2 sets or XLR in, 2 sets of line out, a pre out, a pre in, 2 sets of speaker taps which are switchable, powered simultaneously or off, a phono in, mono switch, balance knob, VU meters, a remote and motorised volume knob. It can drive 6 feet tall planar speakers with ease, yet alone susvara.

Edit: forgot to mention no depreciation.

That's a great idea. I have several speakers as well, so another amp there would be fun. My home office 2.1 setup is driven by a Vidar 2 at the moment, but thinking of upgrading soon.

I have been looking at a Pathos Classic Remix or something similar.

 

[Henrim]

Nice, yeah the dual set of speaker taps would be perfect for a desktop 2 channel system + sus, because you can just switch output.

The only problem is if the speakers are inefficient and you have the turn it up, then it increases the risk of frying the susvara

 

[iFi audio]

Or if you’re patient you can get a 15 year old+ pass labs or accuphase for about the same or less than the Ferum stack. I got the accuphase E-406 from 1994 for $4400 AUD, sounds phenomenal and works without any issues (it was recapped at some point).

Yup, Accuphase integrated amps (and power amps too!) have always been brilliant on utilities. New Accuphase power amps also allow for switching between two different speaker sets and engaging them at the same time.

 

[paulchiu]

Did a A/B today. Lavricables Grand vs Magnus (upgraded plus).

I prefer the Magnus with the Susvara. Sounds more weighty. Very natural and smooth without loss of details. I can see some people who might find this combo maybe too bloated but I think it a great combo with the Susvara.

+1 for the Magnus. This is the specs I got on it.

When did the Susvara started having those 3.5mm plug inputs. from the 2.5mm pins? Are these the only change since 2017? Thanks. (I am thinking of finally getting a pair)

 

[Somatic]

When did the Susvara started having those 3.5mm plug inputs. from the 2.5mm pins? Are these the only change since 2017? Thanks. (I am thinking of finally getting a pair)

That is the only change I am aware of. Ping me if you are looking for a good deal on new Susvara. I know a well known dealer with great prices for Hifiman.

 

[BobWrights]

Can anyone recommend some good sub $500 cables for the Sus? These stock catheter cables are starting to wear on me.

 

[Somatic]

Can anyone recommend some good sub $500 cables for the Sus? These stock catheter cables are starting to wear on me.

Arctic Magnus. Nice details. Adds a little heft in the midrange. Treble is slightly smoothed out in a good way. Retains all details.

I prefer it over the Lavricables Grand.

 

[jlemaster1957]

Can anyone recommend some good sub $500 cables for the Sus? These stock catheter cables are starting to wear on me.

Hart - uses Mogami copper wire. All types of connection available, uses mini-XLR mid cable to switch connections (this is not optional). Sonically I did not find this in any way inferior to stock, and ergonomically it is excellent. $62.

https://hartaudiocables.com/?gclid=...lA5ZPcfJUbWFSh8fdwgPuv3EzDIJZMNIaAunPEALw_wcB