[Hubbardlake]

Had my CAMs for about two years in a 12’x15’ treated room with an SVS SB1000 sub (close to ordering a second one…) and really enjoying them. Started with a used Eastern Electric M520 integrated which Louis had recommended in the past but wanted to upgrade to get an integrated headphone amp of decent quality.  Had an LTA Z10 on order but switched to their preamp to give me some flexibility in case I need more power in the future (but spent a lot more than initially budgeted for that flexibility!). Initially used it with the amp section of the Eastern Electric as a temporary solution - the preamp was a great upgrade, providing a blacker background, enhanced sense of space, and fuller tone. Eventually I plan to upgrade the amp to either an LTA amp or possibly a Pass XA25 that seems to be universally loved. However on a whim I tried a recently released Schiit Aegir 2 on home trial. It was much better than expected, providing most of the benefits of the tube amp with better bass drive and dynamics.

I’d encourage others to try the Aegir 2 and/or report back if you’ve already tried it with your Omegas. I gave this feedback to Louis already and he said he’d look into it as well.

PS - before the Aegir 2, I tried a 2A3 SET and it just didn’t do it for me - lack of punch and none of the promised midrange magic…maybe just that particular amp (I’d prefer not to mention the brand) but doesn’t seem like SET is for me

[pstrisik]

I've used a number of amps with my SAM-HOs over the years.  Among them: First Watt J2, Dennis Had Inspire tube amp, NuPrime AMG STA-SE, Atma-Sphere Class D (GAN-FET).  I have not been able to do better than my current amp, the Pioneer M-22 all 30wpc Class A from the 1970's.  I highly recommend the match.    It just does everything right.

Anyone interested, plan to pay $1200-$2000 for a fully serviced unit in good shape or ~$900 for one that will likely need service.  That's what I did.  $900 for one in excellent cosmetic shape and about $1300 to have it fully serviced and tested.  There are usually a handful for sale in North America and more directly from Japan (which are harder to know anything about condition).  Here's an example that looks like a great deal given evidence of recent professional evaluation: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650154376-pioneer-m-22-class-a-power-amplifier/.

Here's a pic of mine:

[Hubbardlake]

Nice looking amp - bet it sounds great. Class A is great; either SS or tubes

[pstrisik]

The only downside for me is that it weighs 50lbs.  I've tried some SS amps trying to get something under 30lbs but have not yet equaled the Pioneer. 

[thetakeout]

@pstrisik

What preamp are you running with the Pioneer.  I have always wanted to hear that Pioneer!

[pstrisik]

I highly recommend giving the Pioneer a try if you can get your hands on a good one.  I found one that was good cosmetically and took my chances for $900.  I sent it to a tech familiar with this amp and spent $1300 for refurbishing.  $2200 was totally worth it for this diamond in the rough.  It is the best amp I've ever owned.

I'm using the preamp function in my Streamer/DAC, Auralic VEGA G2.2.  It outputs up to 6v, so it's up to the task.  Even at 2v the PIO does fine given the sensitivity of the Omegas.

However, I have also been experimenting with newer Class D technology.  I found a nice pair of used Harbeth C7ES-3 XD, which are only 86db sensitive, so two very different pairs of speakers.

Tried NuPrime AMG STA which matched better with the Harbeth's but still had a touch of the notorious Class D edge.  I currently have a pair of Atma-Sphere Class D Monos.  The sound pretty good with the Omegas, but not as good as the Pioneer.  They match much better with the Harbeths and I can tell there that Class D has indeed arrived.  I'd love to try the newest implementations of the Purifi modules (NAD M23, for example) and NCore (Bel Canto E1X, for example).  I put the Atma-Sphere monos up for sale (in the AudioCircle Marketplace) in order to head that way.

I say all of that here to get to the fact that I just ordered a Schiit Freya+ with Tung-Sol 6SN7's.  Mostly to keep experimenting with Class D and Harbeths, now with a tube front end.  But I will certainly give it a try in the chain between the Auralic and Pioneer and see what I get.  (I love this hobby!)

....Pete

[Hubbardlake]

Thanks for all the comments on amps.

Update: moving to a larger listening room so reluctantly deciding to sell the CAMs… listed on USAM for $1,400 with stands and including shipping to lower 48 states. Please pass along if you know anyone interested. I expect I’ll regret selling but due to space and funds I’ve never been able to collect either speakers or electronics- have had many great ones over the decades and lots I wish I still had…

[Jhlanier100@gmail.com]

I have used many low powered amps with the V-8s using a preamp. 45, 300B, PP 12W pentode, K66 SET. Everyone of them had plenty of power in a similar sized room. SPL around 75 usually. I wouldn't give up.

[Canada Rob]

Don’t sell your CAMs.  I just went from a DIY TPA3116 class D amp to a Schiit SYS and Gjallarhorn combo, and oh, what an improvement!  Every aspect of the sound improved.  A great match with my CAMs.

Sadly, many equate good sound with high dollars, but that’s not always the case.  The rule of thumb is: if it sounds good, it is good, and that Schiit combo is good, really good.  We have six of their pieces in our home and they all punch way above their weight.

[Rextang]

I have for sale an original Don Garber Fi 421A SET amp that I use with my Omega CAMs.
Your username HubbardLake indicates you are in Michigan.  If yes, we could potentially meet up for you to try it.

[Slapshot]

I've used a number of amps with my SAM-HOs over the years.  Among them: First Watt J2, Dennis Had Inspire tube amp, NuPrime AMG STA-SE, Atma-Sphere Class D (GAN-FET).  I have not been able to do better than my current amp, the Pioneer M-22 all 30wpc Class A from the 1970's.  I highly recommend the match.    It just does everything right.

Anyone interested, plan to pay $1200-$2000 for a fully serviced unit in good shape or ~$900 for one that will likely need service.  That's what I did.  $900 for one in excellent cosmetic shape and about $1300 to have it fully serviced and tested.  There are usually a handful for sale in North America and more directly from Japan (which are harder to know anything about condition).  Here's an example that looks like a great deal given evidence of recent professional evaluation: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650154376-pioneer-m-22-class-a-power-amplifier/.

Here's a pic of mine:

These amps have long been somewhat legendary. Glad to see their performance still holds up so well. You've had some prety good amps and if this tops all of them, thats significant. Especially given the reasonable price for a refurbished unit.