Calling all ex-Plinius 9200 owners

[krebetman]

Hello SNA brains trust.  This is something of a hypothetical, or maybe not. I have owned and loved my Pliny for many years after buying it from another forum member. Interested in the experiences and thoughts of members who have owned the same amplifier- what gave you moved on to and what were your experiences?

 

I recall some comments ages ago from folks who thought their next amp was more of a sideways move, and I don’t want to regret moving to something that may be a technical upgrade but less enjoyable.

 

 My needs are both RCA and XLR inputs, not particularly interested in inbuilt DAC or steamer. Budget would be only of the order of 5K before anybody suggest something very expensive.

 

 Off course I want it all sonically; valuing firm control and punch, good soundstage width and depth and maybe a soupçon of warmth (but I hate blurred, lazy sound).  I also hate overly sharp and dry treble.

 

any thoughts of what to audition, or would you stay with the Pliny if you were me?

[maximus]

I didn't have the 9200 integrated but the P10 Power amp. It was workman like, very honest, sounded ok. I don't believe the P10

had any sort of major upgrade since it was introduced way back in 2005.

I eventually replaced it with a Bryston 4B3 power amp, noticeable difference, more control, blacker backgrounds, more insight into music, just better all round. It'll improve your sound quality, budget could be around 5.5 to 6k used, and don't forget the transferable 20 year warranty.

 

cheers,

Frank

[Brian_S]

Hi Krebetman. Late to this topic I know, but I owned a much loved 9200 for many years, and a year or so ago moved on to an Esoteric F03A integrated (30W Class A) after a great second hand opportunity presented itself.

The Esoteric is a far more sophisticated machine and has breathed new life into much of my collection - detail, depth, texture, entirely more organic if you like. But...

The 9200 (200W into 8 Ohms and 320 into 4 Ohms - my ProAc D48Rs are 4 Ohm) brought impact and dynamics that the Esoteric just can't match. 

Regrets, (I've had a few), but after almost 20 years it was was definitely time to move on from the Plinius, but listening to certain albums I do mist those instantaneous dynamic aspects if its presentation that kick you back in your listening chair, with an utterance of "wow".

Ideally a combination of the power of the 9200 and the delicacy sophistication of the Esoteric would be the holy grail for me.

Good luck in the search...