Precision, tube-like warmth, price, glorious soundstage and imaging.

Perhaps a bit dark in the low end, and a bit bright in the upper end. But that could very well be fixed with a different cable.

When my father and I first began auditioning new amps for his office, I figured our journey would be a long, tedious one. The first amp we auditioned was a loner from a local hi-fi shop: a Krell KAV-300i. Upon the auditioning, I was impressed with its grip and transients, but couldn't justify the price over what we currently had. The second amp, the Plinius, however, was a completely different story. The moment it arrived, we set it up and started auditioning right out of the box. I must admit, I was unimpressed. The next morning, however, when I put on some music, I was BLOW AWAY by it's depth and soundstage. Dave Matthews came alive in front of me. What really did it for me was the center stage imaging. It seemed to eminate not from the middle of the speakers, but from ABOVE. The soundstaging occured not only left to right and front to back, but top to bottom as well. I was stunned. Carter Beauford's snare drum sparkled with unusual clarity. It is astonishing how much the warm-up period can change an amp's character. It improved for the next four days, just as Plinius suggested. I wage everyone to audition this amp, even those who are looking at seperates costing four times as much. You would be hard pressed to get this kind of tonal quality out of $3000. For incredible warmth with solid-state clarity, look no further.

Setup:

Creek CD43
Harmonic Tech Truth-Link interconnects
Audioquest Indigo Bi-wired, WBT connectors
B&W Matrix 803 series one

Similar Products Used:

Krell KAV-300i

An integrated SS Amp with phono section without significant compromise; plenty of power; volume remote

Heat generation; manual switching of source; sensitivity to line noise

As the first reviewer of the Plinius 8150 in this forum, I wanted to give another update. My Plinius 8150 has been stable for about a year (no problems or issues). That's good since it's in one of the best two-channel systems around. I'm using the Plinius to drive a *pair* of stacked Dynaudio Contour 1.8s (each of the four speakers is directly wired to the Plinius). Min Ohms is around 1.6. Sounds fantastic. A cheaper DIY "Evidence" setup. The louder it plays, the better it sounds. I agree that the Plinius is a great match with Dynaudio speakers. Complete honesty from your system. Seems that New Zealanders don't lie either.

I've tweaked the input power by adding an Audio Prism Foundation power filter and by swapping the factory cord for an MIT Z-II cord. The Plinius doesn't like cheap rheostats/halogen lights anywhere near by. Would probably sound even better with cleaner power. Needs plenty of ventilation. Your electric bills will take a small hit.

However, this amp will reward you with sonic, non-fatiguing pleasures. Vinyl takes on a new life with the Plinius' phono section (can be configured MM or MC at factory -- I'm using MM). Not sure you can justify this amp price-wise unless you still have a turntable (some debate here, I'm sure).

A $3000 step into the high-end. If you can swallow the word "integrated" you won't regret it.

Similar Products Used:

none

REFINED SOUND, REAL HIGH-END

NOT PUNCHY BASS LIKE NAIM

THIS AMP IS VERY GOOD NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. READ THE REVIEW IN ABSOLUTE SOUND MAG. BUT I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR LESS COSTLY AMP WITH SIMILAR REFINED SOUND. I HAVE HEARD SOME GREAT AMPS IN LAST 12 YEARS IN USA AND UK. EXAMP: AUDIO RESARCH, KRELL, CLASSE, BRYSTON, THRESHOLD, NELSON PASS, ADCOM, B&K, MARK LEVINSON, NAIM, LINN, GOLDMOUND, ATMA SPHERE, CARY, ETC. WITH SPEAKERS LIKE WILSON WATT, PROAC 4,1,MARTIN LOGAN SL3, THIEL, MAGNAPEN, APOGEE DIVA, B&W NUATILAS, VR4, AERIEL 10, QUAD, MIRAGE, ARTIMIS EOS ETC. MOST OF THIS AMPS AND SPEAKERS ARE VERY (EXCEPT ADCOM AND B&K) DETAIL OR HIGH RESOLUTION. BUT DETAIL IS NOT EVERYTHING; ONE SHOULD LOOK FOR REFINEMENT AND SMOOTHNESS WITH RESOLUTION.PLINIUS HAS THAT, BUT I FOUND ANOTHER AMP WHICH HAS SIMILAR SOUND, AND IT ONLY COST $700. THE NAME IS ANTHEM MCA 2 FROM SONIC FRONTIERS. I BOUGHT THIS AMP TEMPORILY, UNTIL MY PLINIUS IS FIXED. I HAD NO EXPECTATION. I HOOKED THE AMP IN MY HOME, THEN LET IT WARM UP FOR SEVEN DAYS PLAYING MUSIC. SUDDENLY I REALIZED THE MUSIC IS BEUTIFUL AND SMOOTH, WITH ALL THE DETAIL AND AIR, ONLY WEEKNESS THE BASS IS NOT AS PUNCHY OR DEEP; BUT MUCH LESS LISTENER FATIGUE, LIKE THE PLINIUS. I HAVE OTHER AMPS WHICH IS MORE DETAIL, BUT ALSO MORE FATIGUING. SO POINT IS GO FOR HI-END SYSTEM WHICH IS REASONABLE PRICE, BUT MUSICAL, DETAIL, SMOOTH (BUT HAS TO HAVE A LISTENER INVOLVEMENT, NOT BORING), FINALLY NOT FATIGUE SOUNDING IN THE LONG PERIOD. GOOD LUCK HUNTING.

Similar Products Used:

KRELL, AUDIO RESEARCH

I came across this unit while reading an article in an American trade magazine. It was a glowing review, and despite some suspicion over the review's objectivity, I purchased the unit since I wanted to change my then current amplifier Copland CSA8. The Copland was a sweet sounding machine and a good value for money, but it had a definite emphasis in the midrange that made vocals jump in your face too often. The Plinius 8150 solved this without sacrifing other performance areas. IMHO, the Plinius does not trail such well-regarded units as Krells, Brystons and YBAs in resolution of details, imaging and midrange liquidity, although you cannot mistake it for a single-ended triodes as far as vocals and acoustic instruments are concerned. Strength of the Plinius is in its even-mannered presentation. It is so well-balanced throughout the frequency range that music listening seldom gets edgy, and it always keeps music comfortably at arm's length. Also, the sound stage is pushed back behind the speaker plane, presenting good imaging depth. I have had this unit for three months now. So far, my experience tells that it is a grown-up amplifier that presents music in a civilized manner without any substantial negatives. It provides 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms in Class AB, with the first 3-4 watts claimed to be in Class A. The unit runs pretty hot, but not burning hot. It is recommended that the unit be kept on always, and I experienced gradual but substantial improvement in smoothness and liquidity over several days of warm-up, as claimed by the manufacturer. Overall, long-term enjoyment of this unit is promising and I rate it highly. My system includes a Meridian 506.20 CD player, Nordost Blue Heaven unbalanced interconnects, a pair of ProAc Response 1SCs and Nordost Super Flatline biwire cables.

Punchy, Strong, Detail, Reliability, price

Considering the price, none really

As with all the other reviewers 95% of what was said is true. I myself fell in love with this amp and deservedly so, but sad to say it now sits in my for sale department. There is nothing wrong with this fine amp, I just stumbled across another amp that is also New Zealand made and has all the atributes of the Plinius but is less fatiguing to listen to and has more natural abilities with the reproduction of making music sound they way it should be. That comment could be seen as a personal preference but I can assure you it really is that much better. I have pulled the Plinius out a few times to do a comparo with guests at home and the general concensous is always the same " We like the MMM best". MMM being the other amp, short for Make Mine Music.
Robert Campbell, who made this amp can tell you more about it breeding. His contact e-mail mmm123@xtra.co.nz
I dont have and interest in his company or anything, I just beleive you cant beat this amp regardless.
My ratings are for the MMM but still give the Plinius 4s

Similar Products Used:

Krell,Parasound,Nad,Adcom and more

Sounds like tubes yet powerfully quick and quiet, not dark sounding, as well as dynamic. Betters many (and more $$$) “separate” pre-amp/power amp combo’s, as well as other integrated I’ve owned and heard. Build quality is excellent. Couldn’t expect anything better from a product at this price.

Remote can’t switch between sources – minor inconvenience and not a big deal.

It was time to address my “lack of pure listening enjoyment” that was occurring while listening to my current 2-channel system. (75% 2-channel, 25% Dvd playback). I knew I could get more out of cd player and loudspeakers. I had done numerous upgrades over the past 10-14 years, but was not entirely pleased with my results. So I did my homework, and decided to upgrade the amplifier section of the system. I auditioned many integrated amps, as well as many “separate pre/power systems”, I read the reviews ( here and in the press ), talked to many different dealers, spoke with fellow music/audiophile friends, and knew my budget. However, after the dust settled – my wife and I couldn’t have been more shocked with the results we got….

Please remember, any audio component is only as good as the “system” that it has to live in. So here is where the 8150 lives:

Plinius 8150 Integrated Amplifier
Dynaudio 1.3SE (Special Edition) Loudspeakers
Rotel 971 CD Player
Transparent Audio MusicWave Super Interconnects and Loudspeaker Cables
Sony DVD Player, Sony 32” TV
Target 24” speaker stands, sand filled – very dead and heavy.
Room Dimensions: 15w X 20l X 9h, wall to wall rug, 3 windows w/drapes, 2 couches, 2-door ways (one at each end of room), bookcase, wall hangings, etc.

From the initial set-up and warming up of the 8150 (during the first week of listening) my wife and I looked at each other and were shocked by what we heard. We immediately sensed and heard a very distinct “atmosphere” in the room. It can best best described as a deep and quiet soundstage that was now being created by the 8150. We played various music, jazz, vocals, pop, instrumental and a couple Dvd movies,.. here’s what happened. Height and width of soundstage was noticeable beyond all prior amps we’ve had in the system. Mid-range information was clean and full – not too distant and not in your face, bottom-end on all tracks was much more clearly defined and articulated, all high-range frequency“grain” or sense of “leanness” was completely gone, replaced with a natural and inviting presentation. Texture of instruments was distinct and “hung” in the air. Instruments had proper size and location, and background vocal were much easier to hear. Scale of music was more dynamic – without sacrificing all the subtle sounds. But there was much more to it than that, there was a sense between my wife and I of: “this is what it should sound like” , this was a revelation to us. We now listen for longer times, we fiddle with the volume less, we “hear new stuff” on favorite recordings all the time.

The 8150 in our system is: easy to listen to, accurate, powerful, without distortion, and provides us with a new sense of atmosphere in the room. The addition of the 8150 in our system allows us to drop the “auditioning of the gear” kick back and be stunned by the quality of sound coming from the system. If you “get” anything from this review, get this: both my wife and I are now able to relax into the music, and enjoy listening for longer periods of time – this is a big deal to us…. it just sounds right.

Could it (the system) be further tweaked ?, perhaps. Would adding a separate pre/power amp for another $3k-$6k-$10k make a difference – certainly. Could I add a subwoofer for dvd movies, possibly. Would the difference be worth it ? it depends.

For those of you on the “never ending quest” for the “perfect audio system” remember – highend audio does not have a linear return on investment. That means that just because you spend another dollar – doesn’t necessarily mean that you get another dollar’s worth of audible improvement. I’ve heard mega-buck systems that leave me “cold”, and very simple inexpensive systems that are so good it’s scary. And to be fair, visa-versa. In summary: It’s not how MUCH you spend, rather it’s HOW you spend it.

I spent mine on this 8150 from Plinius and we couldn’t be happier.

Similar Products Used:

Classe Cap 151, Classe Cap 150, Rotel 990/980 Pre/Power Amp, and a few others.

Like tubes, but not as fussy. Silky smooth, makes female vocalists sound like they're sitting between your speakers.

Seems expensive until you figure out that you don't need an expensive pair of interconnects. Long, long, long warm up...don't unplug it...plug it in, turn it on, ignore it.

Everything you've heard is true. The Plinius 8150i is a giant killer.

I spent several months listening to everything under $4000, and there was simply nothing as simple, as engaging, as fun as this integrated. While there were many other eminently listenable combinations that came close to this, my favourite being the Classe CA-100/CP60 combination, nothing came close to reproducing the sound of the female voice like the Plinius did.

Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Patricia Barber (Modern Cool) never sounded as good as when the Plinius was in the chain. Small trio & quartet jazz, Miles, Mingus, Chet now take a walk in my living room every night.

As I was walking out the door of the dealer with the Plinius 8150 in my arms, a customer told me, "You're gonna love that amplifier."

And I do.

Associated Gear:

- Proac Response 1.5 loudspeakers;
- Arcam Alpha CD player;
- Monster Cable, Belden RG59/Neutrik interconnects, custom braided power cables.

Similar Products Used:

Classe CA-100, CP60, McCormack DNA .5/TLC, Arcam Alpha, Bryston 3B-ST / BP20, Krell 300i, Proceed AMP2 / PRE

I don't think this amp is worth the money. I prefer the Krell sound. It is more natural. Don't fall for the Plinius hype.

It's to bad we all have our MrB's to bear in life. Just when you think the human race has a chance, folks like him pop up and show us how many brain cells the good lord failed to hand out. The articulate gentleman from Ventura, CA who reviewed his 2100 is bang-on regarding the sound of the Plinius products in general. Rays of sunshine with warmth and detail galore.

I have been living with my new Plinius 8150 now for about 4 weeks. I did all the prepratory steps that the mags have suggested and I even rearranged my listning room. Like the others before me, I am completely floored by this Integrated amplifiers. Its neither tube, nor solid state in character. I guess I would say it is smooth with detail, chacteristics rarely found in the traditional amplifier types. Ususally Tubes get you smooth and solid state gets you detail.
Having been a reed player, I have found the most difficult textures to reproduce in the home is that of a Flute and Clarinet, or flute and oboe together. The Plinius does this without effort. Even my former separates (Coda 10.5 Amp and Krell KSL Preamp in Balanced mode) did not sound so convincing here (and that was a formidable combo I must admitt). Check this out with the third movement of Shostakovich's 8th symphony (Plentev or Previn will work fine)and you'll see what I mean.

I've also lived with and admired the Classe CAP150 for a period of time with great satisfaction. It just didn't have the viseral feel and sensory staying power of the Plinius. By the way I am using an ADCOM GCD 750 CD player, Thiel CS1.5 speakers, MIT MH750 CVT speaker cabling and MI330CVT Terminator interconnects.The system was chosen to create detail and image depthand width.

I have not yet heard the phono section because I have not mounted the cartridge, but if it is as good as claimed, I am going to be a very happy camper indeed.No other integrated has a world class phonon section although the YBA integre is supposed to.

Its not a perfect amplying device.....the perspective appears to be distant. For Orchestral music this is no problem, but if your into folk or easy listening it may not be your favorite choice.It also is Single ended...a bummer if you have balanced cables and sources. At this price, a balanced design might have turned me on even more.

For me, for now, this is my amplifying chain. How have they done this and no other integrateds have succeeded IMHO? I don't know, but supposedly it has much to do with power supply design, passive components and silver wire!It is neither as heavy and robust as the Classe units, nor as hypeable ast the Krell KAV300i, but it sounds much better than both. Oh, by the way...leave it on!