Picked up my Perreaux 200p second hand for NZ$1200, to go with a Perreaux SM6 preamp. The combo is excellent, clear, warm and powerful.
I formerly ran the SM6 with a Linn LK85 (treble and mid) and Arcam 9P (bass) combo, which was damn good. The 200p beats it, just, due to great bass control and a sense of coherence through the mid range.
While ruthlessly clear, I don't get listening fatigue from any tonal idiosyncracies with this Perreaux combo - only from having the volume too loud without realising it! So it is winner on getting you lost in the music.

Cohesion, high soundstage, tonal accuracy and grunt.

none that are worth mentioning - infact I will say the remote needs improving.

Being a New Zealander I am likely to be bias toward both Perreaux and Plinius equipment - both of which I have owned and enjoyed. The Perreaux 200P Power Amp and SM6 pre replaced my trusty Plinius SA100 Mk1 and M12 pre. Firstly replacing the Plinius in favour of Perreaux was an agonising decision as both brands have merit and stand alone in the middle markets of quality audiphile equipment. My first favourable impression of the Perreaux gear was in the packaging (these guys know their 4 p's of marketing)being packaged in dual boxes with a rugged wooden crate floor affixed to the power amp box. This impressed me as I've never been in favour of couriers. These amps were finished in Perreaux's new 'Prisma' finish whilst plain gives an immediate impression, albeit completely devoid of any facia controls, as a no nonsense, purpose built piece of equipment. Plugging in was a simple affair, optional RCA or balanced inputs included. How is best to describe the sonic nature of these amps? 3 words come to mind - cohesion, cohesion and cohesion. The sound stage is high and wide enough with absolute clarity of instruments and their placement. Mt immediate impression is that the Perreaux boys have managed to design an amp that reproduces all types of music just as the musicians intended it to be heard. No galring highs but very sweet, exceleent mids and tight controlled bass. The trick her is that no one characteristic stood out or took control of the listening experience. I have heard some criticism regarding treble being somewhat flat or compressed but matched with the Klipsch RF35 speakers this just is not so. More intense listening leaves me somewhat humbled as the soundstage delivers a huge wall of music in the most delicate manner with no loss of tonal accuracy and a vice like grip on spartial imaging. These are the redeeming features of Perreaux gear as I see it. The bass is deep and refined even on the Klipsch, the mids authoritive and detailed and beautiful treble characteristics that draw the listener into the reproduction much like falling into the system itself. A truly rewarding experience. Given UI am not a technician I cannot comment on build quality except to say inside, the amps appear to be well designed, simplistic and give that characteristic they are 'hand made'. The power amp rated at 200 watts, is powerful and full and able to be driven hard without fatigue and fear. All in all I'm hugely impressed with this Kiwi product. value for money is eceptional but more to the point these amps give listeners more than competing products. That is they are just so cohesive - stunning stuff!

Similar Products Used:

Plinius SA100 power amp and M12 pre matched to Lambert SP280 speakers.

Class A bias to approx 20Watts. High current. Ultra low distortion. No fuss but interesting appearance.

Have heard that other amps around the same price are more articulate.

Strong power, plenty of bass weight and control. Improves mids and extension over lower end amps. Fairly simple, straight forward design which seems effective enough. Conjures interest from friends due to size and design.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo, Denon, MASS, Marantz, Sony