2. amps-preamps
  3. 184600-182675

Amp question with size constraints

I am in the process of looking to upgrade my amplifier (presently a Rega Brio R), but I am faced with size constraints: given the built-ins I have, I cannot really go much beyond 13 inches in depth. The trouble of course is that better amps tend to be larger in size. 

To add another wrinkle, I primarily listen to vinyl (via custom Linn Sondek TT w/ MC cartridge and Fyne floorstanders). I've seen positive reviews of smaller Cambridge and NAD integrated amps, but they tend to focus on the digital side of things. What I'm wondering is whether an integrated amp with my size constraints would work well with my setup for vinyl, or alternatively if there is a good power amp within that scale that I could just pair with a decent phono preamp. 

I am not married to any particular approach but am not really sure which way to go at this point. Help me, Obi-Wan, etc.

polanskyd
polanskyd OP
8 posts
 

Many thanks for all the replies. A couple points: 

1. I am not a bot

2. I am replacing an integrated amp so I am happy to go either with superior integrated amp, or a pre/power setup, provided they match the space constraints.

3. The GAN option sounds very promising.

4. I had assumed that Class Ds would be a step down though that increasingly seems to be a prejudice.

5. Speaking of Class Ds, one of my local dealers is pushing the Cambridge Evo 150, which has streaming capabilities (which would be a plus for my wife). Does anyone have any insight as to whether that would be a good product along with a phono preamp?

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

Try these class D amps. They are EXCELLENT and may fit side by side since their power supplies are external and can be placed a bit further away.

https://orchardaudio.com/starkrimson_monoblock_amplifier/

Add a Schiit Audio Freya preamp and you will be set.

markmuse
289 posts
 

Let me also recommend AGD amps. I too have Fyne speakers (F-1-8) and a pair of Tempo amps. I bi-amp the Fynes. 

A single Tempo has plenty of power to drive the Fynes, but the advantage of two amps is the advantage of mono-blocks... better imaging. So I would recommend a pair of AGD Audion mono-blocks for not much more than a single Tempo. 

I also use and recommend a good tube preamp, but I haven't heard the AGD preamps.

wester17
70 posts
 

One of the best amplifiers out there is also one of the most compact -- the Benchmark AHB2. It has the best distortion measurements in the industry, and I can tell you from experience that it is very musical, detailed, and engaging -- and it sounds wonderful with vinyl. If you pair it with the Benchmark LA4 preamp, you will have a top level system that takes up very little space. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
ivanj
35 posts
 

@wester17

 

+1 on Benchmark. Get that combo with the BMS cables or the Blue Jeans equivalent and you will never look back. Perhaps you can sell on your present cables and offset the price.

@polanskyd My wife was born in Toronto.

For a diminutive phono stage I'd consider the SOTA Pxyi, the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo - on sale - or the Andrew Fidler MC Pro sold by Classic Audio Limited . I am evaluating the Pro right now and it is great. The Pxyi should be a treat with your Linn.

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