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Beginner Audiophile. How to chose a right amp? Recommendation for my setup?

Hi

I am new to the world of audio and looking for an enjoyable stereo setup for myself.

I have chosen my next set of speakers, DAC, and a streamer, but can’t quite choose a power amp.

You don’t have to read this -->> "How do you pick a right amp for yourself? Do you consider Damping Factor? Do you match Tube DAC + Tube Amp? or Do you match Solid State + Tube Amp? for what reason? What sound do Soild State DAC/Amp + Tube DAC/Amp combos make? Are there characteristics in Amps? like in DACs? if so, what are they?"

Literally, there are just too many questions I want to ask. But, for now, I just want to listen to what you want to say, whatever is in your mind or any advise you would like to give as more experienced audiophiles when you pick a power amp.

I seek for the right components, ideal setups and match because I learned something from my very first set of audio gears I bought for this thanksgiving that I unfortunately returned a few days ago. The sound quality from Sonos Amp was hard to endure! The SVS Ultra bookshelf was great, but not quite so when it dealt with high notes.

So, I did my research this time and found my next set of audio gears.

1. Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speaker
2. MHDT Lab Orchid DAC
3. MiniDSP SHD Ultra streamer

What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

But, I don’t have a clue how to choose a right power amp.

I can just pick a internet recommended under $ 1K power amp and be done with it. Maybe I can still be okay. But, I don’t want to just buy something without knowing anything to go through a return process again. I’d rather at least learn some basics before buying a music component, even if I end up returning something. Because I know now that I can be pretty picky on stereo sounds.

So...

Please comment anything you want to add.

Recommend me some used/new power amps + deals (under 1K ish), if you have anything in mind.

Direct me to the right direction.

Thanks.

K





yggy1
motoraway's avatar
motoraway
61 posts
 
I'd probably try some of this Schiit..........
https://www.schiit.com/products/aegir

I have a Freya pre and a couple of Modi DAC's.
Great schiit for the money.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I'd start soaking up a bunch info on the market in your price range - a really good starting point is Steve Guttenberg's videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CApq8h336S0&list=PLKlGuF--sgHus5VYQ-pUvEEyFh2-_k1SY
adurerca
38 posts
 
Also check out the Adcom amp GFA 6002.  My first amp was its predecessor the GFA 535, 30 years ago.

https://www.adcom.com/product_gfa6002.php

Or the Parasound line at Audioadvisor who has an easy return process.  Both companies have been in the business for a long time.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,381 posts
 
If you can still score a Parasound A21 new, that is what I would buy. They are around $2500 new and less used.  At 250wpc into 8 ohms and more into 4 ohms it will be all the amp you ever need, even if you make upgrades later to the rest of the system.  The Odyssey Kismet amps being sold here is an excellent buy and would be my second choice. 
cleareye2
9 posts
 
Here is another resource link:  
https://www.vandersteen.com/media/files/APJ%20Files/APJ10_PROOF.pdf

It is for the issue on Amplifiers from the Audio Perfectionist Journal at the Vandersteen website. I used it years ago to save time from absorbing a lot of info all at once that I didn't understand and ended up with equipment mentioned throughout the Journal issues.
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