2. amps-preamps
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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
dorkwad
547 posts
 
Hey K,

If you don't mind buying used gear, there is a couple amps that are extremely fine sounding with many different types of speakers.  

Nuforce Reference 9 SE mono block amps.  

There are a couple for sale on US Audio Mart.  One set has a pencil diameter scuff on one amp.  The other is in very nice shape.  They are selling for $1200 for the pair OBO.  Offer about $1000 and they should be yours.  The other has TDSS upgrades done to them and are V2 so also an upgrade.  They are selling for $1700.  They are overpriced as I bought a pair of V3's for $1400 4 years ago.  TDSS did their level 3 upgrades to them 2 years ago and turned them into superamps for sound and even more reliable.  

These amps sound incredible and take up very little room as they are  advanced class D amps--Nuforce and Nuprime offer excellent sounding amps.  They have very detailed and dynamic sound with excellent bass reproduction.  The Ref 9's used to be their top of the line amps.  These are basically the same company but Nuprime is the company name now.  Jason Lin is the designer and most of Nuforce is still with Nuprime.  

I have these amps at a couple other's recommendation and will for as long as they live.  My system is very resolving and yet is not hard on the ears at any time.  The amps are much responsible for this.  You will not worry about upgrading after buying these.  I've tried them with 5 very different speakers at friend's houses.  In each the Ref 9's produced the best sound with their speakers.

Bob
drew_f
19 posts
 
Buy used, best bang for the buck. Audiogon is very reliable.  Most of my systems are used, never a problem with vendor except a dude named Vlad Zharkov in Mississauga, ON (buyer beware!).

Otherwise get ClassDAudio.com amp.  Great value + lots of clean watts for the money in your budget. New.  Made in USA with great warranty.  Not affiliated, but happy customer. Can confirm Tom stands behind his products. Had an issue, warranty honored and upgraded. 


waterzlife
139 posts
 
POWER !   get more vrs less !  Most speakers respond with more agility to aps with generous power supplies.  I and all my past speakers) have liked 150 w/ch into 8 ohms and up.   
dorkwad
547 posts
 
K,

I didn't mention that the Ref 9 amps we're last $5200 for the pair when they were in production.   That's the BIG reason many of us buy used.
Also, they put out 175 watts/ channel at 8 ohms.  They will drive most any speaker out there except electrostatics.

Bob
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate adding great amps on my option! Will check on that monoblock Ref 9!!
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