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
bluorion
470 posts
 
I'm fairly new as well and since I don't have any decent audio stores near me, I've ordered equipment, listened to it, didn't like it and returned it. I did this several times until I found a really good dealer about 70 miles away and I finally found what I like---the sound I was looking for. Here's some advice from another novice---once you find your equipment, upgrade your interconnects, A/C cords. To my ears, they have made a HUGE difference over the stock cords. Don't forget to play around with speaker placement too. Also, someone on here suggested watching Steve Guttenberg videos as well as John Darko and Zero Fidelity. Go to an Audio Fest like Axpona or Capital Audio Fest if you can----they are so fun and I learn a lot from them. Finally, enjoy the journey and have fun!!
ishkabibil
422 posts
 
Synergy...what amp marries up the best with your selected speaker.
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thank you everyone, once again, for the kind recommendations and heads ups !
tworozbyt
15 posts
 
If you are looking to spend under a thousand you'd be hard-pressed to do better than a Naim NAP 100.
safeharbor
3 posts
 
I highly recommend the Adcom GFA-555 or Nakamichi PA-7 power amps.  Both have plenty of power and sound great!  A good Adcom can easily be found online used for around $500, and the Nak will cost you about twice that.  Pair it up with an Adcom preamp (I use a GTP-500, which includes a tuner), and you have all you need to start!  Might want to make sure your preamp has an input for Phono, just in case you get the Vinyl Bug!  ;)
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