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Help me understand the current amp market

I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.

jyaki
jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,202 posts
 

Here’s the budget amp champion: Fosi V3 Mono with 48 volt power supply.120/240watts@8/4ohms. Over 300 watts@1ohm. Price $280 a pair! Lookout all you manufacturers of Five$$$figure amps!

jyaki OP
5 posts
 

My system is actually in my home office and consists of Wisdom Audio L8i in-wall speakers with a Wisdom Audio SCS-2 subwoofer. I'm currently using a Luxman 509-X integrated amp with a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. For speaker wires, I'm using Acrolink DUCC copper cables. I'm looking to upgrade my Luxman to separates or a different integrated amplifier

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,688 posts
 

Your Luxman is an excellent integrated, your going to have to spend considerably to get better in separates. 

soix
9,537 posts
 

What specific improvements are you looking for?

mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 

My system is actually in my home office and consists of Wisdom Audio L8i in-wall speakers with a Wisdom Audio SCS-2 subwoofer.

the Wisdoms are 91db, 4 ohm. so a medium efficiency speaker. and if your system is in your home office, i’m assuming it is a ’bedroom’ sized room, maybe 15’ x 12’ x 9’? so you don’t need to power a big room.

most amplifiers will be powerful enough to get the job done in that room, so what i would recommend would be to focus on your sonic preferences. do you like a warmer sound? more transparent and neutral? what is your cup of tea? what music is most appealing to you?

reviewing a wide range of amplifier circuit technology is not going to be relevant to your situation. more telling us what you wish was better about your Luxman. as it’s a good amplifier already. and you have a subwoofer taking some of the load. where do you want to go?

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