Hoping for a recommendation for stereo amp around $1500 or less ($2k max)

Someone on this thread asked previously what I thought of the $1500 D-Sonic M3a 800s. Well I tried it 3 ways now and have some observations.

1) As a headphone amp to my RAAL SR1a. I did not like it. This was with Gustard X26 Pro connected to the Benchmark HPA4 preamp.

2) As a 2 channel speaker amp to my Thiel CS3.7 with the Gustard X26 Pro as the preamp (digital volume). It was OK but a little harsh and lacked something. Some other issues with the Gustard as a preamp but that is not relevant.

3) I finally got the CODA 07x preamp to control this system and the Gustard is now just used as a DAC (not a DAC/preamp). The sound is great.

The amp is very fast and not bright nor harsh. I was going to buy the CODA #8 amp for this system but why rush into it now. I am going to try this out for at least a year. I cannot afford the CODA #8 today so luckily this D-Sonic is coming up a big winner now.

Another bonus is that this amp seem capable of operating on 2 Ohm region. I need to confirm this with D-Sonic but I can tell this is the case buy how well the Thiel's sound, more bass and power compared to my Benchmark AHB2 amps on the Thiel's. The $3K AHB2 are preferred over the D-Sonic but not on the Thiel CS3.7, which is a tough speaker to drive.

@brandini — congrats on the new amp, and it’d be interesting to hear your thoughts after you have >100 hours on it. Also, at some point you should consider sending it to Ric At Electonic Visionary Systems for some cost-effective upgrades that could up the performance level even further.

@yyzsantabarbara — has the D-Sonic fully broken in?  What didn’t you like about it with the headphones? We’re you using the Coda in that setup too?  What would you consider the core strengths/weaknesses of the amp?  Thanks for the update — very interesting. 

@soix thanks I’ll report back after spending more time with it. The mods look interesting but I think I’ll keep my warranty for now. Will look deeper into it for the future though. So far really enjoying the new amp . I didn’t know my speakers had this much left to give. It sounds so freaking clear and powerful. I was watching the clock at work today wanting to come home and listen to different kinds of music and see how it does. Good times!

Been listening for awhile and seeing how it goes with different music.  I still haven't really noticed any unpleasant high frequencies but I will say that the vtv eval-1 is unforgiving.  On one hand there are albums that are perfectly recorded that I can crank up and everything sounds flawless with tons of detail and liquid smoothness. 

On the other hand there are some albums I've had forever that I didn't realize aren't that well done. The downward spiral, sergeant peppers lonely hearts club band, and swing the heartache are albums that sound better the louder you go because there are more layers you louder you go and none of them are harsh. Sadly some of my Led zeppelin and pink floyd sound a bit low fi in comparison even though the music is still good. 

Every time I start to have doubts I run into a different recording that was done properly and sounds incredibly good.  This setup does nothing to hide flaws but it flies high when it has something to work with.  Hope that made sense.

Small advice,...... save a wee more.    Take this year, and squirrel away a bit more, and next year, save a lil more.  Get the coin, and call Roger Sanders for the Magtech stereo amp!

 You will not find a better amp for your scenario!

  Arguably the best amp money can buy, and will drive anything no matter the load!

 Patience is key, save a bit more for the Sanders amp,  you will be rewarded!