recommendation of amps


Just looking for a little guidance. Starting to look for an AMP.  Most likely solid state. I listen to R&R only, high 80's low 90's    Room 13x14 bathroom to one side hallway to another, normal furnishings, wood floors.  Speakers, Fritz carbon 7se bookshelf, SVS SB3000 Sub, Currently Peachtree amp 500 running system (not Bad)  Benchmark Dac 3B and LA-4 Benchmark Line Amp, Audiolab 6000 CD Transport, Everything Balanced, with the exception of the Transport. Stream Qobuz also. System sounds really good. Just looking for a TOP SHELF AMP.  Budget maybe 6-7 k new or used, (Less preferred)  Prefer new with warranty???  Have a ATI AMP 6002 in main system, in another room, much bigger room, and kicks ass, in every regard. Would like something different (maybe)  Current set up feels a little neutral, and analytical,   maybe looking for something a little warmer.  Have been looking at a used Pass Labs 250.8  for example     Maybe a little overkill though? Always a little nervous over tubes (scared even) Afraid of NOT ENOUGH JUICE to listen at my levels.  Very open to your suggestions. Thanks as always     Robert TN

robshaw

What sound characteristics/improvements are you looking for over the Benchmark?

I may just keep the benchmark, as it is very good. I had the benchmark in my main system earlier, and felt it was lacking (maybe in clarity, and depth,voice)  I replaced it with a great deal (meitner MA1 V2 DAC) The Meitner seems to punch ahead  ( In my opinion) with what I felt the Benchmark was lacking. More accurate and more revealing in those areas. My wife wholeheartedly agreed!   You didn't have to listen with a microscope to hear the difference, is was quite apparent. Hopefully, that describes what I was hearing or not. Robert    Ps My wife really likes the benchmark DAC, But, as I said earlier she noticed the Meitner superiority.   I think after The pass amp and Meitner DAC purchase, and this being a smaller, less dedicated room, she feels it's good enough, and don't spend anymore money?

I have the DAC3B and it is rather good, but a little hot on the top end. I had a $15k Lumin X1 to replace it and it was really good for the year I owned it. In fact, it was the best DAC and 2nd best streamer I had.

I traded the X1 in to buy speakers. I could not wait the long time needed to save up the cash for a second DAC I am planning on getting. Since Schitt Audio is 70 miles away from me and they have a 15-day home trial I thought I would try the new Yggi+ Less Is More DAC (1 of 3 new Yggi+'s and the worst measuring one).

I use the Yggi+ with my Sonore Optical Rendu streamer and feel that it is a better DAC than the X1, definitely better than the DAC3B. I notice the difference in the top end where the X1 seems a little rolled off to me. They Yggi+ is more like the DAC3B but not hot. 

I was so impressed by Schitt that I also bought their Aegir 'Class A' amp for my headphones, and I love it. Yesterday, I ordered a new MJOLNIR 3 preamp for the Aegir.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

I was using the Benchmark LA4 with both the Aegir and Sanders Magtech, but I came close to messing that up by being a bit careless, so I bought a second preamp.

 

 

 

I had a Benchmark AHB2 for almost 3 years and really enjoyed the clean sound and wide stage. I decided to make a big jump about 2 years ago to the Pass 250.8 and instantly heard why people enjoy Pass. The soundstage was deeper, taller, and most importantly it made listening more fun. Instruments and vocals had more weight/tone to them and the soundstage felt more cohesive than the AHB2.

This is exactly how I felt when I dropped an AHB2 into my system which was anchored by an X250.8.   I really liked the AHB2 for the $$ and how clear it was, but I found it lacked the front to back soundstage depth and life-like texture and tone of the Pass.   I sold it after a month or two and kept the Pass for like 5 years.

@robshaw, if the 250.8's hint of warmth, musicality, lack of any harshness, and a killer soundstage interests you, I recommend you listen to the AtmaSphere Class D monos.   They come very close (IMO) to the 250.8 and XA30.8 sound signatures that I'm very used to.   I now own a pair of the AtmaSphere monos and am very happy with them.

yyzantabarbara and ddafoe,   Thank u both for your input. I currently run in both my systems  The LA-4 pre amp, like it that much, Gain control is great and with a firm ware upgrade you can now see the volume level far away, which is nice (sit about 15' away in my triangle. I was tempted earlier to look at the AtmaSphere, but, after getting rid of my starter set of Peachtree class D, wanted to try something else.

I am really interested in your post about the Yggi +  will be looking at reviews etc shortly. My latest purchase, just ordered a pair of Tekton MOAB's with BE tweeter, and upgraded crossovers. Currently running Tekton DI's upgraded and LOVE THEM, may move them to my other system, will see. Will never sell them, for me and my rock and roll listening they are GREAT. Hoping that the MOABS are even better, HOPING!!!  Robert    Ps Thank you both for sharing your suggestions. This forum has helped me time and time again.