@yyzsantabarbara got it.
I’m evaluating two amps in my system and changing power cords on the amp changes the sonic signature, then changing a USB cable feeding the DAC changes how the system sounds once again. I can only accurately assess the difference between the two amps if all other variables are unchanged.
Amplifiers have nearly as much impact on the sound of your system as changing speakers. It’s impossible to form any sort of reliable opinion based on all the countless variables in different systems at different times. I’m not even introducing personal preferences to the equation. If you can bring your amp over to the dealer for the comparison it would be a better approach before you drop the dough on the new amp. Just a thought.
SimAudio Moon North Collection
Anyone thinking about buying an amp from the North Collection?
I heard the 860A v1 and enjoyed it. With the new lineup there will be a some 860A v2’s coming up for sale. I am considering the older models and the North Collection. The 860A v1 was surprising good even with the sort of hot Paradigm Persona I demoed it with.
I was thinking at one time of buying 2 Benchmark AHB2 monos to drive the not so difficult to drive and slightly warm Yamaha NS5000’s. A neutral amp like the AHB2 would be great (I owned the AHB2 before) however, I think the 12-inch woofers will unfortunately not be best served by AHB2.
I am using my CODA #16 with the NS5000 right now and I can see where lots of power makes those woofers shine. So I am looking for another amp that is a bit more neutral to use with the NS5000. I can then move the CODA #16 to my Magnepan LRS+. I put these together temporarily in my office to keep the amp safe from my guests (kids). Unfortunately, I love this combo too much now to break it apart.
I am looking for some powerful and neutral sounding amps for the NS5000. I read up on the Classe Delta but that fan is a bit of a deterrent. I am testing out a Class D Peachtree GAN400 with it but it does not have that great bass like the CODA #16. Class D so far has not impressed me on the bottom end as Class A and AB amps I have owned.
So as of now, the SimAudio gear seems like to the top of the heap, and the price is already a bit over what I want to spend. I will just have to work a little longer.
Any other amps with a neutral signature that I should consider?
My preamps are Benchmark LA4 and Holo Serene. The LA4 will stay with the NS5000 system. Both do not seem to add to the signal.
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@audphile1 Nice, what USB's have you been using?? |
@tkrtrb125 stock Aurender, AudioQuest Diamond, Audience StudioOne. |
I live in California and the dealer is in Canada. I cannot bring anything to the shop in Canada and when I go home there is zero chance of doing any demos. I live in Los Angeles area, with great audio shops but I will be too busy with 2 full-time jobs and my kid. I have done comparisons at home in the past 5 years with more than 10 amps. I bought these units and sold them after not making the grade. The only one to stay is the CODA #16 (and most costly). My amp comparisons today are with the CODA #16 as the baseline amp and the Yamaha NS5000 as the baseline speaker. I heard better amps during my recent demos in Canada but not a better speaker. I also have the RAAL 1995 Immanis headphone as another uber baseline comparison. Most speakers do not sound as good as that phone. |
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