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So Hard to Decide on an Amp

Hey,

So lately I have been thinking about getting an Amp and using my existing Vincent SV-500 Hybrid Integrated as a Pre-Amp.

I have inquired about some amps in other threads but it just seems so hard to decide as to what will have good Synergy with my system.

Wish I could try out all the Amps that I am thinking about but that would be quite difficult.

The one that is at the top of my list (mind you I haven't personally heard any of these, just going on reviews) is the Pass Labs XA25.

But am also considering the Parasound A21+ and A23+, Benchmark AHB2 and Mystere PA21.

All of have received good reviews and comments from folks.

I suppose the Parasound, especially the A21+ would provide the best Base Response but the others would also be quite worthy.

Tomorrow, I have a Technics SL-G700 SACD Player arriving and so I will be playing with that for a little bit to see if I like it (I am pretty confident I will). My current Denon DVD Bluray Player which I was using has been acting up and I decided it was time for an upgrade.

But soon after, I think I want to try an amp. Not that I really need it, the Vincent satisfies but I am just curious to what an Amp can bring to the table in my system.

Thanks

Jay
128x128jay73
corelli
974 posts
 
You could end up with worse sound you know.  You really need to have clear objectives and if you are not unhappy with your integrated--keep it. "More detail" can come at a price--hard, clinical sound if you are not careful.  I once did exactly what you are suggesting and was not at all impressed.  In fact I preferred the sound of the much less expensive integrated by a wide margin.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
The warnings here about synergy are very valid. I’m presently trying out a Van Alstine SET 400. It is well made with a lot of power. There’s a 30 day trial for his amps; you might consider a SET 120 for those speakers.

I like buying from small makers, directly, with good reputations (Salk, Quicksilver, MHDT). No question the Pass is a great amp, but the price is high, you’re paying for the name (a bit), and synergy is still a question. My two cents.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Jay. The Martin Logan Motion 40 has crossovers at 500 and 2600.
Little woofers struggle to make deep bass. They have to make long excursions causing distortion at all other frequencies. Middle C is 256 Hz so those woofers are carrying a large chunk of the midrange, over an octave. Instead of another amp I think you would make a more significant improvement if you get two subwoofers. They will add the missing deep bass and if you use a full 2 way crossover on them they will relieve thos little woofers from those long excursions cleaning up your midrange significantly. 

Otherwise you can not go wrong with The Parasound A21+
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,778 posts
 
Jason very wrong amplifiers do sound different

We were Vincent dealers for years

Good sounding tremendous bass drive a tad grainy

We would show the client a unison research primo as a step up also a hybrid much bigger soundstage and less top end glare you could easily hear the difference 
erik_squires
16,049 posts
 
Don’t let the brand fool you. Pass is it’s own sound and better with some speakers than others. You 100% need to audition it and see if it’s the right sound for you, and completely ignore the reviews.

I’ve owned Parasound in the past and while I like it, there are brands I like a lot more.

If you are auditioning in the Pass price point, I strongly recommend you also listen to Ayre and Luxman with your speakers.

I’m completely sure you’ll come out of the auditions with very strong preferences for yourself.  Technically they are all fine performers, and I don't think you should bother with specs anymore. Go listen.
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