T+A Class D Amps ( M200 or A200)?
For somewhat idiosyncratic reasons, i am considering (i) moving my NAD M33, which I quite like, out of my main system where it is powering DALI Epicon 6s and dedicating it to powering a new pair of Revel Performa 226Be that are in a somewhat smaller room (15’x25’ with 8.5-9’ ceilings and fewer windows) with better acoustics and (ii) taking the NAD C399 that currently runs the Revels and using it just as a pre-amp/streamer/DAC (which it is pretty well suited to, despite lacking balanced outputs) and for a pair of T+A M200 mono blocks for the Epicons.
My thought is that both sets of speakers will be happier with these changes.
Has anybody here auditioned a T+A class D and not liked it? (I think I can get the M200s on a 30-day trial at just the cost of round trip shipping, which given their slight weight shouldn’t be too bad.)
FWIW, my music is all streamed via Qobuz and TIDAL, jazz, vocals, pop some classic rock; played at rarely higher than moderate volume.
Thanks!
Thanks, @ericrhodes1 you have articulated the reasons for my hesitation pretty well. Will the T+A sound better than the M33 in any material way if i am not upgrading anything else? For a lot less $ i could trade in the c399 for a new m33 v2 to be used for the Epicons and put the OG m33 with the Revel 226Bes. |
The M33 is no slouch so from that perspective it’s not too surprising you’re pretty happy overall with what you’re hearing. But there’s a big difference between liking the sound being truly moved and captivated by it, and IME that’s the next level and what can be achieved with higher-end components. It can be easy to be lulled into liking what you hear until you hear what’s possible with something much better, and then you’re not so happy anymore. Just purely as an example, inserting something like this Gryphon Diablo integrated into your system would very likely be transformative on every level. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbef10-gryphon-diablo-300-solid-state But at this level it becomes highly personal and dependent on individual tastes/system synergy and only you can determine which components deliver the sound improvements you’re looking for. I’m just stating the obvious that there is a much higher level out there and you should do some more research as to which components likely deliver the specific sound characteristics/improvements you’re looking for. I’d also emphasize that everything matters a lot so plan on a better streamer, DAC, preamp/amp, and probably even cables. What’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used? Knowing that and having an idea of what you’re looking for you’ll at least get some good thoughts/ideas here to look into. All that said, I don’t think throwing $$$ at the T+A amp is a good idea at this point as it’d be a crapshoot until you do more research as to what else is out there. I would highly recommend traveling to some dealers/shows if at all possible to go hear for yourself and ideally demo components in your system. Anyway, just my $0.02 FWIW. |
All good points, thank you guys. and @soix, you are right I would be pretty much throwing darts in a very dimly lit room at this point. I should figure out a way to go and hear more gear before i start buying stuff (even if it is returnable). The hassle factor in return shipping decreases the incentive to be strict about whether the item really is a meaningful upgrade. (That, plus placebo effect and confirmation bias.) |
I listened to the T+A amps and preamp. It sounded excellent. I’m leaning towards trying a Benchmark amp if I audition again. I keep going back to my Rotel amp and preamp. I love the sound and putting out 350 WPC at 4 ohms is plenty for my Revel M126Be and Arendal 1723 towers. I may get more headspace but my heads already in a good place. Suggest auditioning and deciding if it’s worth the investment. It’s the only way you’ll know. |
