2. amps-preamps
  3. 1435441061

Another

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It's time to move up in my system. I'd appreciate some amp recommendations, as I haven't heard too many amps, and have little knowledge of some of the nuances involved in making a decision. Field testing amps is also difficult where I live.

My system is Magnepan 3.7 speakers; (2) Vandersteen 2wq subwoofers; Mojo Audio Mac Mini feeding a PS Audio Directstream DAC, straight to amp. No preamp. (Transparent ICs, Shunyata Triton, Anaconda PCs, DH Labs and Silnote SCs.) The current amp is a very fast and very powerful Class-D switching amp with tons of headroom.

The system is noiseless, clean, precise, detailed, neutral. The soundstage is huge, holographic, and immersive. Live recordings are the bomb. Sometimes it seems a bit sharp or harsh, but that's often the recording or the room. Overall, soft and sensuous, it ain't, but I can hear every note and breath.

I've heard some denigrate a different switching amp -- "I can hear the switching." This from a tube guy. I'd prefer not to get into any Class-X wars.

A local dealer is suggesting I look at Bryston, a classic match for Maggies, I'm sure, but he also suggests that the Bryston can be somewhat two-dimensional. His solution is a Levinson 532H, which he holds as more three-dimensional than Bryston.

Or, he has a demo Acoustic Research Ref150. Somehow, I doubt I'd like to go with tubes, due to the sonics, the expense, and the 'hassle' of dealing with tubes.

All of the prices mentioned are more than I'd like to spend, but I've gotta deal with that part of it.

So, I'd love to hear recommendations.

And... how does one audition amps when they live in an area of so few B&M audio stores?

~
rhanson739
tjassoc
258 posts
 
The Pass X-250.8 with the Magi's 3.7i got multiple best sound votes at the 2015 Axpona show.
In all fairness, we've enjoyed Pass amplifiers for years. We enjoy a pair of XA-200.5's and prefer class A amplifiers but I haven't had the opportunity to listen to the new .8 series yet.
We've integrated our stereo and home theater and also have 3 X-250.5 amplifiers. I've never evaluated different power cords with an X-250.5 (for stereo) but I was told by a fellow Audiogon'r that power cords make significant improvements, so that might be a less expensive alternative.
If you do try a Pass amplifier, please share your impressions.
Life is too short not to listen to music that stirs our senses and moves our souls.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I would get ASL hurricanes.
illuminator
59 posts
 
I went from a Spectron III Mk2 to a Simaudio 600i and still can't get over much better the Simaudio is in every aspect. I had the Spectron for years while auditioning a bunch of other amps that didn't cut the mustard in my system.
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
tough to "have it all" ... switching amps to something sensuous may lead to a reduction on another area you love. a different DAC may get you closer overall than an amp change
rhanson739 OP
269 posts
 
@ Scott_w How kind of you to point out that it was a "sloppy mistake." Thanks. Actually, the title got butchered because it had quotes in it. Everything after the first quote got tossed.

@ Guidocorona Good questions. As for my current amp, it has been a bit problematic and I'm tired of dealing with it. My ideal amp would have great detail, but no glare or etching. I don't want it overly smoothed out, though, and have left tubes in my past. What's a budget? And... blues, classical, folk, live performance, etc., etc. A pretty wide range.

All others... thanks for the suggestions. I'm building a list of things to try.
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