2. amps-preamps
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Another

~

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
stickman451
553 posts
 
Take a good look at the Carver Black Beauty 305's or maybe even the smaller Cherry 180's. I have tried MANY amps on my 3.6's, and now my 20.7's; you will not be dissappointed!

The 305's drive my 20.7''s to Loud Levels in my larger than average room that is 17.5w x 26L x 9h. They never stress or run out of gas. They are 3D to the max, beautiful in the middle range, tight and impactful on the bottom. The top is a bit tubey compared to the average SS amp, not quite as extended overall (but that is a good thing on much of the 1960's music I listen to). You can tweak the top also by experimenting a bit with the 12AX7 input tubes (one per side).

Search the web for the reviews of the Black Beauties by Jonathan Valin and Dick Olsher; both are very informative and worth reading.
stickman451
553 posts
 
Also, the Audio Research 150's will NOT get the job done unless your room is fairly small or you listen at very moderate levels (or both).
rhanson739 OP
269 posts
 
Thanks, Stickman. It's great to know what *won't* work, as well as to know what will.
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
"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."

After reading your description, one wonders what you want to improve on? Sounds like you got it all......

Shakey
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
687 posts
 
I'm partial to tubes because to me they sound the most pleasing and realistic. That being said, I would try your amp with a tube preamp as with all of the class D, gainclones, chip amps, etc that I have heard, they all sound great but a little too sterile for me and greatly benefit from the warmth of being mated with a tube preamp.

I don't believe you need to spend megabucks to have a great sounding rig and I like the idea of giantkiller products that can hold their own against stuff that is a lot more expensive. The B&K EX442 Sonata is such a product, extremely tube like, 200 into 8, 360 into 4 ohms, 75 amps and won't set you back too much at all. PS Audio 200C or CX is another great amp that won't break the bank. Many others too, mated with a tube preamp and I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. OK, so you might have to upgrade caps or something, but you're still saving loads of money over these other brands...

Good luck and most of all enjoy the journey
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