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Beginner Audiophile. How to chose a right amp? Recommendation for my setup?

Hi

I am new to the world of audio and looking for an enjoyable stereo setup for myself.

I have chosen my next set of speakers, DAC, and a streamer, but can’t quite choose a power amp.

You don’t have to read this -->> "How do you pick a right amp for yourself? Do you consider Damping Factor? Do you match Tube DAC + Tube Amp? or Do you match Solid State + Tube Amp? for what reason? What sound do Soild State DAC/Amp + Tube DAC/Amp combos make? Are there characteristics in Amps? like in DACs? if so, what are they?"

Literally, there are just too many questions I want to ask. But, for now, I just want to listen to what you want to say, whatever is in your mind or any advise you would like to give as more experienced audiophiles when you pick a power amp.

I seek for the right components, ideal setups and match because I learned something from my very first set of audio gears I bought for this thanksgiving that I unfortunately returned a few days ago. The sound quality from Sonos Amp was hard to endure! The SVS Ultra bookshelf was great, but not quite so when it dealt with high notes.

So, I did my research this time and found my next set of audio gears.

1. Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speaker
2. MHDT Lab Orchid DAC
3. MiniDSP SHD Ultra streamer

What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

But, I don’t have a clue how to choose a right power amp.

I can just pick a internet recommended under $ 1K power amp and be done with it. Maybe I can still be okay. But, I don’t want to just buy something without knowing anything to go through a return process again. I’d rather at least learn some basics before buying a music component, even if I end up returning something. Because I know now that I can be pretty picky on stereo sounds.

So...

Please comment anything you want to add.

Recommend me some used/new power amps + deals (under 1K ish), if you have anything in mind.

Direct me to the right direction.

Thanks.

K





yggy1
soix
9,510 posts
 
What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

To me, what you’re looking for is right in line with what McCormack amps do very well.  If you go on Hifi Shark and search McCormack you’ll find several nice used units.  The issue is that the older models made in the mid/late 90s are starting to have their input boards fail, which basically requires a rebuild of the amp.  I had this issue with my DNA 0.5 Rev A, but I’m not sure if the DNA 1 has the same issue.  There’s a DNA1 deluxe for $999 and a DNA 1 Rev A for $1500 (probably the best $500 you’ll ever spend in audio if you can stretch a bit as this is a really special amp for the price).  You can call Steve McCormack at SMcAudio and he’ll let you know if an amp may have the input board issue.  Or you can wait until a DNA 125 comes available, which was a newer model and shouldn’t have the input board issue.  In any event, I think sound wise a McCormack amp would be a superb fit in your system.  Best of luck. 

mesch
3,500 posts
 
I don't believe the Orchid DAC has volume control so you would be best off with a integrated amplifier. Based on your latest thread, you have ~$3500 you are willing to invest in Amp, DAC, and streamer. The Orchid retails about $1100, and is a very good DAC at that price point I believe.  I am not familiar with the streamer you have selected however many are using the Bluesound Node (several threads here on this component) which sells for $500. This then places your budget at ~$2000 for an integrated amplifier. Provided you choose one that is objectively (electrical) and subjectively (your tastes) compatible with your speakers you should have a system that pleases you in reference to the system mentioned in the other thread. 
praisechuck421's avatar
praisechuck421
1 posts
 
I was in your position 2 years ago. I think it depends on where you are coming from and where you are at. Assuming you're youngish with some years of earning $ to go, I would not hesitate to start smaller and take some baby steps.  Don't get caught up in the "you have to spend $3000+ to get real sound" nonsense, it would be pointless in a small apartment.  If you're used to basic to medium quality audio products, a step into intro-level audiophile products is going to be a big upgrade, and then you can just build from there.

Some products to consider:
Kanto Audio - TUK powered speakers
Outlaw Audio RR2160 - An integrated amp with good clean power and plenty of room for growth
Monitor Audio - The Bronze line of speakers are fantastic for the price
Meridian Explorer 2 - A pocket USB DAC that will also fully unfold MQA audio and hi-res streaming
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I would be a Parasound.  Tons of power and great sound for the money.  Wish they had home theater amp when I was looking.
hifidream's avatar
hifidream
135 posts
 
Lots of great advice here. If you want a small amp you won’t outgrow which doubles down into 2 ohms and has a lower signal to noise ratio than most pre-amps then check out the Benchmark AHB2 used if you can find it. There are a lot of very innovative design concepts built in and I can testify to it’s capability driving my huge 4 ohm 20.1 Maggies which are very current thirsty. I’ve bought a lot of great gear used on Audiogon but the good stuff takes patience to find at decent prices. I agree with others and have passed on my philosophy to my daughter, buy it once and buy it right. I took it to the extreme and lived years with virtually nothing, stereo or TV to save for what I wanted. 
Good luck :)
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