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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
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@blumartini @twoleftears 

Thanks for taking time to help out my journey! I actually saw that video review a while ago and also several demo videos. Sounded really nice to me. My purchase of all the gears might take a longer time than I thought, but will put end results along with some thoughts so other new audiophiles can look through later. I learn so much from you guys! Thanks! 
brockwired's avatar
brockwired
53 posts
 
Good choice on the tube amp.
Happy listening ;)
gotog
135 posts
 
I think you are rolling the dice with the Muzishare X7.  The review that was linked by @twoleftears points out that the amp really comes to life with speakers like Klipsch and Tekton and sounded kind of dull with other speakers that were tried.  Your speakers are a totally different beast than Klipsch or Tekton and could easily sound dull when powered by this amp.  There have been many replies to both your posts that have pointed out that the Monitor Audio Gold 100 is more difficult to drive than it may appear.  Also, if you are attracted to the feature which allows you to change the presentation of the amp by switching between triode and ultralinear beware that in triode operation the power rating drops significantly and may not be useful to you at all.  On paper, I can't say the Muzishare is a good choice.  However, since it can be bought on Amazon, you can try it and send it back if it does not work out.

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
gotog
I think you are rolling the dice with the Muzishare X7
. There have been many replies to both your posts that have pointed out that the Monitor Audio Gold 100 is more difficult to drive than it may appear.  
+1
The OP should go back and read my first post again.

Cheers George
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@gotog 

Thanks for the heads up! I did also worry about that too and asked the seller on Amazon about how it will match with given specification of Monitor Audio Speaker. Their response was "it will work well" but I know there are ton of sellers who says that to anyone. So, I am glad you pointed that out for me. I also didn't stop looking through more options in speakers and I realized the MA Gold 100 5G might not last long in my custody as I found out their PL line, especially the PL 100 II and 200 II, can really satisfy my audio needs. Gold 100 5G shares PL lines AMT tweeter so it's more of a economic choice, but I am torn apart a bit. Maybe I will save money for some time and increase my budget to get PL speakers and a very well matched power amp.
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