2. amps-preamps
  3. 161775-153237

Amplifier suggestions please

Hi - I'm reworking a 2 channel system, had some very basic components and now trying to step up a bit.  DAC is currently a Schiit Yggy, I'm on the waiting list for a Freya+ which means I'll be running balanced connections.  Speakers are Philharmonic Audio 3's.  I was using a pair of Emotiva XPA-1L monoblocks (differential/balanced) but want to upgrade.  I could stay in the Schiit catalog and go with a pair of Vidar's but although there are no real bad reviews I feel like they don't quite get raved about like the Yggy does (and the Freya+ to some extent).  I'd like to stay around $2K, definitely under $3K and I prefer new (I've had my fill with trying used).  I know its asking a lot to find a pair of balanced monoblocks in this range so I'm not opposed to a stereo amp (XLR inputs).  I could also be talked into canceling my Freya+ order and switching to a preamp from the amp builder if there is better synergy in that pairing.  I've looked an Van Alstine and Odyssey, what else should I be looking at?

Thanks!
jumper75
rmdtexas
12 posts
 
Hi,

have you considered PS Audio M700 monoblocks. they are within your range  and you could lower the cost with a trade in of your current amps.  Plus you get a 30 day trial.

your speakers were designed by Dennis Murphy, who designed the crossovers on my Salk Song3 BeATs which pair wonderfully with the M700s.   

Plus the Phil 3s are require some power as they are rated at  85 dB (db/2.83v/1M) and are essentially a 4ohm load.  The M700s  are rated  at 350w/700w @ 8/4 ohm.  
yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
@jumper75  The Benchmark web site has a menu section called APPLICATION NOTES. You will find all the technical details there.

As I mentioned previously the 30 day trial of the AHB2 is a no lose proposition.
chorus
976 posts
 
My 2 second analysis of your issues: Forget balanced and mono blocks.
Buy the best Integrated you can afford and find some speakers that you love. Maybe Philharmonic Audio are the best thing since sliced bread .
Do you live anywhere near a HiFi store?  Best of luck!
tweak1
3,731 posts
 
I am 72, but unlike many old stuck in the past farts, I have enjoyed class D for over a decade. Just like class A, AB, tubes... some sound better than others. You need to be educated, which unfortunately is mostly trial and error


While I liked the PS Audio M700s a lot, my large room demands more power, which I got buying a EVS 1200 ~ 1.4 years ago, a custom tweaked dual mono amp based on IcePower AS1200 modules

That said, Underwood HiFi is supposedly releasing his extremely realistically priced GaN amp, called the Voyager. I would follow up on it before buying anything else
danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
Get a huge power supply, i.e a heavy amp. Seriously.  My old Audire 125 wpc amp has a 500 watt tranny, 4 26,000 mf filter caps, and 6 outputs per channel.  Better Audires use many more ouputs. In comparison, a really good Bryston 200wpc amp of the same era uses 4 outputs/ch,  and 2 4000 mf caps.  Loud bass drops off more on the more powerful amp, but lighter amp.   
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