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So Hard to Decide on an Amp

Hey,

So lately I have been thinking about getting an Amp and using my existing Vincent SV-500 Hybrid Integrated as a Pre-Amp.

I have inquired about some amps in other threads but it just seems so hard to decide as to what will have good Synergy with my system.

Wish I could try out all the Amps that I am thinking about but that would be quite difficult.

The one that is at the top of my list (mind you I haven't personally heard any of these, just going on reviews) is the Pass Labs XA25.

But am also considering the Parasound A21+ and A23+, Benchmark AHB2 and Mystere PA21.

All of have received good reviews and comments from folks.

I suppose the Parasound, especially the A21+ would provide the best Base Response but the others would also be quite worthy.

Tomorrow, I have a Technics SL-G700 SACD Player arriving and so I will be playing with that for a little bit to see if I like it (I am pretty confident I will). My current Denon DVD Bluray Player which I was using has been acting up and I decided it was time for an upgrade.

But soon after, I think I want to try an amp. Not that I really need it, the Vincent satisfies but I am just curious to what an Amp can bring to the table in my system.

Thanks

Jay
128x128jay73
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
All competently designed amps of sufficient wattage and current, low noise and distortion, with low output impedance will sound like same - Peter Walker of Quad fame.
Funny thing- there were no such amps around when Peter made this comment.

<rant>
Why? Any amp employing feedback back in those days simply did not have enough (and gave feedback a bad reputation that has lasted to this day). Not only did they not have enough, at the time is wasn't even apply the amount of feedback needed, else the amp would oscillate. So most companies didn't do it, knowing full well there was a problem.


This gave solid state amps a reputation for being harsh and bright because that is the result of insufficient feedback. Quite literally that is why tubes are still around. I'd hardly call that 'competent' since feedback is all about control theory which has been well understood for a long time.

</rant>
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,518 posts
 
"...All competently designed amps of sufficient wattage and current, low noise and distortion, with low output impedance will sound like same..."

Julian Hirsch Lives! 
lewm
13,106 posts
 
Peter Walker notwithstanding, what is a Crown amplifier these days?
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,518 posts
 
"...what is a Crown amplifier these days?..."

These are "Pro amps" meant for sound reinforcement systems. Quality home audio, they are not. 
helomech
1,694 posts
 
I have the AHB2 and find it’s sound quality is heavily dictated by the preamp it’s paired with. If you like the overall character of your Vincent integrated, the AHB2 could be a worthwhile upgrade path. If you have power hungry speakers, the Parasound may be the better choice. The Benchmark is no slouch in terms of bass control, however, and seems to dig deeper than the Halo Integrated I once owned. It’s probably the best amp I’ve owned regarding bass dynamics. I currently pair it with an Allnic L1500 preamp and the dynamics with this combo are stunning.
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