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
"...what is a Crown amplifier these days?..."

These are "Pro amps" meant for sound reinforcement systems. Quality home audio, they are not. 
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.
Russ, That's what I would have guessed ("Quality home audio, they are not."), and that was my point.  Thanks.
@helomech This comment on the AHB2 and preamp is spot on. I tried the AHB2 with my RAAL SRIa headphones and it was too fatiguing with the Benchmark HPA4 preamp (which is great). 

When I put in the CODA 07x preamp with another Class D amp for the RAAL SR1a it sounded very good but there was a tiny bit of harshness. Based on my years with the AHB2 I thought the AHB2 would work with the CODA 07x because it really does not add much to the signal. I thought this even though the AHB2 sounded bad with a whole bunch of other combos I tried for the SR1a.

It turned out that the AHB2 + CODA 07x and RAAL SR1a is an excellent combo. No fatigue at all and all I am hearing is the preamp + DAC.

I owned the Parasound A23 at the same time as the AHB2 and the AHB2 was so much better on my KEF LS50's. 
@helomech and @yyzsantabarbara 

Thanks for your feedback.

I just recently came across the Benchmark Amp and have seen only positive reviews and comments.

Small on stature but big on sound is the impression that I am getting from it.