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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
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
@chorus,

Thanks for your reply.

I have been looking for used XA25's but nothing close to $3K so far.

What Pre-Amp did you use with the XA25?

Compared to your existing setup, do you feel the Int25 is a big step up?

My understanding is that the amp in the INT25 is the same as XA25.
lewm
13,106 posts
 
jay73, I did expand upon speakermaster's cryptic comment about impedance.  See my post at 1:15 PM today, 05-08.  If you have further questions, I will be happy to respond.
helomech
1,694 posts
 
I’d like to know more about the Crown amplifier, because it has been decades since I have heard or read about any new products under the Crown imprimatur. For example, are they class D amplifiers? Some people just categorically dislike class D amplifiers. I am not necessarily one of them, because I have not heard enough different ones to develop a general opinion. The same question might apply with regard to the Benchmark amplifiers.
I often see the Benchmark included in discussions of class D amplifiers. Is that because it’s lightweight and uses a switching power supply? It’s a class AB-H amplifier. It exhibits none of the high frequency distortion of the antiquated class D amps and less distortion than the cleanest class A amps. With possible exception of the Purifi Eigentakt, it’s really in a class of its own when it comes to objective performance. It’s the closest one can get to a “straight wire with gain.” Practically speaking, it’s only limited by the quality of the sources and/or preamplifier, and its maximum power output. 
lewm
13,106 posts
 
Proof that I am indeed a troglodyte.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,518 posts
 
"...russ69 and lewm: I'll bet that the Crown XLS-1502/2502 "pro" amps sound as good as any four-figures "audiophile" amps!..."

 Audio Science Review says:  "Ideally, you would use more finessed amplifiers above bass frequencies and use the XLS 2502 to drive the subs." 

Then there's the fan...That would be a no for me, dawg. 
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