2. amps-preamps
  3. 168468-111061

More watts or better power ?

Hello, I am currently running a PS Audio BHK Preamp, which has a tube input stage, to a Pass Labs XA25, Class A (50watts at 4 ohms) power Amp, into a pair of Sonus Faber Minima Amator II bookshelf speakers. My system sounds very good, and at 4ohms, I have 50 watts of power to my speakers, which is on the lower end of their rating.

What would be a better investment (most bang for the buck) into the system? Replace the XA25 with a higher watt amp (PS Audio BHK 250?), or spend the same money on a power conditioner (PS Audio Power Plant II?) Or upgrade the Minima Amator (which are sounding very good) to another set of speakers.

The system is in my bedroom, I have a very small house, hence the smaller Sonus Faber Speakers. I have beenplaying around with an SVS micro sub as well.

Other system parts, Clear Audio Concept/ Concept MC, Pass Labs XP15, Little Green Roon Server, Schitt Yiggi, and a Luxman MQ 88 Tube amp in rotation.

Appreciate your input
Mark O





128x128marktheshark
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


marktheshark OP
PS Audio BHK Preamp to a Pass Labs XA25, Class A, Sonus Faber Minima Amator II
What would be a better investment (most bang for the buck)


Sell both of these and get an Integrated 120w Gryphon Diablo 120 it has the Class-A sound of the XA25 but with heap more wattage and grunt (current) also.

https://gryphon-audio.dk/shop/integrated-amplifiers/diablo-120/

https://gryphon-audio.dk/shop/integrated-amplifiers/gryphon-diablo-300-integrated-amplifier/

Cheers George
rmdmoore
151 posts
 
I think your Amp is probably a good match and if you like your speakers don't change them, they are going to define the sound of your system more than anything else. There are 2 places I'd consider an upgrade in your system. I'd definitely add some power treatmenr. I purchased a PS Audio power plant as was absolutely blown away by the difference. I got a power plant premier on the used market for 800 or so. Great investment. And then I see you have a digital and analog front end. Which do you use more? If the answer is analog, I might step up the turntable. It's a great high end entry unit but if you went with the next in their line like a performance DC, tracer arm, and maybe a Hana ML1200 you'd really be stepping it up. 
gryphongryph
353 posts
 
First, your setup is not midfi !!!
it is a quality small high-end system.
Biggest change for you would probably be a better tube pre amp, or maybe check out more speakers in your room, your power amp is very good.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,250 posts
 
Very nice collection you have. Unless you need more volume, nonononono

Unless that stylus is worn, the only thing I would be tempted to do is find a sub (or pair of small subs).

Who aligned the cartridge? Do you have alignment skills and tools? If not, research, learning and a few tools would lead to a nice achievement.

How big is the room? Listening position to appreciate imaging? 

Tubes: a simple tube tester is a nice thing to have.


gents's avatar
gents
100 posts
 
Mark, your terrific system is something to envy. My young man systems in high end were a lot bumpier than that.
You're feeling something’s missing and from everything you say, the parts are all good. You might not be a believer in cables and wires, neither was I, however, a dealer friend loaned me a higher set of Van den Hull speaker cables and an expensive digital cable that I don’t remember because I was one of these non-cable believers and the sound of my then well-worn system, all of a sudden, gave me funny feelings in my chest. Maybe you have a dealer friend who has some ridiculous cables that you can try. You might be surprised.
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