2. amps-preamps
  3. 182500-170624

Tough amp decision

Hi everyone. Much appreciate the forum’s help in the past and have a tough amp decision coming up. I will make a big investment in electronics soon. My system has Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II tube preamp, Adcom GSA 555 II amp. Speakers are Celestion 750se or B&W 803 matrix series II ($35 Habitat for Humanity!).Also getting into and really enjoying vinyl, Old Kenwood turntable and Bellari 129 phono preamp. I have my old record collection of about 2K albums so in the long run this will matter. The question: To upgrade I will audition two Mac integrateds: MA 8950, MA 352. Should I instead buy an amp (eg MC312, MC462 or Parasound JC5)? MA 8950 hits a lot of birds, with phonostage and DAC it would free up a lot of components for a second system, but top priority should be one with great sound. Tunes have helped the sharp, “hot” nature of the B and W. If I wait to audition amps I lose a chance to get the 8950 for 6.5K.  A lot of variables to ask you about, but that is the decision. Thanks a lot for you help!

arhgef
ghdprentice
8,119 posts
 

The best performing components are separate boxes. I currently have both a stereo Audio Research Reference 160 stereo amplifier and the exact same design / implementation.. Reference 160 mono blocks. So the channels are separated in the mono blocks. There really is no question the mono blocks sound better. Folks may disagree if it is worth the extra cost… but I think few would disagree the mono blocks sound better.

 

Combining functions (holding other variables the same) reduces sound quality. Interactions of the circuits virtually guarantee this. While design and technology gets better… so does the single box solutions.

So, all things being equal… the less functions the better.

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

I guess integrated amps are cheaper, than an amp and a preamp (and separate phono stage) so I wonder what the best value is for x, for the sake of argument ~$1500, total. Seems that it will only buy the lowest end of the separates while somewhat of a mid-tier of integrated solid state amps.

ghdprentice
8,119 posts
 

@grislybutter 

At ~$1500… I certainly would not go with mono blocks… a lot of extra chassis cost for inexpensive internal components. Maybe even for separates. My office system has a PrimaLuna integrated amp. I think at that price point… if you choose really carefully integrated is the only thing that will get you near HiFi. 
 

In the audiophile domain, mono blocks win. 

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

thanks @ghdprentice 

I guess that will be a while, I will tweak other parts until my mono block phase arrives.

russ751
38 posts
 

I feel like I need to take this conversation in a new direction. I have owned a number of power amps over the years, including tube amps from Audio Research a Lamb. I now have Pass XA60.8 power amps combined with an Audio Research Aniversery Edition preamp and I am completely happy.   I had the Lamb and Pass amplifiers at the same time and decided to keep the Pass and sell the Lambs. I think Nelson has created wonderful amplification equipment. If you decide on an integrated amp, the Pass INT-60 is also beautiful. I own both. 
Recently I upgraded my digital system by adding a Innuos streamer and USB reclocker, and I have been amazed at improvement in the digital playback. 
 

I think the quality of amplification is more important than the quantity. Both Pass amps are class A   

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