Given that you’re all balanced, perhaps look at Van Alstine DVA M225 mono amps.
+1
recommendation of amps
Just looking for a little guidance. Starting to look for an AMP. Most likely solid state. I listen to R&R only, high 80's low 90's Room 13x14 bathroom to one side hallway to another, normal furnishings, wood floors. Speakers, Fritz carbon 7se bookshelf, SVS SB3000 Sub, Currently Peachtree amp 500 running system (not Bad) Benchmark Dac 3B and LA-4 Benchmark Line Amp, Audiolab 6000 CD Transport, Everything Balanced, with the exception of the Transport. Stream Qobuz also. System sounds really good. Just looking for a TOP SHELF AMP. Budget maybe 6-7 k new or used, (Less preferred) Prefer new with warranty??? Have a ATI AMP 6002 in main system, in another room, much bigger room, and kicks ass, in every regard. Would like something different (maybe) Current set up feels a little neutral, and analytical, maybe looking for something a little warmer. Have been looking at a used Pass Labs 250.8 for example Maybe a little overkill though? Always a little nervous over tubes (scared even) Afraid of NOT ENOUGH JUICE to listen at my levels. Very open to your suggestions. Thanks as always Robert TN
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Thank you all so much for your suggestions. ALL very good. Its been awhile, here is what has transpired. I decided to Move the ATI 6002 Amp into my smaller stereo room, (As I like it that much,so do the Fritz Carbons) and sounds great. As my main listening area, has higher end equipment and much better acoustics, I chose, via a GREAT DEAL a Pass X250.8 AMP. (which I'm still paying on) Have it running all Class A (efficient speakers) and sounds GREAT, still breaking in! Now (have to wait a while MONEY, or lack of) looking for a DAC that will considerably best my Benchmark DAC 3B Like it a lot, just looking to jump up a level or two. 4 or 5K new or used. My wife thinks I'm nuts, probably right. Thanks all as usual. Robert TN |
I may just keep the benchmark, as it is very good. I had the benchmark in my main system earlier, and felt it was lacking (maybe in clarity, and depth,voice) I replaced it with a great deal (meitner MA1 V2 DAC) The Meitner seems to punch ahead ( In my opinion) with what I felt the Benchmark was lacking. More accurate and more revealing in those areas. My wife wholeheartedly agreed! You didn't have to listen with a microscope to hear the difference, is was quite apparent. Hopefully, that describes what I was hearing or not. Robert Ps My wife really likes the benchmark DAC, But, as I said earlier she noticed the Meitner superiority. I think after The pass amp and Meitner DAC purchase, and this being a smaller, less dedicated room, she feels it's good enough, and don't spend anymore money? |
I have the DAC3B and it is rather good, but a little hot on the top end. I had a $15k Lumin X1 to replace it and it was really good for the year I owned it. In fact, it was the best DAC and 2nd best streamer I had. I traded the X1 in to buy speakers. I could not wait the long time needed to save up the cash for a second DAC I am planning on getting. Since Schitt Audio is 70 miles away from me and they have a 15-day home trial I thought I would try the new Yggi+ Less Is More DAC (1 of 3 new Yggi+'s and the worst measuring one). I use the Yggi+ with my Sonore Optical Rendu streamer and feel that it is a better DAC than the X1, definitely better than the DAC3B. I notice the difference in the top end where the X1 seems a little rolled off to me. They Yggi+ is more like the DAC3B but not hot. I was so impressed by Schitt that I also bought their Aegir 'Class A' amp for my headphones, and I love it. Yesterday, I ordered a new MJOLNIR 3 preamp for the Aegir. Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California I was using the Benchmark LA4 with both the Aegir and Sanders Magtech, but I came close to messing that up by being a bit careless, so I bought a second preamp.
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