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Upgrade Nakamichi PA 7All power amp with mono blocks

Current System:

Acoustat 1+1 speakers

Rythmik pair F12SE subwoofers

SPL Crossover (German Brand.  This separates the signal and reduces the demand on the Acoustats.  It helps bring out the mids and highs on the 1+1's

NAD C165BEE pre amplifier (plan to upgrade long term)

Technics SL-1500 C with AT 540ML cartridge in a RigB housing (think AT740ML+)

Marantz 8003 SACD (essentially retired with all CD's on digital card)

Eversolo DMP A6 streamer (occasionally use the DAC, but find it is too bright for extended listening

Schitt Bifrost 2/64 R2R DAC

Nakamichi PA 7All Power Amp (Nelson Pass Stasis design)

I am currently considering replacing the PA 7All with mono blocks, but am also willing to consider a  higher end stereo power amp.  I am looking for improved stage and instrument separation (already very good.  just want more).  I stream Amazon HD (60%), use the digital card for CD material (20%), and vinyl (20%).

These are the power amps I am currently considering:

PS Audio M 700 Mono Blocks ($3498 for pair)

Schitt Audio Tyr ($3198 for pair)

Buckeye Amps ($1550 for pair).  Worried about missing the low level Class A sound (70% of listening is done at low to mid level with 80% primarily background sound).

I would love to test these at home, but with a bad back and restocking fees I am inclined not too.  Once I get a new unit I will A/B it with the PA 7All to confirm it is an improvement.  Trying to minimize bringing too many units into the home.

I would love to hear the community's thoughts on these and potential other units to consider.  I am willing to try used, but it needs to be essentially a lock.  (I purchased the Acoustats and Nakamichi used.  Everything else was purchased new).

 

Thanks, Ralph

thriftyaudio
ellajeanelle's avatar
ellajeanelle
386 posts
 

Between the options you listed, PS Audio M 700 Mono Blocks without a second thought. They are a huge leap! You won’t miss absolutely anything from any amp class and wonder why you never heard such sound before. The improved stage, separation, dynamic range and voicing will amaze you. I have a pair, as well as many others from PS Audio.

As far as Schitt is concerned, stay far away.  They are in a much lower league and full of issues!  That's like comparing apples and oranges.  I'll save you the details but will say that I have been there done that.  By the way, you can get the PS Audio for much less $ than what you said brand new. Send me a PM for info on how, if you want.

I can't comment on the Buckeye amps because I never had them but doubt that they will be anything even close to the M700s. 

decooney
1,905 posts
 

@thriftyaudio here is a 180 for ya, if you are open to other ideas.  Since you have the SPL crossover now, have you considered trying the matching SPL Elector analog preamplifier instead of your NAD preamplifier?

My thinking is there is more to be heard from your PA7 and Acoustat 1+1s. Having owned Nak amps before, also noting a local colleague had a PA7 at his shop last month for refresh and a few upgrades. Still a relevant amp, imo. btw, I've had RA subs and the exact same DAC you have now, along with a cousin PASS / Stasis amp to yours, in my secondary system setup. Fwiw, I recently tested different tube and matching solid state preamps with mine. You might be surprised trying other preamps with yours.  

thriftyaudio OP
23 posts
 

@ellajeanelle thank you for your thoughts.  PS Audio sounds like a  decent upgrade for me.  I am also interested in their Stellar Gold pre-amp.  Have you used the Tyr mono blocks, or is your concern with other items in their portfolio.  I found the Bifrost 2/64 compared favorably with more expensive DACs.  That is my only experience with their equipment though.  I was not impressed with the Schitt pre-amp reviews.

@decooney funny you should mention the Elector.  It is on my short list for pre-amps along with the PS Audio Stellar Gold.  I will think about it.  My Crossover came from London (a real hassle, but worth it in the end).  I believe HiFi Heaven stocks the Elector here in the states.  I purchased my turntable and cartridge from them.  They are great.

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