@ellajeanelle @decooney I have decided to explore upgrading the pre-amp first. Too many people have said the PA-7AII may be the strong point in the system and that the NAD may be the weak link. I am focusing on the SPL Elector and the PS Audio Stellar Gold. Others may get in the mix, but for now these are my focus. Thank to both of you for your suggestions.
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
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@thriftyaudio given your existing investments so far, I like your plan for yourself on next steps. Since you indicated having just refreshed your PA-7 amp, go for it. Can’t think of a good reason not to try it with either unit you’ve narrowed it down to so far. Fwiw, I normally run tube pre & mono amps on my main system. Late last year I picked up an older Pass/Forte amp, had it refreshed and upgraded. I’ve been listening to it swapping back and forth since. Channeling your own PA7 lineage that is. I like it well enough to keep it in play, and the tube gear has been sitting idle on the side. And as you know, some of this decision making also has to do with your speakers, but I can share without a doubt, a good preamplifier can really help the amplifier and your speakers to perform differently, hopefully better when you find a nice match and synergy. As you may be aware, Darren Myers designed that Stellar Gold preamp before he left PS Audio to go join in at Parasound. I was eyeballing the internals and design on that unit, seems kind of like a unique and different design for PSA, lots of "other stuff", regulators, and discrete amplification stages fed by a big transformer in that unit. It might be worth a call over there to PSA to ask them what kind of serious demo they’d let you do, for 30-45 days, ensuring its a "good match" for you and your PA7 before committing to follow through on keeping it. Demo required imo! Interested in hearing what they do for you. Would be nice to see PSA put their money where their mouth is on this one for you, if you decide to demo it. Best of Luck on whatever you decide.
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decooney thriftyaudio OP PSA gives you 30 days in home trials- no questions asked. Even longer if you request. I’ve bought many products from them...thriftaudio: They also take trade ins. They will discount up to ??% of the price of your purchase if you trade in that NAD! Sometimes more if you have a history with them or under certain circumstances. For best results, don't buy online. Call and speak to one of their sales reps. |
Reading back over this. Another thought along the same lines of thinking... Yep, levarage the existing amp as-is, keep it for a few more years, at least. Having owned the BF 2/64 myself, its an ok DAC for the money - yet more to be gained with a 1 or 2 level up dac for sure if you are looking for more lush velvet and musical sound. Some dacs are "overly precise", too analytical for me, or imo. A really good DAC, nice Digi Coax cable, nice output interconnects to the PA-7 II, and you'll hear the existing amp and Acoustats in a new way. Demo 3-4 more dacs first. Try this for a while, might be pleasantly surprised. Then, after this is set up well, IF the new-amp-itch is still there for a set of "monos", start demoing (buy/return/keep) and comparing decent monos to see who can dethrone the recently refreshed PA-7 II. Would not be suprised if it holds its own.
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