2. amps-preamps
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Requesting opinions about 4 specific amplifiers

Greetings Audiogon community,

I am requesting your input about four specific amplifiers in a particular price range and how they may, or may not, pair well with my Dynaudio Confidence 20 stand mount speakers.

My room is 20' x 16' and does have wall absorption treatment. I do not listen at high levels, typically in the 75 to mid 85 db territory. 

I currently own a Luxman L-509X integrated amplifier, which is probably the best integrated amp I have owned to date. However I am wondering if there is a better amp match for my Dynaudio Confidence 20 speakers, and so am considering moving to separates. My budget for the amp alone is in the preowned $4K to $5K range.

Here are amps I am asking for your input about ;

-Simaudio Moon 860A V1 (Dynaudio dealers seem to endorse Simaudio)

-Pass Labs X150.8

-PS Audio BHK Signature 250 stereo (PS Audio has dropped the price on new amps in their closeout sale)

-Parasound JC 5

I realize there are many, many, amp manufacturers, and that of course if I reach a bit higher I could consider Ayre, or Aesthetix, or Coda, all of which interest me, but seem to stay outside of my budget. 

I wish I could side-by-side compare or demo all of these amps, but unfortunately it is not possible. I am looking to your experience to help in any way possible.

Thank you!

 

jpipes
jpipes OP
28 posts
 

@grislybutter -This is helpful, thank you. I found an 860A V1 on Audiomart for $5K which is a possibility in my price range.

@soix -I'd love to pinpoint sonic improvement characteristics desired, but it's hard to be aware of what is possible without more experience.

I feel like this Luxman integrated provides good imaging, but is better possible? It sounds very detailed, and maybe slightly more analytic or cool than my last integrated-the Hegel H390. Maybe I am looking for a bit more midrange warmth? Another reason to consider separates in a tube preamp.

Again, I am looking to this community for suggestions of what might be possible. If the Luxman is the final word in pairing with these Dynaudio's, that would be nice to learn as well. 

@mike_in_nc -Good to know. My listening space is in a basement, so a bit of a break there with the temps.

@imhififan -Thank you, great to heat this! I can be happy staying with the Luxman too if it's one of the best choices to make. It's a beautiful integrated!

mrdecibel
3,065 posts
 

@soix +1...Hegel, now Luxman....do either enable you to enjoy your tunes ? Why do they ? Why do they not ? This will help you, and us, to further assist / guide you in a direction. Consider a pair of subs, based on improving things, and you have the room physically, and for them to open up and breath......

soix
9,769 posts
 

Sounds like you’re maybe missing a bit of magic and soul in the music.  I think your instinct of trying a tube preamp is excellent, and pairing that with something like a Class A amp could deliver a lotta soul and magic.  Here are a couple excellent pieces available now just for an idea and FWIW…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650105469-plinius-sa-103-class-amps-amazing-powerful-class-a/

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb94a5-backert-labs-rhumba-extreme-1-3-tube-preamplifier-tube

Best of luck.

 

erik_squires
16,371 posts
 

Keep the 509. It’s an excellent unit with an underrated preamp section. IMHO a very different choice than the Pass or Parasound. I just don’t like Pass, and Parasound tends to be too warm and laid back.

Of those you mention which I've heard, Ayre may be significantly different enough and good enough to be worth a switch to.

 

 

 

Consider your room acoustics.

 

mickeyb
585 posts
 

Get the sim! It will be magic with your dyns. 
 

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