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
soix
9,296 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
16,004 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
558 posts
 

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

alucard19
362 posts
 

You might look into Coda amps, or an Anthem P2 power amp

ghdprentice
6,788 posts
 

I can only fairly comment on the Pass relative to the Luxman. I find the Pass amps to capture the midrange and rhythm and pace far better than Luxman. These two parameters are key to musicality, making Pass in this situation keep detail and bass but have a much higher musicality. The Luxman has an accentuated treble and bass which gives it a sparkly high end sound… the Pass is much closer to the real thing. Great match with DynAudio… I have heard both Luxman and Pass with these great speakers multiple times.

 

I have owned enough Sim moon equipment… but not an amp to recommend Pass over them if my description of Pass is appealing to you. 

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