2. amps-preamps
  3. 189961-125627

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
 

@missioncoonery-Thank you for this insight. I failed to mention I have one JL Audio sub in place and agree it is helpful.

@gramophone_canada-Thank you for this suggestion. I was unaware of Audia Flight out of Italy. Beautiful looking gear. I appreciate learning about new companies to me in this hobby-thank you!

@chocaholic-Yes, this is another decision to make. I am considering a tube preamp, maybe a AR LS28, or VAC Renaissance Mark V. I prefer balanced inputs, but really appreciate what I have learned about Backert Labs as well. If an Aesthetix Calypso would appear in my price range that would be near the top of my wish list too. Your handle here on Audiogon is awesome!

Thank you all again for sharing your experiences so generously!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,438 posts
 

“Maybe I am looking for a bit more midrange warmth? ”

Consider Accuphase Integrated for that mid-range warmth. I have auditioned both Luxman (among others) and picked Accuphase E-650. 4 plus years of ownership and have no desire to upgrade except move up in Accuphase lineup. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,804 posts
 

My listening experience with SimAudio has made me think of them as a neutral amp. if the Dynaudio Confidence 20 sounds good with the SimAudio then I would try it with the much cheaper Benchmark AHB2 stereo amp. The AHB2 monos are not likely needed for the Dynaudio Confidence 20.

This is not a very forgiving amp, so whatever is upstream needs to be good along with the speaker cable. You can get this amp for 2-2.5k used and can easily sell it.

I owned a CODA #8 in the past and that amp can be found for under $5k. If the speaker is not too difficult to drive, then I take the AHB2 over the #8. I own the CODA #16 and like that more than the AHB2.

The SimAudo 860 V2 is getting cleared out but I do not see a big drop in price. I take the AHB2 over the 860 V2 for an easy to drive speaker.

 

mgw
51 posts
 

The Simaudio Moon gear is brilliant. Drives difficult speakers really well and with easy loads, like my speakers, they just seem to open out the sound and simply sound fabulous. I currently have the 700i and did notice a huge difference between that and the 8-series pre and the 860A when I demoed than back to back.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,779 posts
 

we were a luxman dealer years ago one of the very few integrated amplifiers  that could beat it was the coda csib 

 

the csib through a wider soundstage and had a touch better bass and dynamics

 

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

coda Dealer

More to discover