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
9,614 posts
 

@squared80 Thinking your amp is better because it may measure better in some ways is denial mixed with a healthy dose of sheer ignorance. Amir is calling your name hard.

fastfreight
812 posts
 

I'm going with @Soix!

axeis1
293 posts
 

I have Dynaudio Heritage Specials. I drive them with an Aestheix Mimas. Plenty of power. Hybrid tubes in the preamp..If you can find a preowned one it would be in your price range. Great match with my speakers!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,935 posts
 

Aesthetix Mimas is fantastic ;-) i’ve setup three systems w those…. finesse and drive.

markmendenhall
225 posts
 

If you decide on Pass, skip the X150.8 and go directly to the X250.8.  Had the 150 for a while and traded it for the 250, no comparison.  Don’t really know why they even added it to their line up.  Owned 3 different Parasound products and while ‘nice’, they all had to go, unoffensive is about the best description I can offer.  The only real negative I can think of re: the Pass is its sheer size and weight.  It is a beast.  The ‘heat’ thing is overstated in my opinion.  Unless you put it in a closet, it’s just not that big a deal.  SQ?  Nothing I can think of NOT to like.  I understand personal preferences etc., but there’s really nothing it doesn’t do extremely well.  Coupled with a nice tube pre ( my First Sound for example ), the combo is just dead quiet, dynamic, detailed, sweet, full, magical.  Comparatively affordable, US made and serviced, and if you believe reviewers, the ‘real deal’. 

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