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
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’. 

avanti1960
1,480 posts
 

@jpipes 

You can mix and match McIntosh pieces just like any other brand as long as they are electrically compatible.  In fact the Mac preamps are IMHO the weak link to an overly warm, rounded off sound.  

Power amps are where they excel and they do it all day long.  I run mine with a Cary Audio tube preamp and am constantly amazed with the clarity and sound stage.  

mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 

I too am going with soix. Subjectively should have been stated, and all would have been fine. My best, MrD.

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