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

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

I am Dynaudio customer with C2's. I have long been a Krell fan and listened to the latest SimAudio amplifiers at AXPONA and they are very nice. I do NOT believe they are any better than the latest Krell series. If you can find a nominally used Krell 300XD (and I believe you CAN) you will save yourself multiple thousands as this amp just kills it and will stash dup against most anything in the 15-30K price category. You can score for under 10K I believe 

Good info @jpipes .  The only McIntosh piece I have had in my home was the C2700 preamp, and I found it veiled.  I will keep a more open mind about their amps!

I loved my Moon audio amp; it had a beautiful sound.

I've also owned Bryston, however currently love and recommend the Parasound JC 5, 100% can't go wrong, awesome music, and amazing craftsmanship. Holds its value in case you upgrade or change your mind.

The new mcintosh class d amp is not bad either 500wpc in 8 and 1 k I. 4 ohms mi1502. I bought b stock 3200$