Help me understand the current amp market


I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.

jyaki

My system is actually in my home office and consists of Wisdom Audio L8i in-wall speakers with a Wisdom Audio SCS-2 subwoofer. I'm currently using a Luxman 509-X integrated amp with a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. For speaker wires, I'm using Acrolink DUCC copper cables. I'm looking to upgrade my Luxman to separates or a different integrated amplifier

Your Luxman is an excellent integrated, your going to have to spend considerably to get better in separates. 

My system is actually in my home office and consists of Wisdom Audio L8i in-wall speakers with a Wisdom Audio SCS-2 subwoofer.

the Wisdoms are 91db, 4 ohm. so a medium efficiency speaker. and if your system is in your home office, i’m assuming it is a ’bedroom’ sized room, maybe 15’ x 12’ x 9’? so you don’t need to power a big room.

most amplifiers will be powerful enough to get the job done in that room, so what i would recommend would be to focus on your sonic preferences. do you like a warmer sound? more transparent and neutral? what is your cup of tea? what music is most appealing to you?

reviewing a wide range of amplifier circuit technology is not going to be relevant to your situation. more telling us what you wish was better about your Luxman. as it’s a good amplifier already. and you have a subwoofer taking some of the load. where do you want to go?

The approach I developed over the last fifty years is to begin by assessing highly reviewed and regarded main stream products. These companies have been in existence for decades and are still top brands because of technological innovation and refinement over decades. Highly reviewed should include reviews from Stereophile, The Absolute Sound and HiFi+. These are the best and most respected journals. With professional reviewers you are more likely to get reviews that assess all aspects of the sound qualities and not just a few and to have the reviewer devulge associated equipment and personal values. Over time you will learn about more attributes and choosing well will let you discover new strengths in your purchase instead of finding weaknesses that you did not know about.

 

Used can be a great way to buy into much better quality and sounding equipment.

You need to think first about tube vs solid state… although some solid state, like the Pass XA series are very warm and tube like and visa versa Rogue.

Brands you should consider first and foremost are Pass (solid state) and Audio Research (tubed). Others, solid state: MacIntosh (tubed or solid state, heavy with midrange and bass… light on detail, look cool), Luxman (heavy on treble and bass… so detailed ( shy on midrange a consequently not musical), Krell (warm) Tubed: Conrad Johnson, VAC, Cary (really warm and musical).

Obviously there are others. Also lower tier NAD and Rotel.

I would read a lot and audition a couple key brands. They have house sounds… so in general they have the same kind of sound with gradual improvements over time… so listening to a current MacIntosh and Pass will give you a good idea of what you are in for with the brand.