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

I really do enjoy how my current set up sounds…I primarily listen to Tidal and to pop, electronic and some rap (no jazz or classical). Since this is my first "real" hi-fi set up, I don't have a clear picture as to which direction I want to go.

Given this I’d recommend sticking with what you have until you have time to go listen to other systems to identify what specific improvements you’d like to achieve.  At this point you’re just as likely to shoot yourself in the foot as you are to get significant improvements — in other words, it’d be a total crapshoot unless you can try an amp in your system at home first.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

yes, for the type of music you listed, SS seems to be the way to go. You have a good budget, do you have audio dealers nearby?

Benchmark AHB2 is the "benchmark" these days for SS amp performance.  Many other good quality amps at all price points, but, if in doubt and in-budget, safe to start there.  Just google search it and you will see.

 

I have a pair of the new Fosi V3 Monos in house for evaluation.

These things are pretty killer.  I have (2) of the 10A power supplies, one on each amp. 

I did replace the factory opamps with the dual discrete Sparko Labs SS3602.

I agree that these are going to compete against much higher priced amps.

Sweetness in spades so far...

 

I have a Luxman L-509X and find it to be an excellent integrated. For me the next serious upgrade would be to some thing like a T+A PA3100HV. I am consider the one listed here on Audiogon for $7k (a bargain considering it sells for ~$25k new), it's a 220/240V version - which shouldn't really be an issue to wire up with two hot 120V wires, the ground wire and a NEMA 6-20 receptacle.