2. amps-preamps
  3. 190056-131362

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
aewarren
594 posts
 

Aren't you glad you asked?

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
409 posts
 

I love my Benchmark AHB2 monoblocks. You'll never get a hernia lifting them either!

j-wall's avatar
j-wall
355 posts
 

I wish more people answered the original question because I'm also very curious of the varying topologies of amplifiers and learning more about the actual differences versus marketing approaches. 

zlone
481 posts
 

I agree with @glennewdick that it will take a significant upgrade to best that integrated, very nice! If you like to play really loud, you might see some limitations with the power amp section and may want to look for an amp that doubles its wattage into four ohms. It also has inputs that would allow you to bypass the preamp section, so you could try some different preamps to see what you like. 
 

Given your ample budget, it would be well worth your time to visit some showrooms and hear some other brands, something might really catch your ear. I share the the same hesitance about wasting their time, but you are not, and they are used to it. 

jyaki OP
5 posts
 

@rmdmoore Thanks for the encouragement, perhaps I’ll go check them out!

@toronto416 Maybe once the kids are older I’ll look into getting some proper floor standing speakers. The Wisdom Audio speakers I have are line source with planar magnetic drivers so they’re the most musical architectural in-wall speakers out there. So for now, I have to play with the electronics to satisfy my audiophile itch.

@scott22 I agree!

@j-wall Yes, I’m still curious as well. I was recently watching The Absolute Sound’s High End Munich audio show report on YouTube and saw an amp brand that I’ve never heard of before. The internals were absolutely gorgeous and looked extremely well-made. I would think that all amps in this price bracket should look like this, with large bus bars and impeccably clean organization. I’d love to learn more about the details of how each brand manufactures their amplifiers. Here’s the link to the YouTube video if you’re curious.

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