Will an Amp change improve my system ?


My system is WiiM pro ( a great device for $149 !) and a Cambridge CXC V2 CD transport for digital input going into a Schiit Yggdrasil+ DAC going to a Schiit Freya+ preamp into a PS Audio S300 amp into Harbeth 30.2 XD speakers. I am considering replacing the S300 with one of the following: PASS XA-25, Coda S5.5, Benchmark AHB2, or tube Primaluna EVO 400, used Rogers EHF-100 or 200, used Luxman MQ 88uc. I like my current system and wonder if an amp change would improve it significantly ?

carl292

A note, on your list are radically (!) different sounding amps. The Pass will be very natural sounding, and perform as if it has much more power than the specs would suggest. I think it would be an excellent choice to help your system be much more musical. On the other hand Benchmark (or the Luxman to a bit lessor extent)is highly detailed oriented and is going to reinforce the leanness of the other components in your system. One of the big differences in better systems is they can be more fleshed out and sound much more natural sounding. The CODA will be in between. If you like a very detailed analytical and a strong bass slap (somewhat artificial) the the Benchmark Luxman side, CODA in the middle as is the Rouge (although it is tubed… it doesn’t have the refinement of better tube designs) or the Pass for more musical and natural.

 

I prefer nartural and musical sound that is still detailed, not in your face, but laid back with a deep - wide sound field… I’d choose the Pass. I had a Pass amps for several decades.

I have the 30,2 40th anniversary (almost the same as the XD) and matched it with a Pass Labs XA25. It is a match made in heaven. Don't know about your room size but, it is plenty for mine of 20x12. If you want some info about the combo, please check Herb Reichert's review in Stereophile Mar 2018. The interconnect is a RCA Cardas Rev1 and a good match with the Pass. I have tried different stands and highly recommend the Ton Trager. More expensive but  it makes Shaw's cabinets sing because of their resonance configuration. Keep us posted about your choice for a new amp.

The S300 is a fine amp for the price, but for me the Pass was much better sounding...don't know your speakers though...some love Benchmark, but very many do not...

First of all how big is your room?…after you answer I will give you my honest opinion if you can handle the truth…let me know …

I had the PRIMALUNA EVO 400 preamp and amp…not impressed 

To answer your question, no, an amp will not significantly improve (or hurt) a system regardless of what the sufferers of expectation bias will tell you.