2. amps-preamps
  3. 194078-91508

Anyone else constantly curious about amps?

I'll start of by saying I have a really great sounding amp, the Mastersound Dueventi. It's a class-A tube amp running in PSET putting out 20 watts of power, which proves to be plenty in my room. I have other audio upgrades that would be more valuable. I've slowly been replacing cables, a new streamer would probably have the biggest impact in my system next, I'd like a new turntable now that I've stepped up  my cartridge and phonostage... 

But I just keep coming back to amps. For some reason I just feel a need to bring in something new. I can't afford it. It won't be the most high impact in my system. I don't really have anywhere to demo several of these options. But still, I've been on a two week long rabbit hole exploring solid state class A options like Pass and Sugden. I heard a top in system this past weekend with Jeff Rowland driving the system and I forgot how great those can sound, so I'm finding myself looking at their integrated. I know Norma amps sound amazing with my speakers, so I'm always tempted to bump that up the priority list. 

Someone talk me off the ledge and help me with this sickness! 

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ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,956 posts
 

Anyone else constantly curious about amps?

Yes. Consider Vinnie Rossi L2i-SE Integrated Amplifier see here.

Mike

bassbuyer
377 posts
 

Interesting timing with your post.  I just setup my system at our summer place. I had removed all of the equipment except for the dipole tower speakers I got used so I could let them stay the winter without worrying.  Acquired a more powerful used amp over the winter and was planning on upgrading the speakers.  I streamed a few tracks and played a CD and I couldn’t believe how much better the speakers sounded.  I’m set for now.  Glad I didn’t get another pair or speakers since I’m trying to consolidate what I have.  We all give you the push you need to buy the amp of your dreams!  Side note, I’m getting too old to lug gear back and forth.  Everything stays from mow on.  If the mice want to jam in the winter they can.  

triton20trx
7 posts
 

I too am one that what ever I get into I’m all in.  But I’ve learned it’s as much about the chase as it is the capture.  I’ve also learned I can not trust my own logic as to what I need to make the next step.  I have to seek expert unbiased advice.  
One thing I have learned is I am a tube amp guy.  I can listen for 8 hours plus and never fatigue.  With solid state or hybrid integrated amps after a couple hours I am worn out.  Now that my be peculiar to me but at least I’ve eliminated a large section of the amp market.

Thats my experience and opinion which in the big scheme of life is meaningless.

troutstreamnm
70 posts
 

I’ve owned SS, hybrid and tube amps over the years and found all can provide quality sound.  The best part has been the experience in the exploration of each type!  I’m currently running a powerful Simaudio Moon SS amp that is wonderful paired with a tube preamp.  Time will tell if I’ll want to go back to tube amps.  

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,258 posts
 

Curious about amps? How could you NOT be? I'm with you!

Why? Because there is no such thing as a speaker on its own. The basic unit is a speaker-amp. Their pairing is about "synergy" which means not just "sufficient power" but "pleasing interaction." 

In my room, I have had:
Class A:

  • Pass XA 25
  • Pass Aleph

Tube:

  • Linear Tube Audio ZOTL Ultralinear+
  • Quicksilver Mono 60 tube amps

Solid State:

  • Adcom 535L
  • Benchmark AHB2
  • Hypex-based Class D amp built around Burson OP amp.

And everything has been tried both with a very neutral SS preamp as well as with a tube preamp.

All these amps sound different. And not just better/worse but different. And I've tried many of them with different speakers.

The point is that the investigation of "synergy" is a key part of what I'm interested in, and trying different amplifier-speaker combos is the heart of it. And if you're settled on your speakers, what more could you owe them, and your system, than to try out the right amps until you find what brings out their potential (for you, in your system)?

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