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"Neutral/Clear Amp vs. Dark Amp"

It seems that of the many reviews I read about amps within my price range (under $5,000 new) they always end with some reference to a "dark" sound. That is exactly what I am NOT looking for. I'm looking for a clear, neutral sounding amp that won't add anything other that a clear representation of the music. I'm thinking maybe Classe, Ayre, Pass, Sim Audio? I'd like to hear other recommendations. I'd also like to stick with SS, as I have a deHavilland preamp and it mates well with SS amps. Speakers are Von Schweikert 4.5's and I use silver wire throughout. Listen to digital and analog, all types of music. That's the key. It has to sound like music, otherwise why bother? Currently using a McCormack DNA-1. It's a good amp, just looking for a significant upgrade. Another choice is to send the amp back to McCormack and have them do some significant upgrades.
tube540
rdavwhitaker
173 posts
 
Also the Cambridge Audio 840W - definitely not "dark"
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Bryston keeps things very neutral while staying quite musical to my ears. SST series is very good, and SST2 is even better.

What's best for $5k depends on preferences and power needs IMO.
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
Quote
"I'm looking for a clear, neutral sounding amp that won't add anything other that a clear representation of the music."

There isn't an amp built that "won't add anything" , but there are many that don't leave as much a noticable signature than others regarding the subjective term neutral and what each individual percieves that as. What you may call sounds like music the guy recommending may have a very differant view of that with his ears. Many would even go as far as recommending some tube amps that don't play dark and play quite detailed and clear with a hint of warm which to them sounds natural ie musical. What is it thats lacking in sound with the DNA-1 to your ears that makes you want to change would help.

Cheers
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
What you want is an amplifier that can produce a "Live" sound, the way real instruments and music sound in person. I've been looking for that sound too. Of course the other components in your system must support that "Live" sound too, especially the source. It's not an easy thing, at least in my experience. And, I want that sound without any leanness in the mid-range and low end. It seems that sometimes "neutral with clarity" comes at the expense of "bass weight" or bass impact.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
The four brands you mention are all very fine and among them you will hear
some of the best available, do you really want to muddy the waters with another
12 brands that will be mentioned? You are already on the right track with the
four you have identified, they are all first-rate and listening is the only way to
make your pick - of the four, Pass was my favorite, but that was the Class A
series - Aleph, XA.5. SIM, Ayre, Pass, Classe --- I don't think any of these can
be considered "dark", if you don't find an amp you like from these, you might
want to consider tubes.

By the way, the amp you have is already pretty darn good - a McCormack
upgrade might not be a bad idea at all.
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