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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
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.
celtic66
1,644 posts
 
Pass and Sugden are not Dark.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
Never heard classe but I have owned the others. I think pass is the best of this bunch personally. I did not care for the ayre v5xe it definitely is not dark sounding in my systems. I do love the k1x preamp though. Sim audio is also very sparkling on top if not a little bright and maybe just a little light in the bass to my ear but still really good, this is based on the sound of the i5.3 integrated. I think your choices are great just wait for a good deal to come along on any of them and I would bet you will be happy. Though I personally did not care for the ayre amp much.
arthursmuck
451 posts
 
Consider H2O for your price range. Henry utilizes massive power supply build on ICE modules to get a stunningly good sound. Very liquid and effortless. Other great options in this thread, but felt these were worth a listen as well.
plato
1,543 posts
 
I have not heard the H20, but it has a very good reputation among audiophiles.

I am using the Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 (integrated) the basic version is the ST-500 and these amps also use the B&O ICE modules. I'd consider mine dead neutral and musically satisfying. It's done everything I've asked for and then some. The w4s amps definitely mate well with tube preamps as they have a high (for solid-state) 60k input impedance.

I don't know what cables you use, but a very good combination I recently found are the DH Labs Revelation interconnects with the DH Labs Q-10 speaker cables. I think they are very neutral, musical and fast, while also being smooth and musical (not many cables can manage all these qualities at once).

Happy Holidays!
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