2. amps-preamps
  3. 1322098303

"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
celtic66
1,655 posts
 
Pass and Sugden are not Dark.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,370 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!
soundlock
101 posts
 
You might want to try the Sanders Sound Systems Magtech amplifier. I have previously owned the McIntosh MC-402, Krell FPB200, Spectral DMA-200, Edge M8M and a few other great amps that I just can't think of right now. You can try it for 30 days at no cost as Sanders pays the shipping to you and the return shipping in the event that you don't keep it. I drive the big Duntech Sovereigns with this amp (by big I mean 74" H X 18" W X 33" deep and weigh in at 375lbs each) The sound is magnificient. I have owned these speakers for 24 years. And by the way, all Sanders Sound Systems products carry a lifetime guarantee. Happy listening no matter what path you choose. I'll guarantee you the Magtech amp will make your Von Schweikert's walk and talk.
More to discover