2. amps-preamps
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Beginner Audiophile. How to chose a right amp? Recommendation for my setup?

Hi

I am new to the world of audio and looking for an enjoyable stereo setup for myself.

I have chosen my next set of speakers, DAC, and a streamer, but can’t quite choose a power amp.

You don’t have to read this -->> "How do you pick a right amp for yourself? Do you consider Damping Factor? Do you match Tube DAC + Tube Amp? or Do you match Solid State + Tube Amp? for what reason? What sound do Soild State DAC/Amp + Tube DAC/Amp combos make? Are there characteristics in Amps? like in DACs? if so, what are they?"

Literally, there are just too many questions I want to ask. But, for now, I just want to listen to what you want to say, whatever is in your mind or any advise you would like to give as more experienced audiophiles when you pick a power amp.

I seek for the right components, ideal setups and match because I learned something from my very first set of audio gears I bought for this thanksgiving that I unfortunately returned a few days ago. The sound quality from Sonos Amp was hard to endure! The SVS Ultra bookshelf was great, but not quite so when it dealt with high notes.

So, I did my research this time and found my next set of audio gears.

1. Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speaker
2. MHDT Lab Orchid DAC
3. MiniDSP SHD Ultra streamer

What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

But, I don’t have a clue how to choose a right power amp.

I can just pick a internet recommended under $ 1K power amp and be done with it. Maybe I can still be okay. But, I don’t want to just buy something without knowing anything to go through a return process again. I’d rather at least learn some basics before buying a music component, even if I end up returning something. Because I know now that I can be pretty picky on stereo sounds.

So...

Please comment anything you want to add.

Recommend me some used/new power amps + deals (under 1K ish), if you have anything in mind.

Direct me to the right direction.

Thanks.

K





yggy1

Showing 11 responses by yggy1

yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate adding great amps on my option! Will check on that monoblock Ref 9!!
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thank you all ! For supporting me to become a proper audiophile. All your opinions and tips are helping me a lot! For some reason, however, all the audio dealers in my are a seem to carrying extremely high end stuffs. This tells me I should definitely not bother them LoL But, in all honesty, they might have a wide variety of goods including more affordable ones. Who knows, I think maybe I will email them first to see if they even have something in my budget range.
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Again, thank you all. I really appreciate all the tips and suggestions. Will keep learning from here.
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
8th-note, I live in an apartment and definitely don’t want to make any noise problem. I don’t get a sub for that reason. I would like to listen to music in low volume, but with out loss of details, depth, and staging. If that’s the case, what factor should I consider from an amp besides the power? damping factor?
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
mesch, I live in an apartment and the livingroom is about 8 feet x 13 feet. It is actually larger than that if I include entrance area (about 7 feet x 5 feet ish), but that is the box size of the living room I would say. For now I am looking for a power amp to combo with MHDT Orchid DAC, but I can also just set for a integrated amp like Hagel Rost or H120. 
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thanks gotog

What do you think about Peachtree Audio nova300?


yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
mesch and gryphongryph

Thanks for bringing up the Vincent Integrated.

I was almost down for

1. MHDT Orchid DAC
2. Muzishare X7 Tube Amp (can toggle to choose 2 sound character)

but, the SV 237 MK seems like it can sound as awesome as the combo above.

Less cable management and Amazon listing are plus, too :)


yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thank you everyone, once again, for the kind recommendations and heads ups !
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@blumartini 

Hi

Long story short, the number one candidate at the moment is Muzishare X7 tube integrated. 

K
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@blumartini @twoleftears 

Thanks for taking time to help out my journey! I actually saw that video review a while ago and also several demo videos. Sounded really nice to me. My purchase of all the gears might take a longer time than I thought, but will put end results along with some thoughts so other new audiophiles can look through later. I learn so much from you guys! Thanks! 
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
@gotog 

Thanks for the heads up! I did also worry about that too and asked the seller on Amazon about how it will match with given specification of Monitor Audio Speaker. Their response was "it will work well" but I know there are ton of sellers who says that to anyone. So, I am glad you pointed that out for me. I also didn't stop looking through more options in speakers and I realized the MA Gold 100 5G might not last long in my custody as I found out their PL line, especially the PL 100 II and 200 II, can really satisfy my audio needs. Gold 100 5G shares PL lines AMT tweeter so it's more of a economic choice, but I am torn apart a bit. Maybe I will save money for some time and increase my budget to get PL speakers and a very well matched power amp.
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