What are your sources. It is a high gain amp. I would recommend you read up on the STA 200, as well as the JOB 225 ( both designed using a Goldmund circuit, which Goldmund has been upgrading ( perfecting ) for 15 or so years, licensed out to Job and Nuforce ( now Nuprime ). Check out the reviews, as they are very useful pertaining to your question. Many users and reviewers recommend a passive unit ( the circuit was designed to be driven from a Dac ), as I am going from Dac, to passive, to amp, but many folks are using a preamp. Some have added a passive volume control between the preamp and amp, to get wider adjustments of their preamp's volume control. Hope this helps. Enjoy ! MrD. |
Audio Advisor still has the Nuforce STA 200 for $499. I know a few individuals who have it driving their Zu speakers, and are quite happy. Use your Nad as a preamp, or get a simple passive unit. I own 2, and I am very happy. Enjoy ! MrD. |
You never mentioned the source ( s ), but Yes, it would be an excellent choice ! Enjoy ! MrD. |
coachpoconnor. The Schitt is a better choice, but, you might just want to try your Nad as a preamp, as you will experience the small amount of play you would have in the volume control. The Nad will be in the ballpark of the Parasound. This will also give you time to listen to the STA 200 break in ( and it does ). I recommend leaving it on all the time, if you listen daily. As far as separates go, if you turn them off when you are done listening. the sequence would be, when turning on : preamp first, wait 60 seconds, then turn on amp. When turning off : power amp off first, wait 10 seconds ( in the case of the STA 200 ), then preamp. In the case of the Saga, you have a tube to deal with ( when in buffer mode ). My understanding is that if you are using it as a passive device, you can remove the tube, but many people like using both, or having a preference for one over the other. The remote allows you to switch between passive and tube buffer, a great feature. Enjoy ! MrD. |
I built my power cords ( which was not cheap ), and over the years have tried many Dacs ( all under 1K ), and I still enjoy my modified Adcom GDA 700. In my 2nd system, I use an Audio Alchemy DDEV3.0, with a modified power supply. Upgrading your Dac's power supply would increase the dynamics, but, as it is, should have no problem driving the STA 200. Enjoy ! MrD. |
Great. Keep me ( us ) posted. Enjoy ! MrD. |
I am glad you are liking it so far. What I said in my post ( I do not know what happened to it ) was : I was looking forward to you receiving the amp. I had a tip : Leave music playing through it for a few days straight, as it does get better. In fact, I recommend leaving it on all the time, if you listen daily. As time goes on, I will have another tweak or 2 for you. Till next time. Enjoy ! MrD. |
The AQ NRG-1 has a C7 connector, not the IEC connector. Signal Cable is a good bet, but, there are so many. Silnote has the Poseidon GL Reference Power Cable at 75 % off, and works well with the amp. Comes in various lengths, longer = higher price. If you post this on the Cable thread, you will get many more recommendations from the A’gon community on this subject. Keep in mind, there are many discussions already on power cords, so you might just want to read through some of them. Enjoy ! MrD. |
I saw your other post on pre amps. Some advice : Just slow down, listen, and take your time. Once the power cord breaks in, as the amp still is, determine, with the recordings you enjoy most, what are the attributes and deficiencies you are noticing, and give YOUR ears the benefit of time, patience, and try and enjoy. I will help and guide you in the process. I appreciate the fact that you went with my recommendations so far. But, you need to give you, and your ears, the trust in listening, and determine what it is " you " like. I hope this makes some sense. Till next time. Enjoy ! MrD. |
