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Choosing an Amplifier to go with Spendor D7

Looking for an Amplifier to go with my Spendor D7's. I am leaning toward the Pass Labs XA30.8 or X250.8. Open to any suggestions. Where I live there is not anywhere close to go and demo. The pre-amp is a Mcintosh c2600 and been happy with tube pre-amp going into a SS. I listen at moderate volume and looking for a large sound stage with a since of 3-D imaging. The room I have it in has hardwood floors with a rug and is 14x17. The speakers are on the 17' wall. Currently most of the music is digital playing from Qobuz. Mostly listen to Folk, Americana that focuses on acoustical guitar play. Like warm full sound and bass to be balanced and not the focus.  

reverendofpork
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
I use Audio Research DSI200 with my D7’s. 
Within couple years hoping to upgrade to D9.2 and Luxman 590AXii
reverendofpork OP
3 posts
 
@shahram 

I was running a Bryston Preamp.  The XA30.8 really lets the sound from its source to be true.  It was to bright for me.  I was able to use a few tub amps that I borrowed from a friend.  It just didn't seem to push the bass from the Spendors.  I wanted the warmer sound and ended up getting a tub pre-amp with the Pass Labs and the combo works great.  I went this way after talking to a few people the have the Spendors and this is the way they went.  Couldn't be happier. Smooth, warm and silky and fills my room with great sound stage.  
reverendofpork OP
3 posts
 
@ kren0006

I was looking at Audio Research but wanted a Class A amp.  I was worried the Pass Labs XA30.8 wouldn't have enough power.  I don't touch what the amp can do.  I was looking at the Luxman.  Have you got to listen to the Luxman with the Spendors?  
highend666
352 posts
 
All new Brinkmann Voltair Hybrid Integrated amp !

 I'm going get this amp later on to go with the Spendor D9.2's or the new QLN Prestige 5's..
ddafoe
243 posts
 
I'm running the 250.8 with my D9s in a (~13x17) room with great results :)

The 250.8 is way more power than I need and I'm tempted to try swapping it out for the X30.8.    I don't think you would need the 250.8 with D7s.

Another interesting option is the Benchmark AHB2.   I'm trying one out for fun and I really like it!   I don't find it offers the 3d presentation of the my Pass and offers a thinner sound, but boy is it clean and life-like in its own way.   It's like a window was cleaned to the sound.   I don't find it analytical or forward with my D9s at all and could certainly live with it long term.   It is punchy and fast too; for $3K I'm a big fan.    I'm using a SimAudio 740P pre and Mojo Audio Mystique v3 R2R DAC so no tubes but nothing too bright or forward in the signal path either.   I did try the Benchmark with an RME ADI 2 FS as well, but still didn't find the sound too bright for the Spendors...

Good Luck with your search; that is one of the many pluses with the D series as they mate well with many reasonably priced amps!

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