2. amps-preamps
  3. 1424760675

Digital Amplifier Questions

I've been wondering the following:

1. Do digital amps benefit from being left on 24/7in the same way the ss amps do?

2. Is plugging a digital amp into a different outlet as your preamp as crucial compared to a ss amp?

3. Do digital amps have small transformers? If so, is distancing equipment from one another less important? (My peachtre Nova Pre/220 look best stacked)

4. When upgrading power cords on a digital amp, do you look for cords that do well with digital gear like your preamp and dac, or do you still go for a beefy cord?

I apologize ahead of time for my ignorance on the matter! Thanks!
b_limo

Showing 5 responses by ricred1

ricred1
2,076 posts
 
I never thought changing from an Parasound A21 to the 525 would yield so many improvements...the most noticeable is spacing between instruments.In my system the highs are musical,real,great tonality, and the mids are even better. The bass compared to the A21 is very different...A21 sounds bigger, 525 tight and detailed. I don't know how much better the 525 will get, but I'm already satisfied. I've reached a point that I'm enjoying music and done buying for now.
ricred1
2,076 posts
 
B_limo,

I had a Peachtree 220, 220se, and Grand Integrated. The 220se has the best overall sound. With the exception of the Grand, initially I enjoyed the sound of both the 220 and 220se... I never liked the Grand. After a couple of months, to my ears the Peachtree had a thin sound and something just never sounded right.
Recently I've listened to a friends Jeff Rowland 125 and with the exception of bass impact, it was one of the best amplifiers I've ever heard. I confess that's the only amplifier that I've had in my system that presented a three dimensional image.
ricred1
2,076 posts
 
Guidocorona,

I agree it was just a lack of overall power(my room is 20'x26'). The image size and stage was the best I've ever heard. We had this conversation privately. My plans are to get a 525. I really love the Jeff Rowland sound.
ricred1
2,076 posts
 
G.,
The M525 is used; however it only has approximately 60 hours on it. In a couple of days I will post my thoughts.
ricred1
2,076 posts
 
G.,

There are a few things that were obvious from the beginning that I can address:

Overall stage and image sizes: compared to the A21, image size appears to be the correct height/size with the M525...the A21 is relatively flat and images appeared below eye level, as if I was looking down. One of the most significant difference is the overall stage...this is where the M525 really shines, outstanding separation of instruments, with the best front to back placement of instruments that I've ever heard in my system

Authority-very hard to explain because the A21 and M525 are very different, I need more time to provide honest feedback

Transients distortion and speed- M525 has a lower noise floor, where music emerges out of a completely dark background

treble sweetness in complex passages-the A21 was closed in and lacking detail compared to the M525, cymbals sound so real and natural with the M525
More to discover