My system is actually in my home office and consists of Wisdom Audio L8i in-wall speakers with a Wisdom Audio SCS-2 subwoofer. I'm currently using a Luxman 509-X integrated amp with a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. For speaker wires, I'm using Acrolink DUCC copper cables. I'm looking to upgrade my Luxman to separates or a different integrated amplifier
Help me understand the current amp market
I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.
Showing 5 responses by jyaki
@glennewdick I do enjoy my Luxman 509-X. This whole thing started when I was thinking about upgrading to the 509-Z. Then I started thinking maybe I should go separates and get the Luxman C-10X with M-10X amplifier. Then, that led to exploring different amplifier options. @soix @mikelavigne I really do enjoy how my current set up sounds. The Luxman sounds terrific and adding the Mola Mola Tambaqui made a huge difference. I primarily listen to Tidal and to pop, electronic and some rap (no jazz or classical). Since this is my first "real" hi-fi set up, I don't have a clear picture as to which direction I want to go. I guess I'm enjoying learning about this hobby and wanting to see how I can keep improving things. @grislybutter I'm not opposed to tubes, but I really don't know much about them. I figure that the kind of music I listen to is more aligned with the characteristics of a solid-state amplifier??
|
@josephp732 Have you thought about Accuphase E-5000 or Gryphon Diablo 333? @soix I agree, this hobby is tough. It seems like you have to somewhat take a leap of faith and hope it sounds good in your system @grislybutter I do have some high-end audio stores around me, but I feel a bit guilty if I take up a lot of their time and don't end up purchasing from them. So far, most of my contact with audio gear has been through visiting shows like AXPONA and other local events |
@zlone Yes, I do like to crank it up a lot, especially when I'm listening to electronic music. I often hear people getting tube preamplifiers with their solid state amplifiers, but do you think that will work with the type of music I like to listen to? |
@rmdmoore Thanks for the encouragement, perhaps I’ll go check them out! @scott22 I agree! @j-wall Yes, I’m still curious as well. I was recently watching The Absolute Sound’s High End Munich audio show report on YouTube and saw an amp brand that I’ve never heard of before. The internals were absolutely gorgeous and looked extremely well-made. I would think that all amps in this price bracket should look like this, with large bus bars and impeccably clean organization. I’d love to learn more about the details of how each brand manufactures their amplifiers. Here’s the link to the YouTube video if you’re curious. |