2. amps-preamps
  3. 165107-86936

Hoping for a recommendation for stereo amp around $1500 or less ($2k max)

Powering ascend acoustics towers with RAAL ribbons and running a powered rhythmik 12" sub which is currently integrated with my onkyo tx8270 2.1 receiver crossed at 50hz.  I want to use my topping D90/A90 dac/amp stack and use it as a dac/preamp using the remote to control the volume on the dac while leaving the volume knob in place.  Will most likely run balanced out to the amp.  I need to have some way of integrating the sub with the main speakers so the amp would need to have rca full signal out so I can use the dial on the sub to adjust crossover.  If there's a better way to integrate the sub I'm open to it.  I want an amp with hopefully 200w or more and neutral clear but fun/powerful sound like my A90 does for my headphones.  I'm totally new to the world of separates and looking to let my speakers show their maximum potential.  So far I've come across outlaw audio mono blocks but they don't have rca out to go to the sub.  Also came across parasound classic which looked pretty nice but you guys probably know of something much better.  Thank you!
brandini

Showing 5 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
@soix I see that you have recommended the D-Sonic M3a-800S amp a few times on A'Gon. 

Do you have this amp? If so what is the sound characteristic? Would it be a good match for a bright speaker?


yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
@brandini I had a Topping A90 amp for a few months, just passed it off this afternoon. I also have RAAL SR1a headphones (with ribbon) that may have similar characteristics as your RAAL.

I was looking at amps in the $1500-$2000 range because my Benchmark AHB2 is not ideal for the RAAL SR1a. Last night I researched the Parasound A23+, the Peachtree NOVA amp500 (from Underwood HiFi), and the NAD M22 (used).

I have owned the Parasound A23, PEachtree NOVA 150, and demoed the NAD M22. They are all warm sounding amps and that is a good thing for the RAAL SR1a. I am not sure if I will buy one of these or save up for a CODA #8.

BTW - you will not get a more neutral or clear amp than the AHB2 but it is not a good match for my RAAL SR1a. I have an all Benchmark stack for my 2 channel speakers so I love the neutral sound but not for the RAAL.
yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
I just bought the $1500  D-Sonic M3a-800s 
https://www.d-sonic.com/product/m3a-800s-stereo-amplifier/

 For RAAL SR1a + CODA 07x + AudioMirror Tubadour III SE

I have a 30 day trial on this. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
@mapman I am not going to put the D-Sonic on my floor standers. I use all Benchmark for that. The D-Sonic is for my RAAL SR1a which are my "mini floor standers" (just love them). I wanted a little bit more warmth on the amp or preamp than the Benchmark stack I have. They need about 150 watts to sound their best with the amp interface box from RAAL so the D-Sonic will be more than sufficient.

I just put my less than 1 month old Silver AHB2 up for sale (my orphaned 3rd AHB2).

In my conversation with Dennis at D-Sonic I found out we have a few common community acquaintances where I currently live. Small world.

I must say that having a $2K killer amp is more interesting to me than a $20K killer amp.
yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
Someone on this thread asked previously what I thought of the $1500 D-Sonic M3a 800s. Well I tried it 3 ways now and have some observations.

1) As a headphone amp to my RAAL SR1a. I did not like it. This was with Gustard X26 Pro connected to the Benchmark HPA4 preamp.

2) As a 2 channel speaker amp to my Thiel CS3.7 with the Gustard X26 Pro as the preamp (digital volume). It was OK but a little harsh and lacked something. Some other issues with the Gustard as a preamp but that is not relevant.

3) I finally got the CODA 07x preamp to control this system and the Gustard is now just used as a DAC (not a DAC/preamp). The sound is great.

The amp is very fast and not bright nor harsh. I was going to buy the CODA #8 amp for this system but why rush into it now. I am going to try this out for at least a year. I cannot afford the CODA #8 today so luckily this D-Sonic is coming up a big winner now.

Another bonus is that this amp seem capable of operating on 2 Ohm region. I need to confirm this with D-Sonic but I can tell this is the case buy how well the Thiel's sound, more bass and power compared to my Benchmark AHB2 amps on the Thiel's. The $3K AHB2 are preferred over the D-Sonic but not on the Thiel CS3.7, which is a tough speaker to drive.
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