I saw a LSA Voyager GaN 350 amp for sale a couple days ago. Seller asking $1650, which is a bargain, maybe he'll work with you on the price
I was happy with my system for 30 years; now I need a new amp...and more?
Greetings, can you help? My amps died. I have a wide range of listening: rock and roll mostly (70's mainly), some jazz, minimal classical.
Sources are LPs and CDs. I even still have a Nak tape deck for live music tapes...
I had VTL 80W mono blocks since 1992, combined with VTL Deluxe Preamplifier.
Speakers were EPOS ES11 (still have them, been in boxes for years), then some used Thiel CS3.5 (sold), now some Klipsch R820F that I got at Best Buy (I know).
Source is AR turntable that I've had since early 90's, don't remember what cartridge but it's relatively new.
CD player was Cal Audio Labs that stopped reading discs a few years ago (is this worth getting repaired? Tend to doubt it), now Phillips 900 series CD player, seems solid.
The VTL tube preamp had some bad tubes which are now replaced and it appears to be functioning well.
The tube amps had major issues with capacitors and I decided to sell them and move on instead of getting them repaired.
So! Now I need to get a new amp. Ideally I would use the existing preamp, possibly combining it with a solid state amp. I know the speakers are not that great, and the CD player probably needs upgrading.
The room is small--I sit about 12' from the speakers, the ceiling is average height (10'?), the room has a concrete floor covered with a rug (not carpet) and there are a lot of windows.
Budget is a bit flexible. I was thinking first I need the amp, then maybe upgrade the CD player (is it bad?), and finally the speakers.
One option is the Schiit Vidar 2 amp which, if I just get one, would work with the existing tube preamp (need balanced inputs to use two as mono blocks, which I don't have from this preamp). I would like for the amp to NOT run super hot if possible.
Budget (all are ± $500)
I could spend up to maybe $1500 on the amp
Up to maybe $1000 on the CD player (ideally less, or maybe not at all?)
Up to maybe $2000 on the speakers but that wouldn't be for another year or so. Focal?
Also: Minimal local dealers for stereo equipment! Tough to audition gear, plus it's not the same as hearing it in one's own room.
Looking for recommendations for an amp I can use with my tube pre-amp but also would consider something integrated (and sell the Deluxe to fund it) or other options?
THANK YOU.
57 responses Add your response
Schiits are very good. In addition, try one of the BEST class D amps ever produced: Orchard Audio StarKrimson Ultra:
https://orchardaudio.com/product/starkrismon_stereo_ultra_500w_stereo_amp/ |
@drbeechwood In terms of power to drive I believe the distance from the speakers to be more important than room size. In addition I think getting the most from a system is easier when the system occupies a dedicated smaller space within a larger room soundstaging and imaging wise. |
My blog post at the link below explains how to get the amplifer power needed for your room and speakers. Also link to a very good calculator to get you in the ball park. https://orchardaudio.com/2022/03/22/how-much-amplifier-power-do-i-need/ |
+1 @mesch |
So an update: I found an interim solution--I had an old Yamaha R-700 Receiver/Amp that I found in my garage and dusted it off...and it sounds really good with the Klipsch speakers! It's not the long-term solution but it's working for me now. Until I can audition some gear it will tide me over.
If anyone is interested, I have my VTL Deluxe Preamp for sale in the Audiogon classifieds. Hopefully someone will be able to give it a good home. Thanks again for all of your suggestions. |