An audio friend just recommended the Benchmark AHB2- thoughts?
Interim SS Amp - Likely Candidates?
Due to an upcoming move and renovation in our new home I am looking for a short term replacement amp fhat could be a suitable stand in for my beloved First Watt F8 amp. The rest of my system consists of a Modwright LS99 tube preamp, Volti Razz speakers, Aurender N200 streamer, Schitt Yggy LIM DAC plus a Modwright PH 9.0. tube phono stage and a ClearAudio Concept turntable with an AT- ART9XI cartridge. Most of my listening is on the digital side.
Short term based on the limited space my system will reside in ,the First Watt can’t play a part due to size of the space and the heat issue with this Class A. Good news is that my Volti speakers are highly efficient and I will not need a big power amp. Also as we renovate I am looking at the ideal space and layout for my system that will include the First Watt F8.
I want to go with a solid-state amp as the combination of this with my Modwright LS99 is magic. Looking to spend $2,500- $3,000 and will be open to used or new. So far I have been thinking of Class AB or D offerings. I am totally open to suggestions at this point. Below are a few of the candidates that might fill my need and work well with my other components. I do realize that each amp will bring a different "flavor" from my First Watt F8.
- Orchard Starkrimson 25 Mono premiums (new)
- Parassound A21+ Halo (used)
- Primare A35.2 (used)
- Bell Canto 501 Monoblocks
Help me out with thoughts on the above and other potential amps! Many thanks in advance........
33 responses Add your response
@norust your friend likes you. Get the AHB2 |
I have owned the Parsound A21+ and liked it though I thought it was a little thick. A good amp for a bright speaker. My recommendation is the Schitt Wotan at $2k. I consider it as good as a couple of $8k SS amps I owned in the past. The Wotan has tremendous bass like the A21+, it is much cleaner on top. It does need about 2 months of heavy play for the top end gremlins to completely go away. I have listened to this amp with the Yggi+ LIM | MIB | OG on Magnepan Mini speakers. BTW - over the past decade I have bought and sold the AHB2 about 6 times. I was doing a lot of audio swapping then. The AHB2 was replaced by the Wotan because the AHB2 is not great with Maggies. The AHB2 is a bit cleaner on top over the Wotan, but that is usually the case for ALL amps compared with the AHB2. The Wotan has a lot more power and grunt that the AHB2 cannot deliver. I love the AHB2 since it is such a unique sounding amp. |
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I haven’t tired one of these yet but I’ve watched and read a lot of reviews about the Harman Kardon 930 Twin Power receiver. There’s a complete one with the box available on Ebay right now that fits your budget range. |
Musical Fidelity A1 https://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-a1-integrated-amplifier |
Schiit Tyr Mono's $1599 each Mike |
For value and quality, the best used Moon amp you can get for your budget. Consistent resale value. To me, more engaging than the Parasound. I have had both. The Moon 340i, one of their basic integrated amps, is a fine stand in, and holds its own against many things more expensive. More life and breath than many. And they get better as you go up or with separate amp or monos. |
Why not a Modwright amp? I LOVE Dan’s gear! https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=modwright+amplifier The Topping B200's have gotten great reviews. |
@jasonbourne71 -- I find your replies on this Forum to be very refreshing. You consistently make sane and reasonable comments, and seem to always strive for value.
I agree with you 100% on this Forum Question. Unless you start your campfires with $20 bills, why on Earth would you spend $3,000 on an "interim" piece of gear? In my humble opinion, unless you can flip it and get your money back, that is a waste of money that could be used elsewhere. There are too many very good budget amps available such as the Fosi you mentioned and ANY amp from Schiit Audio. Usually, Schiit Audio has great deals on B-Stock gear on their website.
One question I did not see addressed: How long is the "interim" period shaping up to be? 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? The answer would drive what I would want to spend. Good luck, @norust!
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Solid input all around. @yyzsantabarbara @ditusa - appreciate you reminding me of Schitt as I didn't think to consider them which is an oversight as I love the Yggy LIM DAC. I will check out the Wotan & Tyr! @allenf1963 - my "interim" system may be in place for a year. I don't consider that I will be starting campfires with $20 bills on my amp spend as I will move it at a later date to a second system in the lower level. However, as I noted above I do need to consider the Schitt amps in my thinking and am certainly open to @jasonbourne71 suggestion of the Fossi which I admit I know nothing about. For the price of one or 2X monos I certainly could throw a few $20's on the campfire to see how they might play in my system. Still open to the other suggestions and thanks to all. |
Exploring Class D sounds like it checks all your boxes. Many Class D come in smaller forms, produce way less heat. There are some great options for newer designed class D amps that address stereotypical issues / sound signatures associated with Class D. Peach Tree, Orchard, Schiit, NAD, PS Audio, Atmoshphere and many. They would check all your boxes and allow you to explore something outside low watt class A. |
@norust -- Keep us informed on your decision! I was just joking with my comment about the campfire, I’m glad you weren’t offended. A year is definitely a long time -- I thought you were talking about 3 or 4 months. It makes sense to get an amp that you can use in your main system, then move to a secondary system. I would definitely look at Schiit Audio. |
@kennyc @blackbag20 Great suggestion. I had not heard of Odyssey audio prior to your post. Just checked them out and certainly they check a number of boxes. Appreciate you steering me in their direction. @allenf1963 I know you were joking and appreciated your thoughtful comments |