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.
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........
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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. |
- 33 posts total