recommendation of amps

Do you have a preamp or are you looking for an integrated amplifier?

 Would like something different

Go with dedicated monoblocks:

A) Van Alstine

B) Parasound

C) McIntosh

Get a used Ayre amp and preamp...

Fritz makes outstanding speakers, don’t sell them short. If Pass is what you want then get Pass. Don’t ever say Fritz speakers are not good enough.

However! I prefer, by a lot, Parasound and Luxman and Ayre

I have the LA4 preamp and I had someone over yesterday to buy a DAC. He loved the LA4 and CODA #16 combo so much that he went home and ordered the LA4. He has a Pass Labs amp (maybe the 250.8).

The CODA #8 is $6K new and I also owned it and listened with the LA4. It was very good, the #16 is great.

The amp that I also loved with the LA4 was the KRELL Duo 175XD. I have seen some Duo 300XD on the used market. I sold my 175XD to buy the CODA #16. I figured the #16 would give me more power for some new speakers.

The Parasound A21+ was also rather good with the LA4. Not as good as the other amps mentioned but a great value.

I use Benchmark AHB2 monos with the LA4 and they are my fav amps. They could have more oomph for difficult to drive speakers, but I have them on not too hard to drive KEF LS50 Meta monitors.

In the price range and has a many year warranty. 

op - suggest you ask fritz for his amp recommendation

@robshaw Have you played with the DAC 3B gain settings? I found the 10db reduction on the XLR out to sound more relaxed and natural than the default 0db. This was with DAC 3 HGC in my system.
Just a thought since you mentioned analytical sound.

As far as amps are concerned, why not try Benchmark? You will at least eliminate any synergy concerns with your preamp.

As to Pass amps, either the X250.8 or even the XA30.8 would be fine in that room. Your speakers are 8ohm, 88db. Easy to drive. You don’t need quantity you need quality when it comes to watts. A good Class A amp like the 30.8 may actually be a better fit for the type of music you’re listening to.

I also agree with the Benchmark amp. Try just 1, then if the clipping lights go off get another to mono them. Plenty of power in mono. More than the Pass Labe you are looking at.

Coda is worth a look. A #8 would work well for you. 

This oughtta getter done…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb0h9j-plinius-sb-301-solid-state

To all that have responded, thank you so much. To curiousjim, eriksquires,jjss49, and audphile1, sorry If I missed a few others. I mentioned I have and use currently a Benchmark LA-4 and stated a line Amp, probably should have mentioned (for those that don't know) it is a pre amp, sorry. On the Fritz speakers, I love them and they fit my room, perfectly, and sound great. The weak link I was referring to was the Peachtree Amp. I have thought about the Benchmark AHB2 amp,but, seem to want something a little warmer. Between the DAC3B, and the LA-4 it is spot on,but, a tad more neutral than I was looking for. I would love to try the Pass Labs   XA30.8 class A, just afraid (it would have to be used, don't have that kind of money, or least don't want to spend it) at the levels I listen to it may not be enough juice.

The old adage, your shop can never be big enough, and your tractor can never have enough horsepower, hope that makes sense? Thanks again, This forum has helped me several times in my journey. Robert

@robshaw

i agree the peachtree is clearly the weak link, and also agree you want the amp to bring some warmth to the music, as the benchmark gear is somewhat lean and precise sounding -- fritz speakers appreciate some midrange warmth in the signal to do their magic with vocals etc in the essential midband

i strongly recommend a pass xa30.5 to save considerable $$ over the xa30.8 driving the fritz’s at their efficiency -- luscious sounding amps, neither amp will ever break a sweat, run outside their class a envelopes ... you will save $ on your ongoing power bill too :)

presently i have two xa30.5’s (acquired for a cool biamping experiment), am happy to part with one (if your location and budget makes it practical) ... feel free to pm me

Coda checks all of your boxes! I have had Pass XA monos(both the 60.8 and 160.8) and my Coda Model 16 outperforms them both in my listening space and paired with my other gear. 

>> I have thought about the Benchmark AHB2 amp,but, seem to want something a little warmer. <<

If you haven’t tried it, you might be surprised at its tonality. Though clear and with the lowest distortion available, it’s not a cold-sounding amp IMO.

Whether it has enough juice for your listening tastes is a separate matter, but I'd bet it will, given the Fritz speakers' 88 dB sensitivity and the fact you are using a powered sub.

Using the Parasound A21+ myself. Love the option of connecting dual subs on it, and the sound is a good match for my ears in my system. Plus 500 watts per channel at 4 ohms which is what my PBN MONTANA XPS speakers are. What else would a rocking man want!

Luminous Audio Technology Archimedes Monoblocks ($8,500/pr)

Replaced my Parasound A21+ with these…the A21+ is very nice and is a good value, but the Archimedes are just next level ( or so) and drive my Paradigm Persona 3F like they were made for them.  (also use Luminous Axiom III and Luminous Arion 2 in my system…).

The control, detail, spaciousness, and depth are very impressive.

Just food for thought.

I had a Benchmark AHB2 for almost 3 years and really enjoyed the clean sound and wide stage. I decided to make a big jump about 2 years ago to the Pass 250.8 and instantly heard why people enjoy Pass. The soundstage was deeper, taller, and most importantly it made listening more fun. Instruments and vocals had more weight/tone to them and the soundstage felt more cohesive than the AHB2. The AHB2 felt like it dissected the music by very cleanly separating things into their own space, which is great for locking onto an instrument and following it for a song. But ultimately it kept me from feeling as much emotion and it took longer to forget I was listening to a stereo as opposed to music. I can fall into the music very quickly with the Pass and relax, it’s a great feeling! 
 

I hope no one feels I am disparaging the AHB2, I’m just sharing my experience and giving the op something that I feel is relevant to the thread. I enjoyed my time with the Benchmark and feel it’s a wonderful amp.

Try an Anthem P2 amp, all the power you will need and a nice neutral sound,around 5k can run any speaker even down below 2 ohms if need be. Or you could try the Parasound JC5 amp, or even the Michi S5 power amp at around $7,500.00 

I have a rogue stereo 100 with Fritz Carrera be speakers and a rogue rp-1 preamp and the sound is remarkable. Beautiful soundstage and detail.   Fritz speakers are great.  Don’t be afraid of tubes.  Having said that, I would like to hear the benchmark ahb2

Given that you’re all balanced, perhaps look at Van Alstine DVA M225 mono amps.

I haven’t heard them but am considering a pair

I’m currently using a Van Alstine RB10 tubed pre into a Van Alstine SET 120 power amp with the Fritz Carbon 7 SE mkii speakers and it’s been a real pleasure.

I recently purchased the Van Alstine SET 120 control amplifier for a den system paired with a Naim Uniti Atom headphone edition preamp/DAC/streamer and am over the moon about the sound quality.  Van Alstine punches WAY ABOVE its price point and the recommendation above should be considered highly as a truly great amp. You are not paying for a middle man. You might think because the price is low that you compromising, but trust me you will not be disappointed. 

@robshaw  I have the Pass XA30.8 driving my Wilson Sabrina (4ohm, 87db that dip into 2ohm) without breaking a sweat and without leaving class A most of the time. It will be fine with your 8ohm 88db speakers.
I also second the XA30.5 recommendation. Remember, these amps transition into class A/B and produce a lot more than 30w per ch if you push them really hard. 

@Robshaw - it sounds like a bit of a Pass fan club here, but I second the various comments about Pass Labs  amplifiers capacity for musical engagement - and tonal refinement.

Pre-owned, I would suggest a pair of Parasound JC1s.  They are quite similar in character to the .8 Pass amps. In a room like yours, they will probably never leave class A, but they also have that sense of power and slam that works very well on rock music.

Hi Robert,

You have received numerous good amplifier recommendations. I believe that a good quality push-pull tube amp would be an excellent sounding option for your audio system. However I do acknowledge your reservation regarding tubes. Keep in mind that the Pass Lab XA30.5 and.8 are a full 30 watts of class A power into an 8 ohm impedance.

When these amplifiers cross over into class B (A/B) you’ll have much more available power into 4 and 8 ohm impedance loads. IMO, in your 13x14’ room you’ll probably remain in class A operation the “vast “ majority of the time. Your speakers aren’t difficult impedance load challenges for amplifiers.

Best wishes,

Charles

+1 charles1dad.

I also have the Fritz Carbon 7SE speaker. I use it with two amplifiers a Pass XA25 (rated 25wpc class A) and also a Aric Audio Transcend push//pull tube amplifier (rated 20-40wpc depending on output tube and mode used) in a room somewhat larger than yours. These are driven by an Aric Audio 6SN7 tube preamplifier. A single ended system.  

You won't need anymore power than these amplifiers provide.

Good luck in your search.

A lot of good advice here, OP!!

I'm going from Parasound to Odyssey Kismet ... mono's of which would be audio bliss with Fritz!!  

Odyssey is a lot of amp for the $ ...:

Thanks again to all for your GREAT suggestions. I couldn't ask for more, THANKS

Not necessarily in this order, but, am going to SERIOUSLY look at (at least at this starting point) The Van Alstine dva m 225 mono's, I've seen listed somewhere a used JC5 and JC1's (not plus models) very interested in the Pass Stuff, 30.5 /.8 and maybe the 250.8 model also may look at the Magnus Audio amps, Sanders Magtech. Looking forward to the research. Thanks again, Robert  PS   If  anyone runs into a deal on any of these; that they don't want or timing isn't right, please let me know. Hopefully finances will allow???

@robshaw 

These DVAM225's posted on US Audio Mart earlier in the week

Not sure if they've sold or not but here's the link

IN the $6-7K range look for an FM Acoustic.  They do not sound SS.  Other options Counterpoint, HK, Spectral and have them modified.  Then you will have a refence quality component.

@robshaw Sanders sells used Magtechs for $4k with 1-year warranty. I got the amp from him to use with the LA4 preamp and Magnepan LRS+ speakers. Sanders even gave me a 30-day home trial period. I told him I was keeping the amp after 2 days. It is a great amp with my LRS+.

Only issue for me with the Sanders is that it does not have a Stand By power switch. I have 2 amps connected to my LA4 and this means I need to hard switch off the Sanders when I use my headphone amp, a Schitt Aegir. 

Given that you’re all balanced, perhaps look at Van Alstine DVA M225 mono amps.

+1

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. ALL very good. Its been awhile, here is what has transpired. I decided to Move the ATI 6002 Amp into my smaller stereo room, (As I like it that much,so do the Fritz Carbons) and sounds great.

     As my main listening area, has higher end equipment and much better acoustics,  I chose,  via a GREAT DEAL a Pass X250.8 AMP. (which I'm still paying on) Have it running all Class A (efficient speakers) and sounds GREAT, still breaking in!  Now (have to wait a while MONEY, or lack of) looking for a DAC that will considerably best my Benchmark DAC 3B   Like it a lot, just looking to jump up a level or two. 4 or 5K new or used. My wife thinks I'm nuts, probably right. Thanks all as usual. Robert TN

What sound characteristics/improvements are you looking for over the Benchmark?

I may just keep the benchmark, as it is very good. I had the benchmark in my main system earlier, and felt it was lacking (maybe in clarity, and depth,voice)  I replaced it with a great deal (meitner MA1 V2 DAC) The Meitner seems to punch ahead  ( In my opinion) with what I felt the Benchmark was lacking. More accurate and more revealing in those areas. My wife wholeheartedly agreed!   You didn't have to listen with a microscope to hear the difference, is was quite apparent. Hopefully, that describes what I was hearing or not. Robert    Ps My wife really likes the benchmark DAC, But, as I said earlier she noticed the Meitner superiority.   I think after The pass amp and Meitner DAC purchase, and this being a smaller, less dedicated room, she feels it's good enough, and don't spend anymore money?

I have the DAC3B and it is rather good, but a little hot on the top end. I had a $15k Lumin X1 to replace it and it was really good for the year I owned it. In fact, it was the best DAC and 2nd best streamer I had.

I traded the X1 in to buy speakers. I could not wait the long time needed to save up the cash for a second DAC I am planning on getting. Since Schitt Audio is 70 miles away from me and they have a 15-day home trial I thought I would try the new Yggi+ Less Is More DAC (1 of 3 new Yggi+'s and the worst measuring one).

I use the Yggi+ with my Sonore Optical Rendu streamer and feel that it is a better DAC than the X1, definitely better than the DAC3B. I notice the difference in the top end where the X1 seems a little rolled off to me. They Yggi+ is more like the DAC3B but not hot. 

I was so impressed by Schitt that I also bought their Aegir 'Class A' amp for my headphones, and I love it. Yesterday, I ordered a new MJOLNIR 3 preamp for the Aegir.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

I was using the Benchmark LA4 with both the Aegir and Sanders Magtech, but I came close to messing that up by being a bit careless, so I bought a second preamp.

I had a Benchmark AHB2 for almost 3 years and really enjoyed the clean sound and wide stage. I decided to make a big jump about 2 years ago to the Pass 250.8 and instantly heard why people enjoy Pass. The soundstage was deeper, taller, and most importantly it made listening more fun. Instruments and vocals had more weight/tone to them and the soundstage felt more cohesive than the AHB2.

This is exactly how I felt when I dropped an AHB2 into my system which was anchored by an X250.8.   I really liked the AHB2 for the $$ and how clear it was, but I found it lacked the front to back soundstage depth and life-like texture and tone of the Pass.   I sold it after a month or two and kept the Pass for like 5 years.

@robshaw, if the 250.8's hint of warmth, musicality, lack of any harshness, and a killer soundstage interests you, I recommend you listen to the AtmaSphere Class D monos.   They come very close (IMO) to the 250.8 and XA30.8 sound signatures that I'm very used to.   I now own a pair of the AtmaSphere monos and am very happy with them.

yyzantabarbara and ddafoe,   Thank u both for your input. I currently run in both my systems  The LA-4 pre amp, like it that much, Gain control is great and with a firm ware upgrade you can now see the volume level far away, which is nice (sit about 15' away in my triangle. I was tempted earlier to look at the AtmaSphere, but, after getting rid of my starter set of Peachtree class D, wanted to try something else.

I am really interested in your post about the Yggi +  will be looking at reviews etc shortly. My latest purchase, just ordered a pair of Tekton MOAB's with BE tweeter, and upgraded crossovers. Currently running Tekton DI's upgraded and LOVE THEM, may move them to my other system, will see. Will never sell them, for me and my rock and roll listening they are GREAT. Hoping that the MOABS are even better, HOPING!!!  Robert    Ps Thank you both for sharing your suggestions. This forum has helped me time and time again.

@robshaw This was the reason I took a flyer on the Yggi+ Less is More DAC (my mistake it is not the worst measuring).

New Schiit Yggdrasil Blind Listening Comparison - Bits and Bytes - Audiophile Style

The reviewer has listened to tons of gear, so he has a good frame of reference. He also uses the same headphones as me and considers them as good as mega expensive 2-channel. I concur on that too, so I gave this review a lot of credence.

Though my headphone setup was better than the mega expensive setup he eventually went with. In a fit of mental instability, I sold my better setup and I am now going with an all-Schitt headphone setup (about 90% as good as what I sold).

I love this Schitt.

I listened to the review of the 3 schiit units. Very interesting, and somewhat confusing at the same time. More is less, less is more, and the top of the line OG, I think?  Will continue to look,and review, Thnaks

j_andrews

Did you ever get the Van Alstine DVA M225 mono amps? I am VERY curious about those. THX

No I did not. I got a great deal on a Pass X-250.8    With my current system it runs in Class A all the time, sweet.  No regrets, and the great deal didn't hurt either, still a lot of money for me, cost of doing business I guess.. Good luck.