I was in a similar boat a few years ago and cycled through many amps when I was looking to upgrade in power from my Pass Labs XA25. Pass XA30.8 which sounds identical to the 150.8 was too overtly smooth and euphoric. The Parasound JC5 had exceptional low end grunt but its midrange didn’t soar like the XA25.
I wound up with a McIntosh MC 312 which does it all, solid low end, gobs of power and dynamics and a supremely clean midrange that sounds even better than the glorious Pass XA 25. Treble has exceptional detail and air without a trace of graininess. The new Macs are the real deal.
Requesting opinions about 4 specific amplifiers
Greetings Audiogon community,
I am requesting your input about four specific amplifiers in a particular price range and how they may, or may not, pair well with my Dynaudio Confidence 20 stand mount speakers.
My room is 20' x 16' and does have wall absorption treatment. I do not listen at high levels, typically in the 75 to mid 85 db territory.
I currently own a Luxman L-509X integrated amplifier, which is probably the best integrated amp I have owned to date. However I am wondering if there is a better amp match for my Dynaudio Confidence 20 speakers, and so am considering moving to separates. My budget for the amp alone is in the preowned $4K to $5K range.
Here are amps I am asking for your input about ;
-Simaudio Moon 860A V1 (Dynaudio dealers seem to endorse Simaudio)
-Pass Labs X150.8
-PS Audio BHK Signature 250 stereo (PS Audio has dropped the price on new amps in their closeout sale)
-Parasound JC 5
I realize there are many, many, amp manufacturers, and that of course if I reach a bit higher I could consider Ayre, or Aesthetix, or Coda, all of which interest me, but seem to stay outside of my budget.
I wish I could side-by-side compare or demo all of these amps, but unfortunately it is not possible. I am looking to your experience to help in any way possible.
Thank you!