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!

 

jpipes

Look for demo or 1 - 2 year old amps.  You will bring those more expensive models into your budget.   The "new car smell" is not worth paying 60% - 100% more than used.  IMHO.  

In my opinion the luxman power amplifier section pairs well with the Dynaudio Confidence 20.

If it were me, I'd invest in a tube preamp for more SQ impact.

Again, just my opinion.

 

For me, Parasound power amp didn't pair well with Dynaudio.

Simaudio is a fantastic choice but way pricier.

You will find more JC5 on the used markets than the other ones, so you could add a few other, niche brands to your list?

This really depends on what improvements and sound characteristics you’re looking for.  Without that critical info we’re just shooting in the dark here.