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!
You can mix and match McIntosh pieces just like any other brand as long as they are electrically compatible. In fact the Mac preamps are IMHO the weak link to an overly warm, rounded off sound. Power amps are where they excel and they do it all day long. I run mine with a Cary Audio tube preamp and am constantly amazed with the clarity and sound stage. |
I am Dynaudio customer with C2's. I have long been a Krell fan and listened to the latest SimAudio amplifiers at AXPONA and they are very nice. I do NOT believe they are any better than the latest Krell series. If you can find a nominally used Krell 300XD (and I believe you CAN) you will save yourself multiple thousands as this amp just kills it and will stash dup against most anything in the 15-30K price category. You can score for under 10K I believe |
Good info @jpipes . The only McIntosh piece I have had in my home was the C2700 preamp, and I found it veiled. I will keep a more open mind about their amps! |
