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So Hard to Decide on an Amp

Hey,

So lately I have been thinking about getting an Amp and using my existing Vincent SV-500 Hybrid Integrated as a Pre-Amp.

I have inquired about some amps in other threads but it just seems so hard to decide as to what will have good Synergy with my system.

Wish I could try out all the Amps that I am thinking about but that would be quite difficult.

The one that is at the top of my list (mind you I haven't personally heard any of these, just going on reviews) is the Pass Labs XA25.

But am also considering the Parasound A21+ and A23+, Benchmark AHB2 and Mystere PA21.

All of have received good reviews and comments from folks.

I suppose the Parasound, especially the A21+ would provide the best Base Response but the others would also be quite worthy.

Tomorrow, I have a Technics SL-G700 SACD Player arriving and so I will be playing with that for a little bit to see if I like it (I am pretty confident I will). My current Denon DVD Bluray Player which I was using has been acting up and I decided it was time for an upgrade.

But soon after, I think I want to try an amp. Not that I really need it, the Vincent satisfies but I am just curious to what an Amp can bring to the table in my system.

Thanks

Jay
jay73

Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 
@jay73 what is the issue with the amp section of your integrated. What improvement are you seeking?

The amps you have listed have really different sonic signatures.
yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 
@helomech This comment on the AHB2 and preamp is spot on. I tried the AHB2 with my RAAL SRIa headphones and it was too fatiguing with the Benchmark HPA4 preamp (which is great). 

When I put in the CODA 07x preamp with another Class D amp for the RAAL SR1a it sounded very good but there was a tiny bit of harshness. Based on my years with the AHB2 I thought the AHB2 would work with the CODA 07x because it really does not add much to the signal. I thought this even though the AHB2 sounded bad with a whole bunch of other combos I tried for the SR1a.

It turned out that the AHB2 + CODA 07x and RAAL SR1a is an excellent combo. No fatigue at all and all I am hearing is the preamp + DAC.

I owned the Parasound A23 at the same time as the AHB2 and the AHB2 was so much better on my KEF LS50's. 
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