2. amps-preamps
  3. 155629-137500

Thoughts on choosing an amplifier

After much thinking, too much actually. I have narrowed my amplifier choices down to a Parasound a21+, a Benchmark AHB2, or two Schitt Aegirs. Presently, my modest system is a Pioneer PL 71 turntable with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge into a Schitt Mani into a NAD C 326BEE feeding Quad 12L Classic monitors. Time for an upgrade, eh? I though I would start with an amp and some more speakers. 

The plan is to remove the jumper on the NAD integrated and use the NAD as a preamp until I choose a preamp to go with the amp. For what it is worth, I am leaning towards a tube preamp - maybe a 6NS7. I also plan to buy a few modestly priced speakers, such as Magneplan LRS,  Zu Omen Dirty Weekend, Bowers & Wilkins 603, GoldenEar Triton Five, KEF LS50, or Warfedale Linton, rather than one more expensive speaker. I like the idea of swapping out speakers for fun, type of music, etc. So I am looking for an amplifier that pairs well with many different types of speakers designs.  Which one of the three amplifiers would you choose?

From reading the forums, people often ask the poster what type of music they like to listen to. My music tastes run from Americana to jazz to opera to classic rock to ambient electronic; mostly Americana and jazz tho.

Thank you in advance for your collective advice. It is very much appreciated.
Cheers,
BigMusic - First time poster
bigmusic
paullyrockets's avatar
paullyrockets
31 posts
 
Consider a pair of M700 Monoblock’s from PS Audio..
Better reviewed and cheaper than the Benchmark and listed as a ’A’ Component by Stereophile in the most recent issue..
I run them with a Schiit Freya and XLR connections..

buellrider97
386 posts
 
Zu and Maggie’s ! Wow that’s a stretch . I’m in the Zu camp . First Watt for SS, Had Inspire for tube are both great . I run a Schiit Yiggy and a restored and modded Thorens . But your locked into the low power world . Wanna cover all those speakers you listed , try Bryston ( over your budget ). Talk to AGON member “ rvpiano “. He has the Benchmark , Tritons , a recapped Conrad Johnson tube pre . Runs a TT and Schiit Gumby . We both love NOS Telefunkens in our pre amps . Both of our systems have a wide soundstage and crystal clear imaging . But he’s at 100wpc and I’m at 12 WPC . My system has its limitations. I suggest you PM him and chat . He’s very pleasant to talk with . Also I’m classic rock and he’s classical . If I can be of any help , feel free to PM me . Regards , Mike B. 
bigmusic OP
5 posts
 
Once again great suggestions. I may reach out to a couple of you if that is okay.

Thank you so much,
BigMusic
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
The type of music is irrelevant as any good system simply doesn't care what it's playing. Note that with most very efficient speakers (ZU, Tekton, Klipsch, etc.) you can free up the amp portion of your quest because  efficient speakers can utilize generally ANY amp from 5 watts to 500. I use a 12wpc (more or less depending on power tubes) single ended tube power amp that sounds astonishingly good with 99db efficient Klipsch Heresy III speakers. You can pour a lot more power into the mix of course, but you'd have to listen from another room to protect your hearing, or only turn the level up to one. Maybe two...not three...unless drinking and dancing are involved.
yyzsantabarbara
4,793 posts
 
I just bought the AHB2 for the second time. I want to try the 

BENCHMARK SPEAKER CABLE - NL2 TO BANANA - 2 POLE

https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-speaker-cable-nl2-to-banana-2-pole?variant=16562684423

I know a few people have tried them moved on. I you are one of these folks and have a spare set lying around (6 feet), put an Ad on A'gon and I will buy it.

They are sold out on Benchmark web site.
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