2. amps-preamps
  3. 1340167577

What stereo amp sounds better than digital monos?

I want to replace a pair of Red Dragon digital mono blocks with an excellent SS stereo amp of approx 150 RMS.I have Acoustic Zen Adagios speakers

I am not interested in tube amps or tube rolling. Need input and/or recommnedations. I CANNOT afford $5000 ARC, Levinson, Krell or other super high end basic power amp. In the past, have considered Odyssey Stratos SE, McCormack DNA-1 upgraded to "REV B" or "REV A" level; also, the better Conrad Johnson SS power amps. Thank you.
sunnyjim

Showing 3 responses by danielk141

danielk141
489 posts
 
Sunnyjim,

I would suggest you try a Rowland Model 2.
I've had mine for 12 years. I can't seem to let it go.
It sounds that good. You should use a truly balanced preamp with it, like an Adcom GFP750 or a Pass X1.
danielk141
489 posts
 
Sunnyjim,

What I mean by truly balanced is a component that has balanced circuitry throughout the piece, like all later generation Rowland gear. An example of gear not truly balanced is the Adcom 5802 amp. It has balanced inputs, but they are just converted to single ended, after they enter the amp.
I own (5) Murano P1000 monoblocs, with the B&O module.
They are truly balanced...
danielk141
489 posts
 
Koiman,

The Adcom 5802 owners manual shows the following values for input impedance:
Unbalanced 105K ohms
Balanced 10K ohms

If the amp was truly balanced, the balanced value would be double the unbalanced value.
Since this is not the case, the amp just uses a converter
to transfer the balanced input to single ended after the signal enters the amp.
Other brands do this too, usually in their entry level pieces....
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