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Beginner Audiophile. How to chose a right amp? Recommendation for my setup?

Hi

I am new to the world of audio and looking for an enjoyable stereo setup for myself.

I have chosen my next set of speakers, DAC, and a streamer, but can’t quite choose a power amp.

You don’t have to read this -->> "How do you pick a right amp for yourself? Do you consider Damping Factor? Do you match Tube DAC + Tube Amp? or Do you match Solid State + Tube Amp? for what reason? What sound do Soild State DAC/Amp + Tube DAC/Amp combos make? Are there characteristics in Amps? like in DACs? if so, what are they?"

Literally, there are just too many questions I want to ask. But, for now, I just want to listen to what you want to say, whatever is in your mind or any advise you would like to give as more experienced audiophiles when you pick a power amp.

I seek for the right components, ideal setups and match because I learned something from my very first set of audio gears I bought for this thanksgiving that I unfortunately returned a few days ago. The sound quality from Sonos Amp was hard to endure! The SVS Ultra bookshelf was great, but not quite so when it dealt with high notes.

So, I did my research this time and found my next set of audio gears.

1. Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speaker
2. MHDT Lab Orchid DAC
3. MiniDSP SHD Ultra streamer

What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

But, I don’t have a clue how to choose a right power amp.

I can just pick a internet recommended under $ 1K power amp and be done with it. Maybe I can still be okay. But, I don’t want to just buy something without knowing anything to go through a return process again. I’d rather at least learn some basics before buying a music component, even if I end up returning something. Because I know now that I can be pretty picky on stereo sounds.

So...

Please comment anything you want to add.

Recommend me some used/new power amps + deals (under 1K ish), if you have anything in mind.

Direct me to the right direction.

Thanks.

K





yggy1
dorkwad
535 posts
 
K,

I didn't mention that the Ref 9 amps we're last $5200 for the pair when they were in production.   That's the BIG reason many of us buy used.
Also, they put out 175 watts/ channel at 8 ohms.  They will drive most any speaker out there except electrostatics.

Bob
yggy1 OP
78 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate adding great amps on my option! Will check on that monoblock Ref 9!!
docj414's avatar
docj414
8 posts
 
Get a good warranty on the amp. If you buy new you should  get at least 5 year warranty. Bryson Amps.
bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
66 posts
 
There is no 1000$ amplifier on the market that can produce "wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds". Smooth and realistic sound starts with 3000-5000$ mark amplifiers. Save your time and money, buy decent audiophile high-end amplifier immediately. Othervise you'll make 5-10 upgrades before settling down with something that actually pleases you. At the end, your journey will cost you much more than initial cost of high end amplifier.
dorkwad
535 posts
 
I agree with twodolphins, IF you're buying new.  However, if you're buying used, you can do it and get all those things he mentions along with killer bass.   I also, agree with him about buy once for quality and sound, and don't have to go through the hassle of buying and selling over and over u until you get lucky.

Read reviews online along with the Audiogon Forum about amps you might be interested in to get the strengths and weaknesses of different amps.  I did all that and then found a seller with the Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps.  We agreed on a price and I loved the sound--it was a very good upgrade from the previous Bryston 8B and Edge M6 amps I had before--both bought used, one for $1500, the other for $800.  The cheaper buy of the Edge sounded better than the Bryston.  Both those amps were $3000 amps when new.  Soundwise, the Nuforce was much more detailed, transparent, dynamic, and still very musical.  That's the reason I had Bob Smith at TDSS do the upgrades to it.  He said the amps would be MUCH better in all ways as part of the upgrades was beefing up the power supplies.  I could have lived with the standard Nuforce amps for along time, too, but after the upgrades, I know they will be my last amps.  
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