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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
128x128jay73
speakermaster
738 posts
 
If you go with an amp you need to go with a preamp also because you may have some strange impedance mismatches that might not sound too good.
jimob
85 posts
 
Best value for a true high end amp,preamp  Coda #8 amplifier, 07 preamp.
go to stereo times  see the Excellent review on their excellent CSIB integrated amplifier melds true separates into one seamless system.
socalml528's avatar
socalml528
121 posts
 
"Porsche; there is no substitute"

Same could be said for McIntosh...
headphonedreams
523 posts
 
+1 @speakermasterI think you should get a preamp also. Or an integrated. Those exists in prices up to $30k or so.

And I think you should ask this question in the amp section. You will probably get a lot of answers.

I like the Schiit Ragnarok. If your speakers aren't very inefficient this may be a great upgrade for you. Or get two Vidar and a Freya+.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,336 posts
 
"...."Pro amps" meant for sound reinforcement systems. Quality home audio, they are not."

*sigh* A life spent going to concerts and live performances to be told I was enjoying cr*p..... :(

Thanks for that....I guess some of the ’pro audio’ stuff I apply is tasteless trash, although to my deluded ears and mind it seems to work rather well.
Esp. with the ridiculous collection of speakers that please me with their ’reinforcement’ in my space....well, spaces, but that’s another rant for another forum on another day...

All the posts that conclude with "...listen to what pleases your ears, your mind..." were also conclusions of the un’woke’.....

Delusions of Illusions....

I’m surprised MC hasn’t weighed in on this thread yet.....perhaps he’s enjoying his particular collection of delusion illusion devices. ;)

All the posts about all the ’differences’ between amps, pre-amps, DACs’, speakers, cables....how they ’synergize’ differently...

Note I’ve avoided including turntables, carts, A, A/B, D, CD, streaming, streamcasters....

Or....Analog or Digital.

Or...where you have and what it may or may not have effecting what you’re listen to.....

I guess that one ’philes near-Nirvana is another’s’ Hades, even if undetected as such....*big sigh*

I guess I’ll just have to go on listening to it...deluded by my illusions. ;)

@socalml528...Lotus. You’re welcome.

I’ll take a Toyota engine with just a ’tweaked’ chip over one that has spark plugs that can make one gasp at the $ required to make it run proper.

...but I’m just....delusional....*smirk*
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