Class D ICEpower 1200as2 vs. Purifi 1ET7040SA amplifiers

@dbt Re the X5's, they were really excellent in many ways, but 1) the imposing size of the speakers was an issue (ruled out Maggies for the same reason); 2) the sweet spot was really small, like head in vise small; 3) horizontal dispersion of HF was pretty good, but vertical was like none. Stand up and the character changed a lot. My system is in an open space that incorporates kitchen, dining, and living areas. I often listen while cooking, reading, cleaning, etc., so the X5's didn't fit in well. The Fynes with their concentric drivers are ideal for this kind of space and style of listening. 

@markmuse Interesting….  I had a different experience as I prefer to sit down and listen to my system, so I never considered how the X5s sounded outside of my listening position.  Now, I did try several positions with them and found that they had a large center stage when the AMT tweeter was positioned about 1 to 2 feet outside of my shoulders.  That waveguide used for the AMT tweeter gives a nice wide dispersement and they were supposedly known for giving a wider center stage over a Martin Logan electrostatic speaker, as an example.  So, several X series owners on the Spatial Audio (Audio Circle) forum tried that towed out positioning with success.  My issue was with the thin midbass, lack of bass and the top end was in my face on certain tunes.  The subwoofer would start clipping on some bass heavy tunes, but the fully passive models, M and X series had better bass over the hybrid X5 IMO.  Again, I preferred the Pure Audio Project this time around as that Coax 10 midrange driver has been praised for delivering beautiful midrange and that’s where the music lives in just about every music genre!

I’m glad the Fyne speakers are working for you.

Thanks!

@dbt 

AGD certainly gets high praise consistently. I believe the Tempos are around $5k and at that price point another GaN amp that gets high praise is Atma-Sphere class D. You can search comments in this forum about how owners of Ralph's tube amps have switched to his class D. It's also a stereo chassis, larger than Tempos I think. I haven't owned (nor heard) Atma-Sphere equipment but Ralph (who is active in this forum) is certainly knowledgeable and gets good comments on customer assistance (two traits you noted are valuable to you). Worth looking into, I think.

@markmuse 

Could you please elaborate on the differences in sound between the Tempos and LSA Voyager? It's clear the Tempos are better overall, in line with the price differential, but I'm wondering if the differences you noted were centered around bass, midrange, treble or other.

@dbt 

The horn loaded HF driver in the X5 is really good, just the vertical dispersion issues. The Pure Audio speakers look interesting. Bet the dispersion is excellent with the mid/HF concentric driver you got with a larger sweet spot. 

One thing I should mention is the Pass XA25 with the X5 was truly magical.

And I second the Atma-Sphere GaN monos. Definitely worth an audition. I did audition them (twice!), and I might still revisit that decision. 

@lewinskih01 

First, the LSA was way too much power for my situation. It is a bit warmer than the AGDs, a little less detailed and refined throughout the range, less transparent. But still a very good amp in my estimation, especially given the price. 

@lewinskih01 Yes, a speaker manufacturer did recommend Atmasphere class D amps sometime ago.  I’ve had PS Audio M700 monos, S300 in a second system, Prima Luna EVO 400 preamp and amp combo, then moved on to the Luxman L-509x integrated.  I sold all of them and using a HEGEL H160 integrated from my second system until I decide on another amp.

@markmuse I do believe the PAP 10” coax driver will be the ticket, so I’m looking forward to hearing them.  So, you are still contemplating pursuing the Atmasphere monos to possibly replace your AGD amps?  If so, what do you feel the Atmasphere does better?

Thanks