recommendation of amps
Just looking for a little guidance. Starting to look for an AMP. Most likely solid state. I listen to R&R only, high 80's low 90's Room 13x14 bathroom to one side hallway to another, normal furnishings, wood floors. Speakers, Fritz carbon 7se bookshelf, SVS SB3000 Sub, Currently Peachtree amp 500 running system (not Bad) Benchmark Dac 3B and LA-4 Benchmark Line Amp, Audiolab 6000 CD Transport, Everything Balanced, with the exception of the Transport. Stream Qobuz also. System sounds really good. Just looking for a TOP SHELF AMP. Budget maybe 6-7 k new or used, (Less preferred) Prefer new with warranty??? Have a ATI AMP 6002 in main system, in another room, much bigger room, and kicks ass, in every regard. Would like something different (maybe) Current set up feels a little neutral, and analytical, maybe looking for something a little warmer. Have been looking at a used Pass Labs 250.8 for example Maybe a little overkill though? Always a little nervous over tubes (scared even) Afraid of NOT ENOUGH JUICE to listen at my levels. Very open to your suggestions. Thanks as always Robert TN
@robshaw Sanders sells used Magtechs for $4k with 1-year warranty. I got the amp from him to use with the LA4 preamp and Magnepan LRS+ speakers. Sanders even gave me a 30-day home trial period. I told him I was keeping the amp after 2 days. It is a great amp with my LRS+. Only issue for me with the Sanders is that it does not have a Stand By power switch. I have 2 amps connected to my LA4 and this means I need to hard switch off the Sanders when I use my headphone amp, a Schitt Aegir. |
Thank you all so much for your suggestions. ALL very good. Its been awhile, here is what has transpired. I decided to Move the ATI 6002 Amp into my smaller stereo room, (As I like it that much,so do the Fritz Carbons) and sounds great. As my main listening area, has higher end equipment and much better acoustics, I chose, via a GREAT DEAL a Pass X250.8 AMP. (which I'm still paying on) Have it running all Class A (efficient speakers) and sounds GREAT, still breaking in! Now (have to wait a while MONEY, or lack of) looking for a DAC that will considerably best my Benchmark DAC 3B Like it a lot, just looking to jump up a level or two. 4 or 5K new or used. My wife thinks I'm nuts, probably right. Thanks all as usual. Robert TN |
I may just keep the benchmark, as it is very good. I had the benchmark in my main system earlier, and felt it was lacking (maybe in clarity, and depth,voice) I replaced it with a great deal (meitner MA1 V2 DAC) The Meitner seems to punch ahead ( In my opinion) with what I felt the Benchmark was lacking. More accurate and more revealing in those areas. My wife wholeheartedly agreed! You didn't have to listen with a microscope to hear the difference, is was quite apparent. Hopefully, that describes what I was hearing or not. Robert Ps My wife really likes the benchmark DAC, But, as I said earlier she noticed the Meitner superiority. I think after The pass amp and Meitner DAC purchase, and this being a smaller, less dedicated room, she feels it's good enough, and don't spend anymore money? |
