2. amps-preamps
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Upgrade Nakamichi PA 7All power amp with mono blocks

Current System:

Acoustat 1+1 speakers

Rythmik pair F12SE subwoofers

SPL Crossover (German Brand.  This separates the signal and reduces the demand on the Acoustats.  It helps bring out the mids and highs on the 1+1's

NAD C165BEE pre amplifier (plan to upgrade long term)

Technics SL-1500 C with AT 540ML cartridge in a RigB housing (think AT740ML+)

Marantz 8003 SACD (essentially retired with all CD's on digital card)

Eversolo DMP A6 streamer (occasionally use the DAC, but find it is too bright for extended listening

Schitt Bifrost 2/64 R2R DAC

Nakamichi PA 7All Power Amp (Nelson Pass Stasis design)

I am currently considering replacing the PA 7All with mono blocks, but am also willing to consider a  higher end stereo power amp.  I am looking for improved stage and instrument separation (already very good.  just want more).  I stream Amazon HD (60%), use the digital card for CD material (20%), and vinyl (20%).

These are the power amps I am currently considering:

PS Audio M 700 Mono Blocks ($3498 for pair)

Schitt Audio Tyr ($3198 for pair)

Buckeye Amps ($1550 for pair).  Worried about missing the low level Class A sound (70% of listening is done at low to mid level with 80% primarily background sound).

I would love to test these at home, but with a bad back and restocking fees I am inclined not too.  Once I get a new unit I will A/B it with the PA 7All to confirm it is an improvement.  Trying to minimize bringing too many units into the home.

I would love to hear the community's thoughts on these and potential other units to consider.  I am willing to try used, but it needs to be essentially a lock.  (I purchased the Acoustats and Nakamichi used.  Everything else was purchased new).

 

Thanks, Ralph

thriftyaudio

Showing 4 responses by thriftyaudio

thriftyaudio OP
19 posts
 

@ellajeanelle thank you for your thoughts.  PS Audio sounds like a  decent upgrade for me.  I am also interested in their Stellar Gold pre-amp.  Have you used the Tyr mono blocks, or is your concern with other items in their portfolio.  I found the Bifrost 2/64 compared favorably with more expensive DACs.  That is my only experience with their equipment though.  I was not impressed with the Schitt pre-amp reviews.

@decooney funny you should mention the Elector.  It is on my short list for pre-amps along with the PS Audio Stellar Gold.  I will think about it.  My Crossover came from London (a real hassle, but worth it in the end).  I believe HiFi Heaven stocks the Elector here in the states.  I purchased my turntable and cartridge from them.  They are great.

thriftyaudio OP
19 posts
 

@decooney thanks for the offer.  My unit was refurbished two years ago.

thriftyaudio OP
19 posts
 

@ellajeanelle ​​@decooney I have decided to explore upgrading the pre-amp first.  Too many people have said the PA-7AII may be the strong point in the system and that the NAD may be the weak link.  I am focusing on the SPL Elector and the PS Audio Stellar Gold.  Others may get in the mix, but for now these are my focus.  Thank to both of you for your suggestions.

thriftyaudio OP
19 posts
 

@decooney 

We seem to have similar taste.

I am picking up a used Benchmark LA4 preamp this weekend.  I leveraged the purchase to also pick up a pair of PS Audio M700 power amps used.  I suspect the LA4 will be my long-term preamp, but I will do some a/b testing with the NAD just to comfirm.  I have some interested parties in the NAD so it will be easy to sell.

I will also do some a/b testing with the M700s with both preamps just because the equipment will be here.  I expect I will leverage them into something else, but if I love them then I will leverage the Nak into something else.

My streamer/DAC journey was a mess.  I started out with a Cambridge CXN v2.  The sound was just OK and the app was not user friendly.  Never could get it to work consistently.  I returned it to the dealer and tried the Node N130.  The app was a little better and the sound was about the same.  I upgraded the N130 with a PD Creative SMPSU in a LPSU interface.  The sound improved dramatically.  Really loved it.  While this was happening I ordered an Eversolo DMP A6 based on all the great reviews.  By the time it arrived the upgraded Node was working great.  I was going to return it, but decided to go ahead and do an a/b test.  Turns out the streamer portion of the Eversolo worked better than than the Node.  Additionally, the app was amazing (still is).  The DAC portion was a bit shrilly, but it had very good stage and instrument separation relative to the Node.  I kept the DMP A6 and moved the Node to a secondary system.  The Node is still very good.

I listened to a friends Lumin D2 and liked it, but didn't love it.  The sound was great but the app was not as user friendly as the Eversolo.  It was also too expensive for me at the time.  My friend suggested the Bifrost 2/64.  He had one on his 2nd system and said the DAC was the equivalent of the D2.  I listened in his system and liked it so I ordered one.  I was prepared to return it if I was not blown away in my system.  I was.  It was a huge improvement over the DMP A6.  

So, what did you try in terms of DACs and where did you end up?  Did you try the Schiit Yggdrasil LIM or MIL?  Any suggestions for the future?  Did your try different streamers too?

 

 

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