The only thing Op is going to get at the price range is class D trash. You're only option outside of Aliexpress for a quality amp is to find a used Odyssey monoblock pair. I actually have a Yggdrasil and an Odyssey Stratos stereo amp. My Freya balanced output is just BARELY able to drive the Stratos' inputs due to the weakness of Odyssey amps, their low input impedance. This is probably why it never sounded good, but it could also because my Freya is messed up. Anyway. No matter how unimpressive the Schiit power amps are they're going to be automatically better than the class D junk people will push on you.
Amplifier suggestions please
Hi - I'm reworking a 2 channel system, had some very basic components and now trying to step up a bit. DAC is currently a Schiit Yggy, I'm on the waiting list for a Freya+ which means I'll be running balanced connections. Speakers are Philharmonic Audio 3's. I was using a pair of Emotiva XPA-1L monoblocks (differential/balanced) but want to upgrade. I could stay in the Schiit catalog and go with a pair of Vidar's but although there are no real bad reviews I feel like they don't quite get raved about like the Yggy does (and the Freya+ to some extent). I'd like to stay around $2K, definitely under $3K and I prefer new (I've had my fill with trying used). I know its asking a lot to find a pair of balanced monoblocks in this range so I'm not opposed to a stereo amp (XLR inputs). I could also be talked into canceling my Freya+ order and switching to a preamp from the amp builder if there is better synergy in that pairing. I've looked an Van Alstine and Odyssey, what else should I be looking at?
Thanks!
Thanks!