2. amps-preamps
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Another

~

It's time to move up in my system. I'd appreciate some amp recommendations, as I haven't heard too many amps, and have little knowledge of some of the nuances involved in making a decision. Field testing amps is also difficult where I live.

My system is Magnepan 3.7 speakers; (2) Vandersteen 2wq subwoofers; Mojo Audio Mac Mini feeding a PS Audio Directstream DAC, straight to amp. No preamp. (Transparent ICs, Shunyata Triton, Anaconda PCs, DH Labs and Silnote SCs.) The current amp is a very fast and very powerful Class-D switching amp with tons of headroom.

The system is noiseless, clean, precise, detailed, neutral. The soundstage is huge, holographic, and immersive. Live recordings are the bomb. Sometimes it seems a bit sharp or harsh, but that's often the recording or the room. Overall, soft and sensuous, it ain't, but I can hear every note and breath.

I've heard some denigrate a different switching amp -- "I can hear the switching." This from a tube guy. I'd prefer not to get into any Class-X wars.

A local dealer is suggesting I look at Bryston, a classic match for Maggies, I'm sure, but he also suggests that the Bryston can be somewhat two-dimensional. His solution is a Levinson 532H, which he holds as more three-dimensional than Bryston.

Or, he has a demo Acoustic Research Ref150. Somehow, I doubt I'd like to go with tubes, due to the sonics, the expense, and the 'hassle' of dealing with tubes.

All of the prices mentioned are more than I'd like to spend, but I've gotta deal with that part of it.

So, I'd love to hear recommendations.

And... how does one audition amps when they live in an area of so few B&M audio stores?

~
rhanson739

Showing 2 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
If not, a big, juicy class A/B power amp like Pass could do it. A long time ago I had a pair of Magnapan Tympani three panel speakers and ran them with a BGW boat anchor of an amp and it never failed to satisfy.

Didn't that address it in an apropos manner?
I just wanted to keep your options open and go easy on the wallet.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I, too, am curious as to why you want to improve on something you already love.
Here's my feeble attempt to read between your lines: despite the pure, detailed,
pristine and holographic results of your endeavors, it can, at times, sound harsh.

Granted, it's due to the recording, but in the back of your mind you sense you're
getting too much of a good thing at the expense of something else, namely,
some soul or naturalness. Could it be you'd gladly sacrifice a small dose of
leading edge detail for a back end dose of body and heft?

Speaker cables would be my first recommendation as it'd be the cheaper and
easier route to take. Try the CableCo.com and use their lending program to see if
some other cable can do the trick.

If not, a big, juicy class A/B power amp like Pass could do it. A long time ago I
had a pair of Magnapan Tympani three panel speakers and ran them with a BGW
boat anchor of an amp and it never failed to satisfy.

Good luck and all the best,
Nonoise
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