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Beginner Audiophile. How to chose a right amp? Recommendation for my setup?

Hi

I am new to the world of audio and looking for an enjoyable stereo setup for myself.

I have chosen my next set of speakers, DAC, and a streamer, but can’t quite choose a power amp.

You don’t have to read this -->> "How do you pick a right amp for yourself? Do you consider Damping Factor? Do you match Tube DAC + Tube Amp? or Do you match Solid State + Tube Amp? for what reason? What sound do Soild State DAC/Amp + Tube DAC/Amp combos make? Are there characteristics in Amps? like in DACs? if so, what are they?"

Literally, there are just too many questions I want to ask. But, for now, I just want to listen to what you want to say, whatever is in your mind or any advise you would like to give as more experienced audiophiles when you pick a power amp.

I seek for the right components, ideal setups and match because I learned something from my very first set of audio gears I bought for this thanksgiving that I unfortunately returned a few days ago. The sound quality from Sonos Amp was hard to endure! The SVS Ultra bookshelf was great, but not quite so when it dealt with high notes.

So, I did my research this time and found my next set of audio gears.

1. Monitor Audio Gold 100 5G speaker
2. MHDT Lab Orchid DAC
3. MiniDSP SHD Ultra streamer

What I focused on during the research was to pick gears that can produce wide sound stage, great 3d imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds.

But, I don’t have a clue how to choose a right power amp.

I can just pick a internet recommended under $ 1K power amp and be done with it. Maybe I can still be okay. But, I don’t want to just buy something without knowing anything to go through a return process again. I’d rather at least learn some basics before buying a music component, even if I end up returning something. Because I know now that I can be pretty picky on stereo sounds.

So...

Please comment anything you want to add.

Recommend me some used/new power amps + deals (under 1K ish), if you have anything in mind.

Direct me to the right direction.

Thanks.

K





yggy1

Showing 4 responses by mesch

mesch
3,403 posts
 
One review where lab tests were run, found the sensitivity of the Gold 100s to be 84.5. This is on the low side. 

What is the size of your room and how far is listening position from speakers?

Are you looking for a power amp or an integrated amp? 
mesch
3,403 posts
 
As a followup, the review is from HiFiNews. They also indicate in the Lab report that the impedance drops to 2.7 ohms at 3.5KHz and is at 32 ohms at 33HZ, quite a swing over the frequency range.  The phase angle runs from -64 degrees at 2.4 KHZ to 52 degrees at 24Hz. 

Though the low impedance does not fall at the low frequencies, I would not consider this speaker to be easy to drive. 

I provide this not to confuse but in hopes that it will better help others to advise. 
mesch
3,403 posts
 
I don't believe the Orchid DAC has volume control so you would be best off with a integrated amplifier. Based on your latest thread, you have ~$3500 you are willing to invest in Amp, DAC, and streamer. The Orchid retails about $1100, and is a very good DAC at that price point I believe.  I am not familiar with the streamer you have selected however many are using the Bluesound Node (several threads here on this component) which sells for $500. This then places your budget at ~$2000 for an integrated amplifier. Provided you choose one that is objectively (electrical) and subjectively (your tastes) compatible with your speakers you should have a system that pleases you in reference to the system mentioned in the other thread. 
mesch
3,403 posts
 
George, that was my thinking though I wasn't nearly so succinct. One positive is that these figures are not in the bass region.
Also the system is to be placed in a small room.

I do like the Vincent amps at the OPs budget. The SV-237MK is rated at 150wpc at 8 and 300 at 4ohms.
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