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 1 response by mrdecibel

The things you are looking for in a sound system, such as a wide soundstage, great 3 D imaging, airy voices, and great details with smooth yet realistic sounds, has more to do with the speakers, the set up between the speakers and your listening seat, and room acoustics. Amplifiers do have a sound of their own, but we all have our own ideas of what " realistic " is. The amp, ime, should be matched to the speakers, and I would think, at this point, get something inexpensive ( used ) to work with, and take time setting up the room as I stated. A Hafler or Adcom amp can be had for very little, are both good products, and will get you enough from an amplifier, to hear your system, and work with the tuning and tweaking, to your liking. You might find, you do not like your speakers, as you have already sent a pair back. Listen to what I am saying....and I am not saying anyone else is wrong, but as you are a newbie, I believe I am right. Happy Holidays to all, and, Enjoy ! MrD.