2. amps-preamps
  3. 1424662644

System assessment--should I change amps?

Hello all. I have been making some changes to my system (primarily the analog side) over the past year or so, after about 10 years without changing anything. System: VPI Scoutmaster TT (SDS, upgraded clamp), Soundsmith Paua cartridge, Transparent Reference Phono MM2 cables, Herron VTPH-2 phono stage, Musical Fidelity TriVista 21 DAC, Musical Fidelity 3.2 CDP, Transparent digital cable and music link Ultra interconnects, Musical Fidelity KW500 integrated amp. (with Transparent modified internal cabling), Transparent Reference MM2 speaker cables, and Wilson Audio Sophias. Also Transparent power conditioner and power cables.
Question: would anyone suggest another integrated amplifier that may be better suited to this system? I have always loved the kw500, but it is 10 years old. I like the sound of my system as it is a lot. I am not the type to change components frequently. And, I am not bent on spending money on a new integrated just for the sake of change. I do want to stick with integrated amps. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks!
arsh
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Arsh, it seems like there are ten new DACs coming out every month. IMHO, they depreciate like computers(i.e. fast!) more than other audio gear, so value percent of original price ties very much to age. Improvements in processors etc. keep bringing costs down (aka performance up).

My personal preference is to shy away from new or 1-product companies so that eliminates a boatload of good sounding but IMO riskier choices. That being said in more or less cost order my recommended DACs at various price points include:
Oppo 105 and Oppo 105D
Mytek
Bryston
PS Audio
Bricasti

Also, congrats on your Sashas; they are a huge improvement from the Sophias and the first Wilsons that I think I could be happy with. Cheers,
Spencer
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Spencer, thanks for your advice and suggestions. I will look into those. And, thanks for the congrats on the Sashas. I am looking forward to their arrival.
bostonbean
241 posts
 
Have you thought about tubes. Like an Audio Research integrated. Might go nice with your Sophia's.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,823 posts
 
So all is good now with the change to the Nuvista 800?
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Bostonbean and Mapman,

The NuVista does have tubes (Nuvistors). It's a hybrid tubed pre/solid state power amp. All was pretty good before, with my KW500 (also a hybrid but different tubes and technology)--but even better now with the NuVista. Still very dynamic and powerful, but lower noise, higher resolution, smoother overall , more refined top end and even better bass. And it is beautifully made, a pleasure to use. Should go nicely with the Sashas, and does great with my Sophias too.
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