SS Amp Upgrade Thoughts (from Simaudio) with Magicos


Current System: Simaudio 330a amp, Simaudio 390 Pre/DAC/Streamer, Magico A3 speakers, Cardas Clear XLR, SC, Clear Beyond PCs.  Streaming only (Tidal, Apple Airplay and TV).  AI indicates amp is weakest part of chain.

Listening: Apartment, nearfield listening (6-8 feet), volume 50-75 decibels so not too loud, Rock, Alternative, Electronic Dance Music and TV running through it (2 channel only).   

Placement Constraints: Speakers about 18 inches from wall and can’t go any further.  Electronics in a console (open when using for ventilation) and depth is 18 inches but allowing for connections, amp depth would need to be less.  The current amp is about 14-15 deep.   The wife/designer approved console needs to stay.

Goals:  Current system is very good, detailed and wide soundstage (depth limited with close to wall speaker placement), voices sound natural.  Thinking that might be able to get more out of the Magicos?.  Interested in thoughts on stepping up to the next level within existing constraints (budget range $5-8k, used works).   Solid State only.  If the view is that minimal improvement would be achieved within constraints and relatively low volume levels, open to that as well.

Some Potentials: Benchmark AHB2, Coda S5.5 or 8, reconfigure to Boulder 866 with DAC and get relatively inexpensive streamer.  This list is based on internet research and have not heard these.  Others? Was interest in the higher level Simaudio Amps but they are unfortunately too deep to work. 

Would appreciate other members views on this. Tbanks!

dokosan

@soix  Not being that experienced, I find this a challenging question but will give it a shot.  Perhaps a bit more slam, transient speed. While the base is tight and precise, could possibly be a bit fuller.  (No room to have a sub.)

Well, you’ve got a bit of a tough combo here.  Your speakers are a sealed design that offer quick, tight bass, which is probably what you’re hearing and to get more you likely need a bigger, beefier amp that may exceed your depth limitations.  I would’ve recommended something like a used Plinius SA103 Class A amp, but alas it’s 18” deep so likely won’t work.  Another potential option would be to buy this McCormack DNA-1 and have it sent directly to SMcAudio for full upgrades and for under $4k total you’d have one helluva amp, and these amps tend to have a fuller, meatier sounding bass and mids that may work well for what you’re looking for and at 15” deep should fit in your cabinet.  Just one option to ponder FWIW, and best of luck.

https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/mccormack-audio-power-drive-dna-1-power-amplifier/

I personally like Simaudio equipment a lot. Have you heard any of the First Watt SIT amplifiers? They have a very high slew rate which translates into very fast transient response. I would think that a new SIT-5 model would have more than enough power for your listening level. They will deliver enough current to make those Magico's really sing.  If you have enough real estate for a pair of these amplifiers, you should give them a try. You might be able to find them used if you are patient. Very quiet and will not give you any listening fatigue, ever!

Coda No.8 would be a good fit. It can be configured as 3 different versions. Even the V1 with most Class A power should be a good match. Coda is a very transparent and clear sounding amp with excellent resolution. Very fast and articulate bass. Not particularly warm which is why I think it will give you what you’re looking for. 
Boulder 866 is an excellent integrated amp. Its sound signature is more refined than the Coda. You will get enough power with the 866 and it sounds great at low volume matched with the right speakers. Purely from the performance standpoint I’m pretty confident it’s a nice improvement over your simaudio combo. You don’t need a separate streamer fir the 866 with a built in DAC. Get a Roon subscription and set up a computer with roon core or pick up a Roon Nucleus One. You’re all set. 

Another option is to go up the Simaudio line. But you would need to replace both the 330a (I disagree with it being the weakest link..it’s a nice amp may be not a perfect match for a current hungry A3 but I think it’s on the border). 

I have owned the Benchmark AHB2 and Coda # 8. I took the AHB2 to a dealer and hooked it up to the Magico A3. Terrible, not enough power.

The CODA #8 will work well as would the cheaper Schiit Wotan. However, let me suggest an amp that I like better than the #8 and the Wotan. It is a 20-year-old CODA #11. I see an expensive one on eBay. I paid $2457 with shipping last month for mine.

With my new Imsersiv D-1 DAC, which is a firehose of sound, the #11 was preferred a tiny bit more than the CODA #16 amp on my Livingroom Yamaha NS5000 speakers.

I moved my #16 amp to the office where I have a used $1000 Magnepan Mini speaker. I cannot believe how good the #16 is on the Maggies. Again, I use the Imersiv D-1 DAC on the office. A crazy price differential with the DAC and amp compared to the speaker but there is a ton of magic happening.

The #11 and #16 are my end game amps and both would be great with the Magico A3.