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!
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!
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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. 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. |
I suspect your existing amp is enough, but you need to KNOW if that is true. the question is: these speakers, this location, at my listening level, for content with dynamics, Will I benefit from more power? btw, maximum component depth is _____? I suggest you find something twice as powerful as existing that you can return, buy/listen/answer the question. once you know the answer, keep/return what you used to get the answer btw, I chose Furman Power Conditioner P-1800 PF R because it's capacitors store/deliver 45 amp peaks for the 'power in' side of those dynamic needs. https://furmanpower.com/products/p-1800-pfr I paid far less when an open box popped up for sale years ago |
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