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

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

Before changing any equipment I suggest you try using some EQ adjustments.  You want more fullness and slam, but you listen at low volume.  The Fletcher/Munson curves show how this could be heard as a lack of fullness.  Older equipment used to have a "loudness control" to counteract this.  EQ can simulate a loudness control and it may solve your problems without changing equipment.

Take a look at Odyssey amplifiers.  I replaced a highly-regarded tube stereo amp with Odyssey mono-bloc amps, and the impact was astounding—superb imaging, sound stage, and instrument and voice tonal qualities.  I have the Kismet amps in the less expensive cases.  Odyssey also makes stereo amps.

Sorry, I wasn’t paying enough attention,

you listen lower than I realized 50-75db, and I see your existing amp is more power than I guessed simply because you asked the question. existing 125 wpc/8 ohms; 250 wpc 4 ohms, speakers 88 db, btw the existing amp’s specs say it is only 14" deep. 

@onhwy61 is probably correct that you need some bass boost at those low listening levels, with ANY AMP, as it is our/your/everyone’s ears that do not hear linearly at low volumes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-loudness_contour

............................................

This Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller adds remote control, and can solve low volume listening with it’s built-in automatic and progressive bass boost as you lower it’s volume below it’s default level. no bass adjustment as you raise your volume. You need the remote, no controls exist on the unit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116746487231?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=15eba7a8-de88-11f0-8ced-353039373734

I have used them in all my systems for many years, primarily remote power on/volume/balance/mute, either directly or thru a tape loop which is how I know that nobody can tell if it is in or out of the system, it simply does it’s job undetected.

 

 

I  think you have a nice set up already, but shopping sure is fun!  I also recommend the Coda amps, but would not consider the Benchmarks and upgrade at all.  Moving up the Moon line would surely be an upgrade if it would fit.  (come on honey, its only a few inches' :).  Audionet Max amps would be a big upgrade, maybe finding a spot down low or on the floor next to the rack.  Used they are a huge value.  Good Luck!