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.
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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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. 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.
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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! |
"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.)" I have the A3's powered by Hegel H20, only have heard them with a Conrad Johnson MF2250 and a McCormick amp forget the model and picked the Hegel. Given your slam + transient speed goals I'll throw out the a Swiss Digital fuse box with the graphene sluggo on your current amp. Cost around $500 they have a money back guarantee. You could put that earmarked money somewhere else in the chain. Just mudding the waters with alternate paths. |
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