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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
ericrhodes1's avatar
ericrhodes1
253 posts
 

Don’t put Benchmark on the Magico’s. As someone mentioned earlier, Hegel might do the trick. 

dokosan OP
92 posts
 

Thank you for the input, gentlemen.  

- Consensus is to cross off the Benchmark, very helpful  Will look more closely at the other suggestions.  Also going to see if might be able to squeeze in a bigger Simaudios (860A v2 or newer 761)  as console is 2 inches from wall - can drill the console but making bend with SC/PC very tight. 

- There could be setup/room issues but can't move the speakers out further into the room, which was one of the reasons to go with the sealed box speaker.  My understanding is that nearfield listening position should negate a lot of the room interactions but open to guidance.

 

 

 

 

ericba's avatar
ericba
148 posts
 

I had the Simaudio Moon 390 and just replaced it with the 791. I had it paired with a Pass Labs xa25.  Also have the Cardas Clear Rev. 1 interconnect. Quite a combination that I do not intend to change my Pass anytime soon. I had auditioned the moon 330 before opting for the Pass. There is a world of difference. The xa25 is a gem for the price. You can check all the reviews. The Coda 8 is another very good option. I do not recommend to buy the discontinued Simaudio lines at this point. Good luck and keep us posted.

whart's avatar
whart
3,369 posts
 

I won’t offer suggestions on gear though I have heard Magicos with various amplification; instead, I raise a question: You indicate that your sole source is streaming. My experience with streaming sites is that the masterings are of questionable and uncertain origin. I have found significant differences in sound quality among different "cuts" of vinyl LPs and different hi-res downloads. To the point where there is a large qualititative difference. And I wonder, to what extent is your source material "thin gruel"? 

soix
11,231 posts
 

For the life of me I don’t know why I didn’t think of Coda but agree with others that could be a great choice, and the 8 would satisfy your size requirements as well.  There’s a nice one available used now at the low end of your budget range…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650276608-coda-8-v1-with-meters-highly-regarded-high-bias-class-aab-beast-outstanding-value/

Best of luck in your search. 

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