If you like tube sound but think SETs are likely to be under powered for your speakers I think you should add Firstwatt to your list. These Pass designed solid state amps have a tubey sound but 20-25 watts of class A per channel. I have several SETs and a Dynaco ST-35 (which is also worth considering at 17 w/ch) and I still often revert to my two Firstwatt amps just because they sound so good. Nelson has encouraged DIY by making several Firstwatt designs available as kits. Don't overlook these as an economical alternative either as the kit or used and built by someone else. Happy hunting!
Narrowing down choices in a power amp
Hello all,
I am looking for advice / specific models on a power amp for my existing system.
At this time, Baetis Music Server, AES/USB into T+A DAC 8, feeding into Mark Levinson 326S, feeding a ML 532H, into B&W 802 D2. Turntable is barely ever used.
The ML 532H is making occasional popping sound from 1 channel and then drops out. It owes me very little, I have used it for about 10 years, daily, for a few hours a day. Largish room, low volume listening, mostly blues, pop, rock.
Quality of sound is way more important than volume, I can likely live with a few watts of Class A power.
Per a previous post, it seems like some initial Class A is a really good goal.
Pass Labs and their dealer has recommended at a minimum a X250.8, with minimum 14 wpc Class A. The XA60.8 is not recommended.
Classe Delta Monoblocks have 35 wpc Class A, and get great reviews. Likely some development with my speakers in mind.
Classe Delta Stereo had 12 wpc Class A. Also get great reviews.
Benchmark AHB2 is sort of Class A, no one seems to talk about how musical / engaging / sound stage.
McIntosh MC462 has great reviews, no Class A, I don't need 450 wpc anyways.
Luxman M10X has 12 wpc Class A, seems like a very happy following, I am intrigued. More power than I need but, hey.
Simaudio Moon 400M, 10 wpc Class A, can't find any in depth reviews.
Mark Levinson 536 monoblocks, no Class A, great reviews and I have a ML preamp.
Hegel H30A, hi bias AB amp, great reviews, not Class A.
I am sure there are other brands. Being 3 hours away from the closest stereo shop, with snow covered roads, not helping getting out.
So, my research, and it all comes down to not being able to get out to audition, likely until health and roads are better.
Musicality, engagement, sound quality are way more important than sheer volume.
Thoughts?
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My first thought... not looking at your list was a Pass XA60.8. Sounds like the perfect solution. Musical and powerful. They would be a revelation to your system. So, I’m pretty surprised at your dealer. A second choice... one that would be much less musical would be the Pass X250.8... the X series has been getting better at rhythm and pace. I recommend throwing the chains in the back and auditioning these two amps. Other good amps are Hegel. I would not recommend Luxman, MacIntosh, or Benchmark, Levenson, or Moon. They do not have house sound you are looking for. |
The ML 532H is a nice amp. In my opinion, that amp is worth repairing even if you decide to swap it out. Find a local shop to check it out. It looks easy to work on. Measurements from the Stereophile review look great - at 8 ohm, 4 ohm, & 2 ohm. Be careful that you do not hurt your speakers before you repair it. Note: Check for DC offset at idle. |
Vinnie Rossi Brama Stereo Amplifier Gen1https://almaaudio.com/collections/pre-owned-demo/products/vinnie-rossi-brama-stereo-amplifier Or contact Mr. Rossi directly via his web site |
- 65 posts total