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?
HVAC - A Tale of Two Cities: Here in the 'deep south' everyone's AC runs more than have of the year (ours is set at a moderate 74F). Many summer nights are in the 80s, even 90s, so many homes are equipped with two large HVAC heat-pumps. We have only one. My listening/living room is approximately 26' x 17' x 16'high (peaked roof). Even with a SS Amp, my stereo noticeably shortens the HAVC on/off cycle. Your millage may very... |
You might consider Odyssey amps, either stereo or monoblocs. I have a pair of Kismet monoblocs that work wonderfully with my Rogue tube preamp and my Fyne F-702 speakers, with excellent tonal qualities and superb sound stage. They are named to order and take some time, it they are well worth the wait. For me, these are end-state amps with these speakers. |
@inagroove I just quoted the orangeman, unfortunately it won't change anything. |
