I recently started 2 threads on this site, Narrowing down choices in a Power Amp and also High Power Amp, Does it Matter at Lower Volumes.
I am grateful for all the input, and thought I would share the results of those posts.
Summary is: I have a Baetis Audio Server, going into a T+A Dac8, into a Mark Levinson ( ML ) 326S into a ML532H power amp. The amp loses a channel on occasion, with strange popping noises sometimes, other times just a single ( not very loud pop ). Time to get this amp fixed or buy another amp.
Well, I am getting the amp fixed, but I bought a Class D RCVTech set of monoblocks.
So, having said all this, WOW. Very happy.
My wife and I sat down last night, and played a variety of music, from the Baetis server. No new music, no streaming, existing tunes we have listened to for years. Nothing but an amp swap.
The RCVTech MPA-1200 monoblocks
1) definitely better stereo separation,
2) definitely way better bass, these monoblocks double down to 700 wpc at 4 ohms, something the ML532H did not do. A world of difference on bass
3) overall better sound, even at low volume. Not bright or fatiguing at any time.
4) more detail, listening to existing tracks we have owned for years, more small background detail,
I wasn't fully sure of what I was buying, but, now, I realize that while I will repair the ML532H, its future use is in question. I am keeping these Monoblock RCVTech MPA-1200 amps in place.
The buying process was easy, the right questions were asked, delivery was fast, for a customized build.
I have the Class A input with 380 wpc at 8 ohms, 700 wpc at 4 ohms, 700 wpc at 2 ohms, THD + N = 0.0009%.
Since this is Class D, not sure how much more money I would have to spend to better this with a conventional build Class A amp? I was considering Pass Labs, who were suggesting XA100.8 or larger. Some day I may actually get to hear these Pass Lab amps, but, there is no urgency, now.
