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Claude’s amp upgrade recommdation

On a whim I asked Claude what it thought the weak link is in my system (see my Agon profile).  It said my Peachtree Gan1 power dac was the limiting factor.  I gave it a $4000 replacement budget and it recommended a Luxman M-700u.  Great amp, but the only one available used is here on Agon for $7700.  I reduced the budget to $3000 and Claude said a Cary CAD 120SE.  There is one on Agon for $3800 and one on USAudio for $3250.  As a second choice, Claude recommended a Rotel Michi M8 for some reason. The cheapest used one is at TMR for 9499!  As a third choice, though, was an Emotiva XPA-2.  TMR has one for $1199.

i had been thinking of maybe class D monoblocks, but Claude said they would be a poor.match with my Stirling LS3/6 speakers.  Quite a range of suggestions.  Would the Emotiva be an upgrade on my Ric Schultz modded Gan1?  Is the Cary the best choice if the Luxman is above my budget?  What do you think?  Thanks.

treepmeyer
dekay's avatar
dekay
6,170 posts
 

OMG:

Grizzly possibly siding with me?

What have I done - what have I done?

Luv you Grizzly.

 

DeKay

greenngoldcheesehead
102 posts
 

I would NOT do Emotiva.  It may give u an upgrade in sound vs a Class D but it will not sound as good as other class AB amps.  I agree that you should move to an AB Amp for better sound with your speakers.  I can get behind the Odyssey recommendation.  There is an Atoll EVO200 for sale brand new at reduced price on audiogon right now.  I would buy that.  You can buy a dac board if you want an internal DAC..  otherwise there is a new dac100 available on US.  I bought their SDA200 all in one for my work office set-up but currently have it hooked up to my main system at home and it is very, very good.  Natural sounding.  Much, much better than Emotiva and Van Alstine amps which I had previously.

treepmeyer OP
167 posts
 

@mike4597 The Odyssey Kismet looks very interesting, good reviews and amazing value.  Thanks for pointing that one out.

@greenngoldcheesehead If I replace my Gan1 I will use the dac in the RME Fireface interconnect.  Thanks for the lead on the Atoll EVO200.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,404 posts
 

1. Replace the Dual 1228 with a modern table in the $1,500–$2,500 range. The defensible choices, all measurably better in wow/flutter, rumble, and arm geometry:
        •       Rega Planar 6 with Ania MC (~$2,500 total): light/rigid plinth philosophy, RB330 arm, excellent value.
        •       Technics SL-1200G (~$4,300): if budget allows, the gold standard in measured speed stability for the price tier; coreless direct drive.
        •       Pro-Ject X8 / X2B with an Ortofon Quintet Black S (~$2,500): mass-loaded design, well-engineered Pro-Ject 9cc arm.

The Dual arm is more adjustable than the Rega, but not as much as the Technics, which has a better arm overall. This was an excellent example of AI spewing nonsense... IMO the Rega is not in the same league with Technics. 

parkergetdean
1,034 posts
 

you can call me a taxi but not Grizzly @dekay 

in front of big brother

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