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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 17:59:35 GMT
Gentlemen, I have decided my next purchase is to be an amp.
I have a preference for integrated but another power amp is possible too.
Ideal specs -
- Class AB solid state
- High-ish power / current monster
- Neutral, detailed top end but not etched
- Mucho bass grip
- Line only, no DAC / phono / streamer
- XLR + RCA pref
- “MikeMusic Black"
- Remote control
- Not 'vintage'
- Budget under 2K
I want to take my time getting the decision right so that I can hopefully enjoy a settled system for a while and don’t want to do lots of box swapping to get there!
Here are some amps I have been looking at online, the only one I have actually heard is the excellent Belles Aria. I hope to hear the Neurochrome at Oliver's place (bigman80).
I would welcome any thoughts / suggestions on these or anything else to consider!
Integrated
Norma Audio IPA70B
Kinki Studio Ex-M1
Atoll IN 300
Moon 340i X
ATC SIA 2-150 mk2
Belles Aria
Lavardin
Power
Belles Ref 150 v2
ATC SPA2-150
Neurochrome Modulus 686
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Post by nicholas on Sept 26, 2022 18:25:42 GMT
The current <no pun intended> leader of the pack among the reviewers and measurers appears to be the Benchmark AHB2... benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier I've been following the latest Purifi Class D from Bruno Putzeys which also measure well and are highly efficient. Traditional Class AB amps seem to be falling significantly behind due to power consumption, heat and average measurements although bargains can be found in the used market. Good luck with whatever path you choose to go down. |
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 26, 2022 19:11:51 GMT
MikeMusic black of course
I know a man who could let you play with a Belles
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Post by Slinger on Sept 26, 2022 19:26:36 GMT
I'd suggest trialling the new NVA integrated. As far as I'm aware the 30-day home trial is still available, so it would cost you nowt to have a listen.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 26, 2022 20:29:41 GMT
Belles and NVA would be my recommendations. There is something about the Benchmark and Class D amps that don't quite convince me, although the technology is improving with every generation.
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 20:50:02 GMT
The current <no pun intended> leader of the pack among the reviewers and measurers appears to be the Benchmark AHB2... benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier I've been following the latest Purifi Class D from Bruno Putzeys which also measure well and are highly efficient. Traditional Class AB amps seem to be falling significantly behind due to power consumption, heat and average measurements although bargains can be found in the used market. Good luck with whatever path you choose to go down. Thanks, the Benchmark might be a bit too rich for me but will add it to my list. Class D - in my limited experience with it I haven't heard an amp that I'm 100% convinced by. Maybe things have moved on since so I certainly won't rule it out. |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 20:50:52 GMT
I'd suggest trialling the new NVA integrated. As far as I'm aware the 30-day home trial is still available, so it would cost you nowt to have a listen. That's interesting Paul, I didn't know there was a new one. Gosh the NVA prices are in a different league nowadays - starting point of 2.5k with an 'entry level volume pot' doesn't appeal to me though. 2k will be my limit and more likely to buy used I think. |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 20:52:39 GMT
MikeMusic black of course I know a man who could let you play with a Belles Yes I've already had a play with a Belles Aria and liked it so it's on the shortlist for sure. |
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Post by wannarock2 on Sept 26, 2022 21:18:30 GMT
Benchmark would be my top AB pick. Maybe dual-mono Topping LA90’s when they release version 2 and have cleaned up some of their current issues. If you can, get a listen to Bruno Putzey’s Class D creations in the Purifi or NCore technology. I can’t find a discouraging word on either of these on the internet in audiophile circles. Have fun on your search.  |
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Post by Clive on Sept 26, 2022 21:55:29 GMT
As usual there’s an aspect of synergy to take into account. I use class D with a set of speakers which with some amps seem like they need waking up a little. With a typical AB amp they can be a touch laid back. When I use the same class D amp with more direct/revealing speakers then the combination becomes a little relentless. It’s ok for a few listening sessions but in the end it’s not my preferred combination.
Jules, what’s the character of amp you need to work in harmony with your speakers? Maybe it’s a “perfect” and clean amp or maybe it’s not. Class D some systems can be a bit “etched”. From your original description then I guess that classD won’t cut it. Neurocrhome might work or could stiil be too clean. How about a Colin Wonfor amp with sliding class A / SECA?
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:15:32 GMT
Thank you chaps.
Clive, I once tried a class D power amp in my system that had astounding detail, dynamics and slam, but it was just too etched in the upper mid / treble with a glare to it which made it relentless as you say. That was a couple of years ago and I'm sure doesn't represent the best of current Class D tech ...
My speakers definitely don't need any extra treble energy, I think they are pretty neutral in my experience with them so far. So I'm looking for a perfect all-rounder!
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:19:49 GMT
I've had a look at the EWA amps but never heard one and don't really know how they work. Are just the first few watts in Class A? I guess with current energy prices I wouldn't want something like a Krell Pure Class A monster ... Lol.
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Post by Clive on Sept 26, 2022 22:23:04 GMT
I've had a look at the EWA amps but never heard one and don't really know how they work. Are just the first few watts in Class A? I guess with current energy prices I wouldn't want something like a Krell Pure Class A monster ... Lol. I’m not entirely sure but I think they have some sort of clever arrangement where they are more efficient when less power is needed. I can contact Colin to ask him. |
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Post by Clive on Sept 26, 2022 22:35:02 GMT
Thank you chaps. Clive, I once tried a class D power amp in my system that had astounding detail, dynamics and slam, but it was just too etched in the upper mid / treble with a glare to it which made it relentless as you say. That was a couple of years ago and I'm sure doesn't represent the best of current Class D tech ... My speakers definitely don't need any extra treble energy, I think they are pretty neutral in my experience with them so far. So I'm looking for a perfect all-rounder! I think you borrowed those class d amps from me! Class D can be better now but that character can still show itself, depending on the speakers. |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:37:09 GMT
I've had a look at the EWA amps but never heard one and don't really know how they work. Are just the first few watts in Class A? I guess with current energy prices I wouldn't want something like a Krell Pure Class A monster ... Lol. I’m not entirely sure but I think they have some sort of clever arrangement where they are more efficient when less power is needed. I can contact Colin to ask him. Thanks, I would certainly be interested to know more as power consumption makes me nervous ... |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:38:16 GMT
Thank you chaps. Clive, I once tried a class D power amp in my system that had astounding detail, dynamics and slam, but it was just too etched in the upper mid / treble with a glare to it which made it relentless as you say. That was a couple of years ago and I'm sure doesn't represent the best of current Class D tech ... My speakers definitely don't need any extra treble energy, I think they are pretty neutral in my experience with them so far. So I'm looking for a perfect all-rounder! I think you borrowed those class d amps from me! Class D can be better now but that character can still show itself, depending on the speakers. No, not you Clive! Was from a London dealer. |
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Post by Clive on Sept 26, 2022 22:41:25 GMT
I think you borrowed those class d amps from me! Class D can be better now but that character can still show itself, depending on the speakers. No, not you Clive! Was from a London dealer. Ok, different amps….didn’t you try Temple monos? btw I’m yet to try class d with the R26, the combination might work out in my main system…I’ll give it a run tomorrow. I have been considering the smallest Neurochrome. |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:46:35 GMT
No, not you Clive! Was from a London dealer. Ok, different amps….didn’t you try Temple monos? No haven't tried them in my system but heard them sounding good in John's system. I'd prefer not to have the box count of monos and Supercharger psu's though ... |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 26, 2022 22:53:56 GMT
Noticed this on the EWA website -
"in the coming months we hope to revise all EWA class A amplifiers
We also intend to release a high performance range of budget amplifiers"
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Post by brettj on Sept 27, 2022 2:11:06 GMT
I know a guy who upgraded to a Benchmark AHB2 last month.
The sound, bass, treble, soundstage all took a big leap.
He's very happy with it.
System is sounding better than ever.
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📶NAS > Gustard x26p DAC > Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amp > NAD M22-V2 Amplifier > Revel F228Be Speakers
