Author Topic: amp recommendations  (Read 9612 times)

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
amp recommendations
« on: January 27, 2021, 08:08:09 PM »
I’m thrilled with the sound I’m getting nowadays. But this hobby has me wondering...a little bit... how things would sound with a different amp. I’ve been using the tricked up ICE amp I bought from TomS. Had an on/off switch installed to get rid of a weird rt channel noise on shut off...probably emanating from my tube preamp.

The idea of a tube amp..or even another solid state .. is intriguing, but it would likely weigh more than I’d like. It’s great to have my heaviest component weigh only 30 lbs (my Fritz speaker). Don’t really have a budget in mind, but no more than $2,000

Anyway, thoughts/recommendations welcome.

Nick

Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline tmazz

  • Out Of My Speaker Cabinet
  • ******
  • Posts: 12088
  • Just basking in the glow of my tubes.....
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2021, 09:41:32 PM »
What kind of power do you need to drive those speakers?
Remember, it's all about the music........

• Nola Boxers
• Sunfire True SW Super Jr (2)
• McIntosh MC 275
• ARC SP-9
• VPI HW-19 Mk IV/SDS/SME IV/Soundsmith Carmen Mk II ES
• Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC/Rasp Pi Roon Endpoint
• DigiBuss/TWL PC&USB/MIT Cables

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2021, 09:58:37 PM »
They’re about 87 db, but pretty easy to drive per Fritz. I believe that is because of his crossover design. Iirc, he told me me he’s run them with as little as 8 watts. I do tend to listen at high volume
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Jack

  • Certifiable
  • ***
  • Posts: 182
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2021, 11:31:49 PM »
Nick

Fritz and I own both own and think the Van Alstine SET 400 is a great pairing with the Carrera's and a tube preamp but if you don't want the weight (38 lbs) and size then the SET 120 at half the size and weight should do the job.
JVC QL-Y7 w/ Denon DL-301 Mk II
Vista Phono II
Jays Audio CDT3 Mk III
Supratek Cabernet
Kinki Studio EX-B7's
Holo Audio May KTE
Auralic Aries G1
Verity Otello
(2) Rythmik F12SE
TWL PC's
Audio Envy IC, PC, SC
Inakustik USB, I2S
PSA Stellar P3
Uberbuss

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2021, 11:47:12 PM »
Jack,
Thanks for the suggestion, especially since I value your opinion and Fritz’s  :thumb: I’ll take a look. I’d prefer to keep the weight at 45 lbs or below. I can still handle that with my advancing years  :roll:
Nick
« Last Edit: January 28, 2021, 01:43:09 AM by Nick B »
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Jack

  • Certifiable
  • ***
  • Posts: 182
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2021, 12:17:35 AM »
The SET 400 is really not that bad especially compared to my 88 lb. BHK 250 but the 120 is an alternative if you don't want or need the reserve power.
JVC QL-Y7 w/ Denon DL-301 Mk II
Vista Phono II
Jays Audio CDT3 Mk III
Supratek Cabernet
Kinki Studio EX-B7's
Holo Audio May KTE
Auralic Aries G1
Verity Otello
(2) Rythmik F12SE
TWL PC's
Audio Envy IC, PC, SC
Inakustik USB, I2S
PSA Stellar P3
Uberbuss

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2021, 02:08:35 AM »
I’m up very late listening, and very much enjoying, my system. I’ve been thinking more about what I am really looking for in a new amp. My setup now is detailed, provides quite sufficient bass...maybe a teeny bit boomy at times, but hard to say whether it’s related to the recording or the room acoustics. The treble is excellent and the timbre is much improved. With the cap and tube upgrades I’ve made, the sound has become more “organic”. I would prefer a slightly smoother and richer mid and upper midrange and an even better presentation of the timbre. Do I absolutely need a tube or even a hybrid amp to achieve that, I have no idea. I am also open to the idea of an integrated as well, although my Audio Hungary 204 tube preamp with the nos Amperex 7308 tubes that Dave recommended is superb.

I will try and post some pics of my room as I’m open to some simple acoustic panels as well. Apple stores my pics as jpgs or jpegs and I think our forum software only accepts one of those formats. I’ll try and get those pics posted later today. And I’ve upped my budget as well  :drool:  :duh
« Last Edit: January 28, 2021, 02:10:44 AM by Nick B »
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline rodge827

  • Seeking Help
  • **
  • Posts: 28
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2021, 04:13:39 AM »
Check out the Digital Amplifier Company. I have had a number of his amps over the last few years, with  the last being a 2-Cherry. They are powerful and clean without any of the negative characteristics attributed to digital amplifiers. The closest sound to SET in a SS amp I’ve ever come across. I sold the DAC amp since I was able to score an excellent pair of 300b monos that I had always wanted. Are the 300b amps better? I’ll just say that if I had the funds the DAC amps would still be around and some serious swapping would still be going on.

Reach out to Tommy at DAC he is a great guy to chat with and could make suggestions on which of his creations would suit you best.

https://www.cherryamp.com/

These are a very good deal and the seller is trustworthy:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=174490.0




« Last Edit: January 28, 2021, 04:20:31 AM by rodge827 »
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
Alexander Hamilton

Offline rollo

  • Industry Participant
  • *
  • Posts: 6982
  • Rollo Audio - Home demo the only way to know
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2021, 08:36:52 AM »
  An Audio Hungary Amp APR 200 with 100W/ch would go great with your preamp.


charles
contact me  at rollo14@verizon.net or visit us on Facebook
Lamm Industries - Aqua Acoustic, Formula & La Scala DAC- INNUOS  - Rethm - Kuzma - QLN - Audio Hungary Qualiton - Fritz speakers -Gigawatt -Vinnie Rossi,TWL, Swiss Cables, Merason DAC.

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2021, 02:35:51 PM »
Check out the Digital Amplifier Company. I have had a number of his amps over the last few years, with  the last being a 2-Cherry. They are powerful and clean without any of the negative characteristics attributed to digital amplifiers. The closest sound to SET in a SS amp I’ve ever come across. I sold the DAC amp since I was able to score an excellent pair of 300b monos that I had always wanted. Are the 300b amps better? I’ll just say that if I had the funds the DAC amps would still be around and some serious swapping would still be going on.

Reach out to Tommy at DAC he is a great guy to chat with and could make suggestions on which of his creations would suit you best.

https://www.cherryamp.com/

These are a very good deal and the seller is trustworthy:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=174490.0

Thanks. I’ll check it out. I’ve seen some DAC posts at AC.
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2021, 02:45:34 PM »
  An Audio Hungary Amp APR 200 with 100W/ch would go great with your preamp.


charles

Charles,
I’m sure it would sound very, very good, but it’s 65 lbs and retails at $4,700 💰 :roll:
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS

Offline rodge827

  • Seeking Help
  • **
  • Posts: 28
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2021, 04:34:42 AM »

Nick I forgot to mention that DAC offers a 30 day no frills return policy. You'll just be out for the shipping both ways.

Chris
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
Alexander Hamilton

Offline Emil

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 1171
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2021, 04:57:33 AM »
If you're gonna look into Class D......

https://orchardaudio.com/bosc
"Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day"
    --Ice Cube

Offline rollo

  • Industry Participant
  • *
  • Posts: 6982
  • Rollo Audio - Home demo the only way to know
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2021, 07:03:32 AM »
  An Audio Hungary Amp APR 200 with 100W/ch would go great with your preamp.


charles

Charles,
I’m sure it would sound very, very good, but it’s 65 lbs and retails at $4,700 💰 :roll:

  You will need an Amp Girl to help you.

charles
contact me  at rollo14@verizon.net or visit us on Facebook
Lamm Industries - Aqua Acoustic, Formula & La Scala DAC- INNUOS  - Rethm - Kuzma - QLN - Audio Hungary Qualiton - Fritz speakers -Gigawatt -Vinnie Rossi,TWL, Swiss Cables, Merason DAC.

Offline Nick B

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 4093
Re: amp recommendations
« Reply #14 on: January 29, 2021, 11:23:16 AM »

Nick I forgot to mention that DAC offers a 30 day no frills return policy. You'll just be out for the shipping both ways.

Chris

Thanks, Chris
Orchard Starkrimson Ultra amp
Supratek Chardonnay preamp
JMR Voce Grande speakers
Border Patrol SEi dac
Holo Red streamer
Hapa Aero digital coax
WyWires Silver cables
TWL Digital American II p cord
Audio Envy p cords
Roon, Tidal, Qobuz
PI Audio UberBUSS