What are your speakers and your front end source components?
What amps should I audition?
I’m thinking ahead (crazy I know)
I want to purchase a high end amplifier next year, maybe an integrated or just a power amp.
I would be looking to spend around 15k max on an integrated, and 8-10k on a power amp separate (funds to acquire a preamp will be got at a later date next year)
What brands and what model from each brand should I try to get a home audition for?
I should note I would probably be buying new as I can’t imagine I will be able to get a home audition with used gear. I’m open to buying used, but I’d have to get an audition in a system like mine, or actually in my system... I don’t really want to buy anything without auditioning first. On a related note, what is the easiest or best way to get a dealer relationship started, one where he would let me home audition? I’m even willing to pay 100% deposit if it means I can return it no questions ask after the audition period, but the dealers I’ve asked to do this with so far have refused. I always see people on this forum saying they manage to do that. I’m a bit at a loss how they manage to pull that off.
Anyway some more ideas: Bryston amps and Nagra Classic pre? This was the only setup I’ve heard on my speakers and it was quite magical. I really like the Nagra, and the Bryston combo. Used, it could be got within my budget. New.. not so much. I could swap out the Brystons with the matching Nagra amp, maybe. Or even just go for the Nagra Classic Integrated. All within my budget (if used) and with my speakers 96db sensitivity I should be good to go with the Nagra 100wpc rating.
other ideas: mcintosh mc462 or mc275 mk vi.
Pass Labs XA30.8 or XA60.8 or XA100.8
Acxuphase e-470
Luxman 509X
Actually that’s all I’ve really come up with so far. I am open to hearing any thoughts, concerns or ideas you may have. I do believe all the above mentioned amps will better my Kinki EX-M1.
Cabling will be upgraded to Audience before any of this by the way.
I want to purchase a high end amplifier next year, maybe an integrated or just a power amp.
I would be looking to spend around 15k max on an integrated, and 8-10k on a power amp separate (funds to acquire a preamp will be got at a later date next year)
What brands and what model from each brand should I try to get a home audition for?
I should note I would probably be buying new as I can’t imagine I will be able to get a home audition with used gear. I’m open to buying used, but I’d have to get an audition in a system like mine, or actually in my system... I don’t really want to buy anything without auditioning first. On a related note, what is the easiest or best way to get a dealer relationship started, one where he would let me home audition? I’m even willing to pay 100% deposit if it means I can return it no questions ask after the audition period, but the dealers I’ve asked to do this with so far have refused. I always see people on this forum saying they manage to do that. I’m a bit at a loss how they manage to pull that off.
Anyway some more ideas: Bryston amps and Nagra Classic pre? This was the only setup I’ve heard on my speakers and it was quite magical. I really like the Nagra, and the Bryston combo. Used, it could be got within my budget. New.. not so much. I could swap out the Brystons with the matching Nagra amp, maybe. Or even just go for the Nagra Classic Integrated. All within my budget (if used) and with my speakers 96db sensitivity I should be good to go with the Nagra 100wpc rating.
other ideas: mcintosh mc462 or mc275 mk vi.
Pass Labs XA30.8 or XA60.8 or XA100.8
Acxuphase e-470
Luxman 509X
Actually that’s all I’ve really come up with so far. I am open to hearing any thoughts, concerns or ideas you may have. I do believe all the above mentioned amps will better my Kinki EX-M1.
Cabling will be upgraded to Audience before any of this by the way.
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- 103 posts total
I would seriously consider power amps from Van Alstine avahifi.com Ive got a little older solid state amp from him, really pleased with, but his new DVA monoblocks have been getting great reviews and might be more in line with what you’re looking for. http://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2018/10/13/audio-by-van-alstine-dva-set-600-mono-block-amplifier |
I would discuss what is needed to get that home audition. Few dealers (really no dealers) will offer a no cost home audition to a stranger. The dealer has a brand new item, used when it is returned. They assume you will return it. What is in it for them? nothing. All it is doing is costing them. In order to get a home audition I had known my dealer for 33 years,and had spent $40,000 previously there. He offered a Marantz SA-10 for me to audition cold (I did not ask) for five days, no strings. So the only sort of deal you could go for is like Audio Advisor accepts returns. The one problem there, is they WILL cut you off if you return a big item. Like that $12,000 amp is the only thing you bought, and returned it? Never again. On the other hand, a few companies. Like the current Carver tube offers, offer money back guarantee, I think so does PS Audio? ================= Anyway, I ask If you LIKED the Bryston, why do not want something else? The ’grass’ is NOT greener in unknown products. (Particularly MAC gear. MAC gear SUCKS! soundwise.. Jeez.) Just buy a used Bryston 14B3, pair of 7B3’s, or a pair of used 28B3 and stick to your Niagra preamp idea. I LIKED the sound of my Magnepan 3.6, so KNOWING THAT I went to 20.7s I am happy. I own a 4B-SST² amp. When I actually have some money again, I will go WITH WHAT I LIKE which will be a Bryston pair of 7B3 or a 14B3.. maybe used, maybe new. Sure I can think what about a different amp. Pass? Maybe a tube Carver? but knowing it is a crapshoot.. I will stick to the Bryston. (which sounds great) I like to try preamps. so there I do play around. Last try was a Conrad Johnson ACT2. (I am disappointed that it was not way way better than my other preamps.. it is good, just not spectacular) I still use my Bryston BP26. The biggest problem for me in tubes is I play music 8 to 10 hours every day. Wearing out tubes too fast. I WOULD go for a Audio Research preamp. Ref 5SE or 6, except for the tube life. I would have to buy new tubes every eight to ten months. Not interested!) Back to your needs. I would like to know more WHY, if you liked the Bryston/Nagra. are you not going there? The Bryston used is EASY. (as long as you get the dealer receipt for warranty) The Nagra.. Probably have to save up to buy new. or have the money and search the ads for a long time.. Here elsewhere. every day. (the problem is, high demand stuff is sold the same day. Stuff no one whats you can see endlessly day after day. (A nice phono box I was thinking about the same day it posted? IF I would have clicked buy the moment I first saw it. I might have it. Since I waited ten minutes, dawdling . I lost it.) I have the feeling you are waffling. You want the best, you are worried, can "X" be better than what I heard as great? MY advice from FIFTY FOUR YEARS of buying audio stuff is BUY what you heard and liked. There IS NO magic other pile. yeah you can TRY.. Spending megabucks and being disappointed AGAIN... THAT is the audiophile mantra. Sadly it is very hard to find anyone willing to loan equipment. The money is just not in it, for them, at all. The only real way is buy used, try it, sell it for what you paid. Plenty of folks do that. They are never satisfied. Since the grass really is never greener.. anywhere. |
- 103 posts total