@elizabeth something I noticed is that designers like Parasound, Coda and few others shield the toroidal transformer but Bryston continues not to. Any implications of that?.
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 found some measurements for Bryston 14B3 :). They are quite amazing for a Class AB amp putting out 900 Watts @ 4ohm: http://hifilounge.co.uk/image/attachments/Bryston/Bryston%2014B%20Cubed%20Review.pdf Not sure what to make of this. Anyone care to point out something that can do better for same $ and watts?. |
Why address the shielded question to me? As a ’wild guess’ the circuitry in the Bryston amps is far enough away that there is no need for a shield. (plus Bryston uses a separate toroid for each channel, they are stacked inside the case) Thus each transformer is smaller., with a smaller field. ?Plus how much is marketing vs actual improvement in the sound. Like the 1970’s specs with tons of feedback to make SPECS look good. IS the shielding for a reason? (Maybe some designs placed critical components TOO CLOSE, and wanted to keep them there, so they added a shield?) all sorts of possible reasons either way. IMO this is a THEORY question, One where there is not actual answer anyone can work with, just plays off folks needing excuses instead of actual listening. And finally if a shielded transformer made ANY difference to the performance of a Bryston amp.. There would be at least several posts somewhere (I would have seen and read) discussing ADDING shielding and how it improves the sound. Since there are NONE.. I can say it does not add anything of value to the sound of a Bryston amp. Because somewhere, someone would be doing it ... if it mattered.) |
something I noticed is that designers like Parasound, Coda and few others shield the toroidal transformer but Bryston continues not to. Any implications of that?.@geek101 No. Toroidal transformers don't radiate a lot of noise- its magnetic field is fairly compact due to the toroidal form. Usually any 'shield' or can that is around the transformer is more for cosmetic purposes. |
- 103 posts total