Back to the drawing board - Amp recommendations under 2K

audiocr381ve

After a couple of months with the Harbeth's, I'm still just as impressed with them as I was the first day they arrived. So I'm good on that end but I can't help but think I can make big gains by finding the right amp (see what I did there?). I recently sold my Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000 mono's to fund the hunt. The W4S Class D mono's were actually really good performers. They were very smooth, incredibly transparent, and muscled the bottom end very well. This is going to sound crazy but maybe they were a tad too neutral for me. Don't mistake that for me saying they were sterile. They absolutely were not. But I want to see if I can shape my sound a little bit and find something with more body, saturation, and warmth so Class D is out for now. I know what you're thinking... TUBES DUDE. But I absolutely cannot take the heat in my small home office. Are there cooler running options? I wouldn't rule them out if there were cooler running tube amps out there.

I've posted several discussions looking for a new amp but this time things are a bit different. I definitely want to try either a Class A amp or some type of tube hybrid, like the Vincent Audio SP33MK. I understand Class A runs hot too but my assumption is they run less hot than a full blown tube amp. The Parasound Halo A21 and A23 seem like fine performers too. My need for earth-shattering power is no more. I'd be happy with 75wpc+ and don't need a monster to drive the Harbeth's as they are an easy load.

I'm running a Rogue Audio Perseus Magnum preamp right now and have NOS Mullards installed. I actually prefer the "Conn" labeled RCA Clear Tops to the Mullards which are a fraction of what I paid for the Mullards. I've been tube rolling quite a bit and I know I can shape the sound this way, but I want to make sure I find the right amp and move forward with finding the perfect tube from there. Seem reasonable?

In a perfect world, I'd pick up a Pass Labs XA-30.8 and be done with it, but 2K is a maximum budget for me right now. Here is what is on my mind:

1. Vincent Audio SP33MK - Can anybody comment on this amp?
2. Parasound A21 or A23 - They seem like no-brainers. I'm going for a full bodied musical sound. Can they deliver?
3. McCormack DNA-125 - Can't find one. Boo.

Would love and appreciate your thoughts/recommendations guys!

EndersShadow

There is a used A21 in the flea market for significantly less than what your looking for.

audiocr381ve

I believe it was taken off the market.

EndersShadow

Doesn't hurt to ask lol

voltz

I have the Vincent amplifier and love it, its paired with the Vincent SA-31mk preamplifier and a even use a Vincent PHO8 phone stage and think its excellent.

But I have not heard a lot to compare it to except what I heard at LSAF with other speakers. I new to this and do not have the experience to really tell ya how it might stack up to other amplifiers except to say its the best I have heard and I like the combo better then my MC-100B integrated Tube amplifier, same warmth with more slam.

ZLTFUL

Class A solid state runs just as hot if not hotter than A biased tube amps.


That being said, the First Watt (Nelson Pass designed Class A) M2 or F3 are both in your price range and offer a sound similar to 300B based SET tube amps.

hochpt21

Musical Fidelity

WLDock

hochpt21 wrote: »

Musical Fidelity

Zero wrote: »

I have a crazy idea. Sell the Rogue and pool that money towards buying one really nice integrated amplifier.

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649195259-musical-fidelity-m6i-integrated-amp/
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-SS/Musical-Fidelity/M3-NuVista-Integrated/Original-owner/133152
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291483346522?rmvSB=true
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261912829419?clk_rvr_id=843091842846&rmvSB=true


The feedback on MF makes it one of those brands that we all should try at some point. I sure would love to try one of the above....in due time.....

nooshinjohn

Pass Labs...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pass-Labs-x150-Amp-/221790916827?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33a3c4d0db

audiocr381ve

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Pass Labs...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pass-Labs-x150-Amp-/221790916827?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33a3c4d0db

Surprised to be getting votes for integrateds! I've been lusting after a MF A5 for awhile.

I was actually looking at that model John. I hear it's identical to the X150.5. Hmm..

Voltz, thanks for the feedback on the Vincent piece. So close to pulling a trigger on one but it would be full price which is tough. I can't find a the MK version used anywhere.

hochpt21

WLDock wrote: »

hochpt21 wrote: »

Musical Fidelity

Zero wrote: »

I have a crazy idea. Sell the Rogue and pool that money towards buying one really nice integrated amplifier.

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649195259-musical-fidelity-m6i-integrated-amp/
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-SS/Musical-Fidelity/M3-NuVista-Integrated/Original-owner/133152
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291483346522?rmvSB=true
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261912829419?clk_rvr_id=843091842846&rmvSB=true


The feedback on MF makes it one of those brands that we all should try at some point. I sure would love to try one of the above....in due time.....

Wow the M3 Nu Vista has me salivating.

GlennDog

Long shots here . .

EVS 500M from Ric Shulz (sp) Class D

Pass Aleph 30 Class A

PM if "inna-Rested"

ZLTFUL

Glenn, if he isn't, I may be in the Aleph!

audiocr381ve

Just PM'ed ya Glenn. Will put the bugle boys on the list Dskip.

That M3 Nu Vista looks amazing

WLDock

DSkip wrote: »

If you want something with a but more body, try the plinius. Problem there is you need the right speakers to play and I've never heard harbeth.

The 9100 SE is still listed in the CHI craigslist....been there for a bit.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/ele/5053739963.html

9200 in Portland:
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/5038789739.html

tonyb

The First watt, Pass....both good choices. I would look into a McCormack too. Maybe the MF with the Harbeths might be too laid back and warm, just my opinion though. If your looking at McCormack amps, the 125 is an entry model, I might try higher up the food chain to the 225 at least.

tonyb

Also, since you won't be playing blistering loud, and it's for an office system, I might recommend this.....

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-cary-audio-design-cad-300sei-integrated-amplifier-2015-06-04-integrateds-08816-east-brunswick-nj

steveinaz

I'd either go Parasound, or an integrated.

D_M

Audiocr381ve,

Have you ever spent any time over at the Harbeth User Group forums? Your speaker designer has provided enough information in the various threads to enable the audio enthusiast to become a better consumer. I am not trying to discount "synergy" and everything else that goes along with this hobby, but output voltages, input sensitivities, and a number of other factors have a significant affect on the end product.

http://www.harbeth.co.uk/usergroup/forumdisplay.php?85-Amplifier-matching-mismatching-and-clipping-a-curse

audiocr381ve

Tony, thanks for the input. I really love the look of the silver faced McCormack's. I'm keeping my eye out for sure. That Cary is way out of my price range and I can't stand how they toed in the transformers! Haha

Steve, another vote for Parasound. I missed out on a 1500a locally last week. We could have been speaker and amp brothers.

Zero, thanks for the reco's. I'm researching the holographic audio gear now.

D_M, yep I'm a member there. I've been learning a ton. I really respect Alan Shaw and I love his speaker design philosophy and it shines through his speakers.

I'm really coming around to the idea of settling down with an integrated and selling the Rogue pre, but this time around I'd like to take Glenn up on his offer and at least try a Pass Amp with the Rogue to see if they mate well.

Mikey081057

Love the A21. Sometimes you can find a demo or factory refurbs from AA at $2K with full warranty. Hard to beat at that price.

Joey_V

I thought I saw an A21 for $1500 on audiogon.... maybe it's still there.

vcwatkins

If you're still using Cleartops in the pre, I would encourage you to try a warmer tube before letting it go. I hated the Cleartops in the Belles. No joy.

The Aleph 30 is excellent in a smaller space and a good match with the Rogue 66, but it gets hotter than any tubes I have.

Mikey081057

http://www.hifishark.com/search?q=parasound+a21

audiocr381ve

So guys, ended up buying the Musical Fidelity M6i. I hooked her all in but will wait until the new DAC (Chord Hugo) comes in before forming any opinions. I just sold the Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 so the Squeezebox Touch is connected directly to the M6i. First impression is this thing is BASSY. That's all I'll say for now haha

Joey_V

Cool, let us know how you like the M6i as time goes on.

WLDock

audiocr381ve wrote: »

So guys, ended up buying the Musical Fidelity M6i. I hooked her all in but will wait until the new DAC (Chord Hugo) comes in before forming any opinions.

Wow, your not messing around.... that Hugo is supposed to the the "it" DAC!

tonyb

I would almost entirely base that "Bassy" sound to the internal dac of the M6. Not a huge fan of MF dacs as I think they round off the notes a tad too much, especially in the lower registers. As a pre....dang good, as an amp....equally as good, but I wouldn't buy a MF integrated for it's dac. That's just me though, others I'm sure will have a different opinion.

Maybe try using a silver cable from the Touch to the M6, might tighten up that bass some.

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

Or simply reposition the speakers.

Wish I had a ton of room to play with placement but I don't.

I've decided to let go of the MF M6i and find an amp for the Rogue. This was all part of the plan and I know I've had such little time with the MF but some things you just know. In this case, I prefer the sound of my tube preamp although the MF is damn close in terms of warmth and body. I also caught a little bit of the tube rolling bug and am now going to pick up my 5th quad set.

The Chord Hugo is in and it is kicking **** so far. Really like the thing!

tonyb

Cool beans brotha....the Chord has been getting some very good accolades from ears I trust. What is it replacing if I may ask ?

audiocr381ve

tonyb wrote: »

Cool beans brotha....the Chord has been getting some very good accolades from ears I trust. What is it replacing if I may ask ?

Sorry I missed this. It's replacing the Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 with Femto Clock.

I didn't have both at the same time so I couldn't compare, but they're both excellent.