RTi12 AMP - Adcom Question

josephp732

tonyb - you correct again "Only analog input sources are output by the ZONE 2
PRE OUT, ZONE 3 PRE OUT" - so scratch that idea!

josephp732

I was able to set-up some gear and do some more testing... I ran the NAD C 390DD as the forum predicted it was ok (but kind of lacked a soul), I then set-up the Adcom 5503 and just ran the center channel out on that amp on the right side 705 and the left side 705 I used the NAD C 390DD. My Adcom crushed the bottom end compared to the digital amp. The Adcom had a much fuller sound, more depth and a bigger sound stage...the NAD C 390DD all in seemed a bit sterile.

josephp732

Waiting for you DSkip!

josephp732

In in NYC and stopped into high-end hifi store on my way home - I talked to the guys for a while explained what I am trying to accomplish (I did get weird looks when they asked what speakers I had...) - but they said the same about the digital amps as you guys and told me that I should look at the Krell Vanguard 200W... list is $4,500 but you can find them for about $3,500. Didn't want to go this high but what do you think?

tonyb

I think your spending way too much for what your trying to accomplish.

josephp732

I found a Pinius 9200 for $2,500:
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649203986-plinius-9200-integrated-amp-black/

or a new 9100se of fleabay for the same price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Plinius-Integrated-amplifier-Brand-New-/221794655062?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33a3fddb56

josephp732

Ok - I started a 30 day trial with the Peachtree Audio Grand Integrated X-1 Amplifier (440W x2). Peachtree just discontinued this model as the next version is due out soon - cost was $2,950 - so far with limited use I really like the sound. The amp had huge dynamic range, with a pretty big sound stage and it really controls the woofers - this sounds very different then the NAD digital amp which had no bottom end much, much closer to what I am use to listen to.

I love that my MAC just plugs right in!

I will keep the group updated as I break in the speakers and amp.

josephp732

Update - I have been running the system non-stop and I have over 120 hours on the amp and speakers - I would say these are broken it at this point. What I am really finding is the Peachtree amp works extremely well with high quality media sources that have very good production qualities. CD semi-reference material (for me) like James Taylor’s Hourglass sounds wonderful. Where as The Very Best of the Eagles has a bit of "echo" in the vocals and maybe a tad harsh and edgy in the mid-range. Bass across all media is strong and very controlled.

I think Peachtree did a good job of taming the ICEpower and Sabre DAC and really worked to warm up what could have been a very cold and hard sound amp. I am sure the pure class A front end helps in this manner. I also prefer the tube buffer off for most of the source material - except for MP3's or streaming internet sources.

The amp is beautifully made and has gobs of power at 440w x2 - overall I really like it but may not truly love it (though I really want to). I do find it can have somewhat of an edge with less well recorded CD's - the amp really has amazing clarity. For me this may just be a bit too much detail and resolution for most of my source material.