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Hey all,
I'm currently in the midst of a system overhaul/change. I currently have a modified Cary SLI80 Signature F1 but want to go back to the ease of SS but am absolutely open to hybrid designs as well. I will be running a highly efficient speaker (Tekton) and listen primarily to modern jazz, every subgenre of metal, and prog rock for the most part. I can't have something too relaxed due my affinity for heavy music but I do enjoy a natural sounding amplifier and one that not only can "rock" but also do my jazz listening much justice. My very short list (so far) include:
Red Wine Signature 30.2 LFPV (the battery life scares me)
Naim XS
I'd like to keep it under $3,000 used if possible and am open to suggestions. Many thanks in advance.
Follow Ups:
You might consider a Pathos Classic One MKIII. I am enjoying mine very much.
You can try Pathos amps.Hybrids. Very sweet.Look beautiful. Pathos TT is pura A class 35W, hybrid.
but sounding more powerfull.
Another is Pathos Logos, 110V hybrid A/B class.
You can find both on used market in your price range.
You can change input tubes and change sound.
Has anyone heard the Heed Obelisk Si w/ XP Power Supply???
I had the Obelisk Si and the PSU here on loan awhile back, and I've heard it many times at a local shop in town. The PSU turns what is a great amplifier on it's own, into an absolute monster IMO. Highly musical and detailed, but not in your face about it (and this is musically relevant detail, not mosquito farting analytical hyper detail that will put you to sleep or annoy the hell out of you after a week or two). Great tone. Excellent pacing and rhythm, and a very open and relaxed sound. Excellent transient speed and attack but not at the expense of the tail end of the note, or it's decay. The PSU just takes all that up a notch or two: The amp really starts to breathe and flex it's musical muscles, and the soundstage becomes all enveloping and immersive on recordings that posses that quality.
The one thing I really love about the Heed is that it just let me relax and enjoy ALL my music (even less than stelar recordings) in a very compelling and natural manner.
BTW, there is a newer version of the Obelisk I have not heard, but in talking with Alpar Huszti at the Newport Beach show, it's internal power supply has been beefed up a bit, thus the external PSU has somewhat of a more subtle effect on performance.
After a week with the Obelisk/XP combo, I have to agree with your sentiments. This lil amp is amazing.
Marc - Thanks a million! That's exactly the type of feedback I was looking for/anticipating.
You bet! :)
I should have the Heed Obelisk Si + XP power supply at my doorstep in a few days. :)
How was the performance?
The Exposure 2010S is a fine integrated. Has the PRAT thing down to a tee.
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Take a look at the Accuphase E-250 on the used, or secondary market. Very coherent sound. Reviewed by 6Moons. Luxman is another choice too.
Thank you. Yeah, I have always been extremely interested in the Luxman integrated amps. Both Class A and the A/B versions. Not sure if the A/B versions will be overkill though.
I was impressed with the 70 wpc Hegal H70 solid state integrated I heard at the recent Newport Beach show. The unit was natural and smooth sounding. It retails for 2K. Try to audition one if you can.
I forgot to mention the Hegel H70 is computer music friendly since it has a built-in high quality USB card.
Thanks for the responses guys. I forgot to mention that I want to stay away from Class D.
Have you looked at the Marantz Reference PM-15S2B?
I have not. Any good compared to it's price bracket competition? What is the Marantz "house sound?"
I have no experience with that exact one, but as a rule, smooth and just a tad dark.
If I weren't happy with my GCC-100, the Reference PM-11S2 would be at the top of my list to take its place.
They have an integrated (60 watts/ch, 8 ohms) that is well within your price range.
I've enjoyed the convenience and sound of my GCC-100. Used they should be pretty reasonable. More power than you probably need, but that doesn't hurt anything.
The 47 Labs Shigaraki 4717 integrated might fill the bill for you if you can live with 20 wpc. I used one for a while with a pair of Tonian Labs TL-D1 speakers (95 dB) and it worked very nicely for all types of music, especially jazz and rock. It has a robust, rock and roll swagger to it. I found it to have a slight emphasis in the lower mids and upper bass and a very slightly rolled off high end that deviated from neutrality. Used ones can be found for around $1000.
Going up the 47 Labs line is the 4706 Gaincard at 25 wpc. More of a purist design with only one input and screw speaker terminals that will accommodate small spades, it has more resolution, greater extension at both frequency extremes and more of a sense of a neutral presentation than the Shigaraki. Not as forgiving as the Shigaraki, it is more revealing of what's on the source material. With sensitive speakers I find it offers a nice balance of precision and musicality. Used ones with a single PS can be found under $2000.
These are just two integrateds I have personal experience with. The RWA 30.2 you mentioned is also worth consideration. I don't know of any battery issues, but speak with Vinnie Rossi about your concerns. He is very forthcoming about his products.
I am sure you will have more recommendations to come. Good luck with your quest.
If you are talking 96-98dB sensitivity, you might take a look at the FirstWatt F5, 25W into 8 Ohms, twice that into 4 ohms. There is a review at the URL below.
Observe, before you think
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