valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Hi fellows, backside itchy again and I am relooking at my current power amplifier as the next candidate for upgrade, too long a story to explain why I narrowed down to this but I am looking for suitable candidates that can supplant my current Parasound A21 that is driving a pair of ATC SCM19 stand-mounts. Again to restraint myself, the 5k budget cap is placed and I want a brand new unit to break-in myself with love, hahaha. Key technical features and abilities I would value highly are:- ability to drive the ATCs with plenty of headroom buffer (they are infamous for being hard to drive to optimal levels), integrated amplifiers are a possibility too dual differential balanced amplification (if it is even available at this price point) sturdily/substantially constructed with good reputation for quality and sound - ideally not mic or far-eastern origins smooth-sounding with a slight bit of warmth (not too clinical), however I want to refrain myself from tubes for lazy-ass maintenance sake I know my requirements seem like a handful for 5k but if fellow friends have interesting or established experiences with the above, I will appreciate your time and exposure to such gear to chime in and advise this poor fellow. Thanks in advance!
blue_starfish Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Karan 180W integrated Mk 2 now on demo at Jay Audio. But the price is above $5k. Highly recommended if you can stretch your budget. I cannot comment whether first requirement can be met, but the next 3 requirements definitely so. Sound signature is slightly dark and very smooth. The sonic equivalent of the best Belgium chocolates. ATC integrated will be able to drive the speakers and is well made, but the sound is on the dry/factual side.
petetherock Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 I have a good impression of my MF A 5.5 A new M6i will be around 5-6k. You are welcome to audition my MF stereo amp with your ATC. Just bring them over. Cheers.
naimster Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Looking at the Parasound specs, it should have enough headroom to drive the 19s well enough. What preamp you're using with the Parasound? From my experience, preamp is critical for good sound. It can make a break a system. Maybe what you really need is a good preamp that matches the Parasound well. How about trying out Parasound preamp? P/S: I used to have the SCM19 (now 20). It's a a pretty unforgiving speaker which will show up all the flaws and goodness of the upstream (equipment or recording).
jimi1624705950 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Another option would be to change Spkr for actives. Simplifies the setup and headroom shouldn't be an issue any more.
malsound Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/AW180.html Fit your taste but not so the price over here.
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 Karan 180W integrated Mk 2 now on demo at Jay Audio. But the price is above $5k. Highly recommended if you can stretch your budget. I cannot comment whether first requirement can be met, but the next 3 requirements definitely so. Sound signature is slightly dark and very smooth. The sonic equivalent of the best Belgium chocolates. ATC integrated will be able to drive the speakers and is well made, but the sound is on the dry/factual side. Thanks for the interesting recommendation and just checked out some of their stuff... I think it is way out of my league... USD10k for the integrated! Can drool cannot own... hahaha Tried the ATC integrated before but still preferred the Parasound... just more romantic-sounding I feel...
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 I have a good impression of my MF A 5.5 A new M6i will be around 5-6k. You are welcome to audition my MF stereo amp with your ATC. Just bring them over. Cheers. Thanks for the kind offer Pete, but lugging around 32 kg worth of speakers is no joke... hahaha. Don't mean to sound rude or arrogant but I am trying to see if I can taste a little bit of the higher end that is not manufactured in China or Taiwan but I am sure they will sound excellent from my past experience with the A3.2 . Thanks nonetheless!
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 Looking at the Parasound specs, it should have enough headroom to drive the 19s well enough. What preamp you're using with the Parasound? From my experience, preamp is critical for good sound. It can make a break a system. Maybe what you really need is a good preamp that matches the Parasound well. How about trying out Parasound preamp? P/S: I used to have the SCM19 (now 20). It's a a pretty unforgiving speaker which will show up all the flaws and goodness of the upstream (equipment or recording). To be honest naimster, I have always felt that the Parasound is more than adequate to drive the ATCs which is why I am curious as to whether anything south of 5k can match its price/performance ratio. As for the pre-amp, I am actually running balanced directly to the amp from my Mytek DAC/Pre-amp and I am quite happy with the combination. Kinda stuck in the school of thought where less is more. Couldn't disagree on you for the transparency of the ATCs which is the primary reason why I bought it in the first. Love the truth about the recording but the truth hurts my ears sometimes... hahaha. Which is why I would prefer to pair them with a amplifier that is smoother/warmer sounding which is more forgiving of such harsh recordings. Thanks for the advise though, you must be one of the more loyal ATC owners I have come across who love the tank-built quality and honest music reproduction.
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 Another option would be to change Spkr for actives. Simplifies the setup and headroom shouldn't be an issue any more. That didn't cross my thought process but I guess I would like the option to tune my sound with cabling/ tweaking and stuff. Hmm... may try looking at the Actives from ATC as well then... thanks for the advise.
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/AW180.html Fit your taste but not so the price over here. Ah... another component that is way out of my league... man... 5k can't really buy any good shit nowadays can you... damn...
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 If u don't mind 2nd hand go for mark levinson Would love to own them of course but as what I had mentioned, I would prefer a new unit, and that is definitely way out of my budget... Seems like there is nothing I can afford!
Guest durianlover88 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Broler, how about Plinius Huatonga/9200/Anniversary integrated? 200w into 8 ohms, 280w into 4 ohms
kzone Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Any of these? http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=131302.0 http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=131288.0 http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=131209.0
Guest durianlover88 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 The used Plinius Hiato by Jan97 should be a good catch :)
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 Thanks dl88 and kzone... very interesting recommendations but like what I had mentioned, I am more inclined towards a brand new unit so I can slowly shower it with love without having the constant thought that it has been "molested" before so to speak... hahaha. Really appreciate the time taken to post up the links fellow gentleman, much appreciated! Plinius from the Dynaudio showroom keep showing up here and there, how are their sound signature like and are they anywhere within my budget at all?
Quest88 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Thanks dl88 and kzone... very interesting recommendations but like what I had mentioned, I am more inclined towards a brand new unit so I can slowly shower it with love without having the constant thought that it has been "molested" before so to speak... hahaha. Really appreciate the time taken to post up the links fellow gentleman, much appreciated! Plinius from the Dynaudio showroom keep showing up here and there, how are their sound signature like and are they anywhere within my budget at all? wow bro.. interesting thoughts about used! can i share an advertisement with you? :)
naimster Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 IMHO, impedance matching between the pre power is important. You should still give a better preamp a shot just to find out what a higher grade preamp can do. It might just surprise you. As good as the Mytek is, given the size and the price range, there has to be compromise somewhere and I am putting my bet on its performance as a preamp. Less is more applies when you add an additional component in the chain like a buffer stage but in this case, if you bypass the Mytek pre and add an external pre, you're not really addiing additional component into the chain perse. To be honest naimster, I have always felt that the Parasound is more than adequate to drive the ATCs which is why I am curious as to whether anything south of 5k can match its price/performance ratio. As for the pre-amp, I am actually running balanced directly to the amp from my Mytek DAC/Pre-amp and I am quite happy with the combination. Kinda stuck in the school of thought where less is more. Couldn't disagree on you for the transparency of the ATCs which is the primary reason why I bought it in the first. Love the truth about the recording but the truth hurts my ears sometimes... hahaha. Which is why I would prefer to pair them with a amplifier that is smoother/warmer sounding which is more forgiving of such harsh recordings. Thanks for the advise though, you must be one of the more loyal ATC owners I have come across who love the tank-built quality and honest music reproduction.
kzone Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 ah.. didnt notice abt ur preference for new. Unless its a recently released model, I usually prefer used equipments, cos I always think that I can get the next level of equipment for the same $$. But problem is must be patient to wait for the item u want to pop up n must be fast enuff to act. Buying new is better in that sense, can get the equipmeny almost immediately... at the most wait for stocks to arrive. Buying new also can ask for home audition.. Quest!!! mind cannot work now!
DJQ Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Thanks dl88 and kzone... very interesting recommendations but like what I had mentioned, I am more inclined towards a brand new unit so I can slowly shower it with love without having the constant thought that it has been "molested" before so to speak... hahaha. Really appreciate the time taken to post up the links fellow gentleman, much appreciated! Plinius from the Dynaudio showroom keep showing up here and there, how are their sound signature like and are they anywhere within my budget at all? With your budget only plinius Hautonga fits. Like DL88 mentioned I would go for the Hiato(used) if new it's over $8k. Lots of headroom and smooth warm tones.
Quest88 Posted March 4, 2013 Posted March 4, 2013 Maybe I have to echo what naimster is saying here.. If you like the parasound, perhaps no real need to upgrade it. Give the pre-amp a try and maybe it will give you the sound you want. Parasound's presentation is a little more on the relaxed side which may be what you like. Changing the pre-amp will give more refinement and control. I also had to go through same process when I upgraded from benchmark dac-1 pre to go through a proper pre many years ago. Once gone this way, can't go back. Most of the other suggestions of integrated or pre/power seem to be more dynamic or bright.. Plinius tends to be abit warmish but presentation is more aggressive, nice bass control. I feel the Hiato is abit brighter/leaner so need to try the combo. Interestingly don't see any mention of the Krell integrated. :) I think MF is closer to the parasound signature but not sure if worth the upgrade from a parasound pre/power. Karan is darker sounding but too bad out of your budget. Just my 2 cents. Unfortunately can't really think of much in the $5k space as I'm not too familiar now.. Quest!!! mind cannot work now! lol, sorry. i thought it would be a good persuasion to go used. :P
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 wow bro.. interesting thoughts about used! can i share an advertisement with you? :) WAH!!! *noise bleed* well for that I wouldn't mind at all! hahaha... actually it was just from bad experience with used equipment last time because the manner in which they were treated previously is always a mystery and I just don't like that thought to be lingering at the back of my mind especially when it comes to bigger ticket value items like amplifiers, speakers, etc... smaller stuff are fine I guess.
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 IMHO, impedance matching between the pre power is important. You should still give a better preamp a shot just to find out what a higher grade preamp can do. It might just surprise you. As good as the Mytek is, given the size and the price range, there has to be compromise somewhere and I am putting my bet on its performance as a preamp. Less is more applies when you add an additional component in the chain like a buffer stage but in this case, if you bypass the Mytek pre and add an external pre, you're not really addiing additional component into the chain perse. Point well noted naimster and quest for the good insight to proper system matching and the advantages of a pre-amp. Actually I did tried using a cheap Audio-gd balanced pre-amp (my headphone amp actually with pre-amp function) into the Parasound before and it changed the overall sound signature significantly, giving it a deeper sound stage but the tone was much mellowed as well - tending towards the dark side. It ever crossed my mind to get a pre-amp into the chain and was at one stage considering the Wyred4Sound STP-SE balanced pre-amp with a very interesting implementation of the volume control - passive before going active at a certain volume. However, after much deliberation, I settled on investing in better amplification before I start exploring the pre-amp route and if there is an integrated amplifier that can fit the bill, I don't even need to bother with the pre-amp at all.
valenroy Posted March 4, 2013 Author Posted March 4, 2013 ah.. didnt notice abt ur preference for new. Unless its a recently released model, I usually prefer used equipments, cos I always think that I can get the next level of equipment for the same $$. But problem is must be patient to wait for the item u want to pop up n must be fast enuff to act. Buying new is better in that sense, can get the equipmeny almost immediately... at the most wait for stocks to arrive. Buying new also can ask for home audition.. Quest!!! mind cannot work now! I can totally understand your rational and I would tend to think like that too and like what I had mentioned before, it was from bad experience with used equipment that I developed this mindset for the more expensive stuff. I am totally fine with cables and tweaks when it comes to the used market.
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