Bryce1963 Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 I recently picked up an Aaron XX Anniversary stereo amplifier. It sounds wonderful and I'm currently using it with my W4S DAC and JRMC 19. I also have in my theatre room at home an Elektra HD 7 power amp which I may be selling due to relocating. The Aaron has pre outs and I'm curious as to whether or not I'd notice much difference if I utilised the pre outs and fed the Elektra and then into my Orpheus Apollo speakers. The Aaron has plenty of grunt already and whilst the Elektra made a big difference to my Pioneer AVR I'm unsure whether the difference will be as noticeable with the Aaron. Its a big expedition to get the Elektra down to my new abode but if it is going to be worth the trip I'm happy to make it. If however it is likely to be only a minor improvement them I'll probably not bother. Interested in your thoughts although i realise the Aaron probably isn't hugely known on Aus shores. Cheers Bryce
Bronal Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 The Apollos are 4 ohm nominal impedance so you'll be getting 120 wpc out of your XX. They are 90 dB sensitive, which suggests to me that the XX will be able to drive them with ease to high volume. I also have a XX which I use with Harbeth 7ES2s. The major thing I notice about it is its bass response, which is one of the best I've heard. I'd be reluctant to give that away, but of course the only way you'll find out if the Elektra is superior is by trying it. Do you find the the bumps at turn on and turn off to be annoying? If so, Decky could help you with a modification that he made to his (which is the one I now have). It doesn't eliminate them but does greatly reduce them. Also, I've noticed that leaving the XX turned on in 'volume mute' mode results in a much warmer sound after a couple of days. This may not be to your taste, but I find it more enjoyable.
Bryce1963 Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 Pretty much where I had landed re having to just suck it and see. I was hoping to avoid lugging the power amp down but only one way to find out for sure. You're right re the Aaron having plenty of power to drive the Apollo's. Certainly hasn't been a concern, I guess I was wondering if the additional grunt from the Elektra would make a difference. I'm still trying to get the Apollo's positioned to maximise the bass response but I really like the sound of the XX. The bumps at start up and shut down don't really bother me but mine defaults to min volume at start up and not overly noticeable . Just this weekend I have left the XX on to see what that does for the sound . Happy to give you my thoughts when I check it out tonight . Thanks for the feedback, appreciate your thoughts
Bryce1963 Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 I just realised I posted this in the wrong section. Mods, if you can would you please be able to relocate to the amps forums or I can repost it if that's easier.
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