Amp advice for Triangle Esprit Antal EZ

[tomaz]

Hi there !

After lurking for a bit, I decided to open my new thread

I finally pulled the trigger on my first HiFi speakers for my living room: the Triangle Esprit Antal EZ. I'll have to wait a few weeks for them to be delivered, and decided to use this time to deep dive into amps world.

Although the topic is quite interesting, it quickly gets technical. I'd be happy to have others opinion

Why: Mainly music (10% vinyls through my pre-amplified turntable, 70% streaming through Spotify ATM, 10% BT when friends come over, 10% misc), but there's a big chance I'll use it for my TV setup in the future.
Room size: currently 20m2, moving soon in a bigger place
Budget: I'd like 600-800€, but can go up to 1k€

I'm looking into my options, and I'm a bit hesitant.

Option 1a: Amp + Streamer
I'm looking into Audiophonics MPA-S250NC + WiiM Ultra. Some people here made compelling arguments about going with ncore amps.
However, that's not too cheap, I'm looking at around (880€) for it does provide lots of inputs, capabilities, a mobile app, and that WOW effect.
Lastly, it looks like it'll be quite evolutive for my future needs.

Option 1b: Amp + Streamer
This is essentially a variant of the first option, but I'd replace the amp with 2 Fosi Audio V3 Mono + WiiM Ultra. That would be a bit cheaper than option 1a, but I have trouble identifying any possible missing features there.

Option 2: Go with an all-in-one
There's currently a very good deal on the Yamaha R-N800A where I am (France).
It looks like it's the most bang-for-the-buck AIO Amp that could drive the Antal EZ. To be fair, it looks like a great amp, but it misses the HDMI for future-proofing my system (and Yam 1000A is too expensive right now).

Well, if anyone has insights about the match between the Antals and an amp setup, has any recommendations or anything, I'd be happy to discuss it!
Also, I can provide more info if needed.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[DanielT]

Hello and welcome to ASR!

If we look at Amir's review of your speakers, he states:

Impedance was the lowest I have measured at just 2.7 ohms:

You need a proper amp that doesn't mind pumping out current.

Triangle Esprit Antal Ez Review (Tower Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Triangle Esprit Antal Ez Floor Standing speaker. It was kindly loaned to me by a local member and costs US $2,400 (pair). The overall fit and finish is nice: The tweeter though looks odd and takes away from the clean look as does that...

audiosciencereview.com

About the AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC, Amir says:

The MPA-S250NC passed my stress test with reactive loads of 4 and 8 ohms but shut down into 2 ohms:

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC Amp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC stereo Ncore class D amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs 415,83 € tax excl. (US $444). The enclosure is absolutely adorable! While it is fair bit deep, the other two dimensions are quite small...

audiosciencereview.com

Does that mean you should cross the MPA-S250NC off your list? Well, hm. I don't know. It depends a bit on what kind of music you play and at what volume/ for how long. I would be a little skeptical anyway. But okay, your speakers "only" go down to 2.7 Ohms and not 2 Ohms, but still.Let's see what others have to say about that.

Fosi Audio V3 Mono is better in that regard:
Amazing that this little amplifier can handle even 2 ohm load! Note that these are short term power ratings.

Fosi Audio V3 Mono is load dependent but considering your speakers' impedance curve in the higher frequencies it will hardly affect FR to any audibility level.

Yamaha R-N800A I'll let others comment on how it would be together with your Triangle Esprit Antal Ez speakers.
Yamaha usually handles tough loads well, see for example this one:

Yamaha A-S701 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Yamaha A-S701 stereo integrated amplifier with included DAC and Phono stage. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $800. The A-S701 is one of the best looking amplifiers I have tested. Yes the controls are plastic unlike the glory days...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[tomaz]

Hi Daniel, thanks for the read!

But okay, your speakers "only" go down to 2.7 Ohms and not 2 Ohms

Is it generally better to get speakers and an amp that can go as low as each other? Do you have any idea of what the risk is here?

It depends a bit on what kind of music you play and at what volume/ for how long

It's all kinds, really, but let's say I'll listen mainly to jazz and rap. Usually not too loud, as I also want to enjoy a "background music" experience.
This will likely be 1-2 hours at a time.

If you don't mind me asking, does that make a difference in my choice of amp? Considering my use, what should I look for when searching for amps?


On another note, I noticed that the Yamaha has a double output for each channel, while the MPA does not. Will that make a noticeable difference in my listening experience?

 

[AnalogSteph]

On another note, I noticed that the Yamaha has a double output for each channel, while the MPA does not. Will that make a noticeable difference in my listening experience?

Unless you are actually planning on using two pairs of speakers, no.

 

[tomaz]

Hi there,

Updating with some news, for future lurkers.

I made a bit of progress while I'm waiting for my delivery I've decided to go with the following route: get a power amp with a dedicated external streamer. I want my HiFi system to be agnostic from connectivity features.

I know I'll go with a WiiM Ultra for a number of reason, but I yet have to chose an amp.

I'm still considering these 2 options, but I lack knowledge to make my choice:

• AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC
• 2 * Fosi Audio V3 Mono
• something else I've not considered?
  

Does anyone have an opinion on these? Technically and functionally speaking, both seem to do a great job for my needs

 

[Roland68]

Hi there,

Updating with some news, for future lurkers.

I made a bit of progress while I'm waiting for my delivery I've decided to go with the following route: get a power amp with a dedicated external streamer. I want my HiFi system to be agnostic from connectivity features.

I know I'll go with a WiiM Ultra for a number of reason, but I yet have to chose an amp.

I'm still considering these 2 options, but I lack knowledge to make my choice:

• AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC
• 2 * Fosi Audio V3 Mono
• something else I've not considered?

Does anyone have an opinion on these? Technically and functionally speaking, both seem to do a great job for my needs

I would also suggest the Sabaj A30a, a fully digital amplifier that connects perfectly to the Wii U consoles. There's also an analog input for older devices.
You can find a review of the identically constructed SMSL VMV A2 on ASR.
I personally prefer the A30a to my Yamaha A-S1000 and even the newer 1100/1200.

 

[Overseas]

I am very very happy with Yamaha AS1100 driving my Esprit Australe.
For fun I tried a Aiyima A70 but no. Same Aiyima I use in a small room with shelf speakers at low volumes, very good.

 

[Overseas]

Hi Daniel, thanks for the read!


Is it generally better to get speakers and an amp that can go as low as each other? Do you have any idea of what the risk is here?



It's all kinds, really, but let's say I'll listen mainly to jazz and rap. Usually not too loud, as I also want to enjoy a "background music" experience.
This will likely be 1-2 hours at a time.

If you don't mind me asking, does that make a difference in my choice of amp? Considering my use, what should I look for when searching for amps?


On another note, I noticed that the Yamaha has a double output for each channel, while the MPA does not. Will that make a noticeable difference in my listening experience?

View attachment 446098

You may want to double wire your speakers (NOT double amping).
Though it is not recommended here on ASR as being useless, Triangles have 2 sets of connections for bi-wiring, see Triangle recommendations.

 

[whereisbrian]

Hello, I have Triangle Altea ESW floorstanding columns speakers.

First, you need to move your speakers away from the walls, at least 1.50 m from the back, and the same for the side walls., they have to breathe.

For amplification, I have a Nuforce 2x100-watt amp that holds them very well, the Sabaj amp recommended above can also do the trick.

And the most important, take measurements to see how they perform in your room.

 

[Overseas]

Can try Yamaha 803D second hand for start at low price ? Then later chenge the system.

 

[classicrock]

I would avoid budget class D amps. Frankly I would avoid class D but for a few expensive high quality models. Antals need a high current amp which will deal with 3 ohms or lower. So reasonable power with substantial transformers that increase power into 4 and 2 ohms. Also avoid neutral to bright amps. You need something with a little warmth. I'm using an MF6500 (500w into 8 ohms) to drive the 40th Anniv versions. I think suitable amps are going to cost $2000 and above. They are reported to work well with some valve hybrid amps such as Unico.

 

[DVDdoug]

This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field," he said. "The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound

Very few amplifiers are bright or warm... or anything else. Ignoring tone controls or EQ, most amplifiers, and all good amplifiers, simply amplify, up to the point where you over-drive them into clipping/distortion. With modern solid state electronics that's cheap & easy, depending on how much wattage you need (and there can be other considerations with those low-impedance speakers, etc.).

 

[Grotti]

I would avoid budget class D amps. Frankly I would avoid class D but for a few expensive high quality models. Antals need a high current amp which will deal with 3 ohms or lower. So reasonable power with substantial transformers that increase power into 4 and 2 ohms. Also avoid neutral to bright amps. You need something with a little warmth. I'm using an MF6500 (500w into 8 ohms) to drive the 40th Anniv versions. I think suitable amps are going to cost $2000 and above. They are reported to work well with some valve hybrid amps such as Unico.

Welcome at ASR. Those are the kind of posts with so many.things to comment on....The OP does not need an amplifier "with a little warmth" because there is no such thing as "warmth" if an amplifier has a proper THD and noise (SINAD about 80 - 85 dB +), low enough distortion, linear frequency response and is driven within its power limits. I am not talking about tube amplifiers obviously....

The fact that you would avoid class D amps almost generally is a pity because you will miss out on great performance! Given the quite high efficiency of the Triangle speakers I bet my Hypex based "ancient" amplifier (UcD 400) will make them sing without breaking a sweat. And I bet that you couldn't tell a proper constructed (that means load independent) class D amp apart from your "classic" amp in a ABX test as long as both are precisely level matched and driven within their limits. Which is about 350 Watts at 4 Ohms in case of my amp.

I won't elaborate but to the OP: i strongly recommend to at least give class D a chance. It is all about objective performance and certainly not about class D, class AB or class XYZ...