Amplifier Suggestions Wanted

[312elements]

I’m in the market for an amplifier. Requirements are:

XLR inputs
No DSP
Class A, AB, or D, but if class D it would have to be TOTL modules
Ability to drive speakers with sensitivity of 89db
Immediate Delivery in US (company produces/keeps stock of amps vs build to order)
Around $1000 for 2 channels

Thanks in advance

 

[escape2]

Emotiva XPA-2 maybe?

 

[312elements]

Emotiva XPA-2 maybe?

I’m actually replacing an XPA-2 gen 2. I wouldn’t mind trying something different.

 

[escape2]

I wouldn’t mind trying something different.

Monolith?

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15595

 

[312elements]

Monolith?

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15595

Do you have any experience with them?

 

[Blumlein 88]

Hypex Ncore based March Audio amps for about $850 maybe?
https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p252

From Australia, but will deliver to you in the USA. Owner takes part here at ASR.

Amir measured the lower powered version here:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...io-p122-class-d-amplifier-measurements.11801/

 

[escape2]

Do you have any experience with them?

No, sorry. Sound & Vision reviewed an older 7-channel version:
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/monoprice-monolith-7-amplifier-review

Also, this Marantz has XLR inputs:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1169316-REG/marantz_mm7025_2_channel_amplifier.html/qa

 

[312elements]

Hypex Ncore based March Audio amps for about $850 maybe?
https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p252

From Australia, but will deliver to you in the USA. Owner takes part here at ASR.

Amir measured the lower powered version here:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...io-p122-class-d-amplifier-measurements.11801/

thoughts on ncore vs purifi? Is it worth the price difference?

 

[Blumlein 88]

thoughts on ncore vs purifi? Is it worth the price difference?

I don't know. My guess is both are so good it won't be a difference you'll hear. Both are the handiwork of Bruno Putzeys and designer friends. The Purifi being his latest and presumably greatest work. BTW, March Audio has Purifi as well, but at a higher cost.

 

[ahofer]

Hypex Ncore based March Audio amps for about $850 maybe?
https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p252

From Australia, but will deliver to you in the USA. Owner takes part here at ASR.

Amir measured the lower powered version here:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...io-p122-class-d-amplifier-measurements.11801/

Second. I own the p252, and use speakers with slightly lower sensitivity (Harbeth SHL5+). Not TOTL, and from AUS, but meets your other criteria. I run balanced from an RME DAC.

 

[MusicNBeer]

Here's some measurements of the Monolith.
https://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/monoprice-monolith-7-channel-amplifier-review/3

If not doing class D, I'd probably go with the Monolith myself on a $1K budget. They're made in US by ATI.

 

[Guddu]

Vtv and audiophonics are other options for hypex or purify based amplifier with lower price than others.

 

[Indy]

Don't forget the new kid on the block. Buckeye amps are hypex based amplifiers made in Ohio and probably the lowest price compared to all others mentioned.

 

[UCrazyKid]

Bryston 3B-ST. Solid, class A/B and can power just about anything. Pre-owned they are coming in just at $1000 these days. Check Hi-FiShark.com

 

[Matias]

Here are several listed for your consideration.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZlTOYxmPs938gqHjtDABkWS-MApu7uJjzIGnJ2Elm6Y/edit?usp=sharing

I would go VTV Purifi EVAL1 if I were you.
https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-purifi-eigentakt-stereo-amplifier-based-on-eval-1/

 

[seadogbiscuit]

Audio by Van Alstine Vision SET 120 Class A/AB $900

 

[312elements]

Audio by Van Alstine Vision SET 120 Class A/AB $900

This looks interesting. Do you have any experience with the product? I’m going to do some googling.

 

[312elements]

Bryston 3B-ST. Solid, class A/B and can power just about anything. Pre-owned they are coming in just at $1000 these days. Check Hi-FiShark.com

Bryston has a very solid reputation.

 

[312elements]

Don't forget the new kid on the block. Buckeye amps are hypex based amplifiers made in Ohio and probably the lowest price compared to all others mentioned.

Do you know if they keep an inventory or is everything BTO.

 

[312elements]

I went to the local hifi store and got to compare the NAD c268 vs the NAD 298 with the Purifi modules on a pair of ls50 meta speakers and the difference was very apparent even at moderate volumes. If I had only heard the c268 I think I would have happily walked out with it, but after switching to the c298 the difference was very apparent in ways that I assume would be difficult to measure. The c298 just made the speakers sound better. Hats off to NAD on a stellar product. Might have to bite the bullet and save up some more.