WeBuild4Life
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2023
- Messages
- 26
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- 15
Hi All,
I will start by saying I've read every review regarding Stereo Amps on ASR and I think I am having a bit of choice paralysis. It may be a bit of chasing the wrong stats as well.
Here is my Criteria:
1. Either a stereo unit, or two mono that can drive 250-400watts a channel.
2. Around the $1500USD range
3. "Sounds great!"
I will be:
1. Building and driving the Elsinore Loud speakers which are ~92db across the entire frequency range.
2. Using A90d preamp, which is hooked to a D90le.
3. Wiring everything via balanced connection.
Right now I think I am looking at the NCX500 but I am iffy about class D? I think I want to stay in A/B but I am researching why/why it doesn't matter.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-ncx500dm-mkii-dual-mono-stereo-amp
(side note... is it worth upgrading to the https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-se-nc1200dm-stereo-amp? I am over budget but could just wait a bit before buying it.)
My issue with these are class D.
Originally, I was looking at the Vidar 2, but apparently this is not measuring that great.
The LA90 looks promising, but my issues are petty
1. I already run the topping a90/d90 and want diversify my hardware bit.
2. It may be "too dry" I like that for headphones but really want to have an enjoyable speaker system.
3. I don't love the looks
4. I feel I need more power (I don't but yeah, stick with me here).
What I feel I want is a chunky big amp like the Vidar 2, but something that doesn't measure poorly. I am not sure why, those big components make me feel like it sounds better, but obviously we know that isn't the case.... or is it?
Some other choices I looked at:
1. https://emotiva.com/collections/amps/products/xpa-dr2
1a. I really like this on paper, but Amirm measured insane levels of distortion, but he said it may or may not be audible. No clue with Class H is good/bad.
2. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Z5mIYICYAAM/p_313A23PS/Parasound-Halo-A-23-Silver.html
2a. I have a friend who likes Parasound but he got dealer pricing, and there isn't much info about them. Deff on the low power side.
2b. I Can get this for $1440. 20% off! Reviews on here seem to say it's pretty good. But not enough power? maybe enough??
Some Closing comments:
1. If I am wrong about needing this much power let me know, and if you could direct me to why I'd appreciate it. Everything I've read does mention you want as much overhead as possible. I do plan to drive these speakers LOUD (louder than comfortable) just to show off occasionally and maybe for parties if I move these to my great room. So having power on tap is important to me.
2. Do I really need A/B? Is class D "good enough" can you even hear a difference? Class H??
3. The LA90 seems good, but I am worried that it will sound too dry. Is this even a thing? Am I thinking like someone who buys silver cables?
Thank you all, I appreciate it!
@staticV3 feel free to take a read if you don't mind .
I will start by saying I've read every review regarding Stereo Amps on ASR and I think I am having a bit of choice paralysis. It may be a bit of chasing the wrong stats as well.
Here is my Criteria:
1. Either a stereo unit, or two mono that can drive 250-400watts a channel.
2. Around the $1500USD range
3. "Sounds great!"
I will be:
1. Building and driving the Elsinore Loud speakers which are ~92db across the entire frequency range.
2. Using A90d preamp, which is hooked to a D90le.
3. Wiring everything via balanced connection.
Right now I think I am looking at the NCX500 but I am iffy about class D? I think I want to stay in A/B but I am researching why/why it doesn't matter.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-ncx500dm-mkii-dual-mono-stereo-amp
(side note... is it worth upgrading to the https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-se-nc1200dm-stereo-amp? I am over budget but could just wait a bit before buying it.)
My issue with these are class D.
Originally, I was looking at the Vidar 2, but apparently this is not measuring that great.
The LA90 looks promising, but my issues are petty
1. I already run the topping a90/d90 and want diversify my hardware bit.
2. It may be "too dry" I like that for headphones but really want to have an enjoyable speaker system.
3. I don't love the looks
4. I feel I need more power (I don't but yeah, stick with me here).
What I feel I want is a chunky big amp like the Vidar 2, but something that doesn't measure poorly. I am not sure why, those big components make me feel like it sounds better, but obviously we know that isn't the case.... or is it?
Some other choices I looked at:
1. https://emotiva.com/collections/amps/products/xpa-dr2
1a. I really like this on paper, but Amirm measured insane levels of distortion, but he said it may or may not be audible. No clue with Class H is good/bad.
2. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Z5mIYICYAAM/p_313A23PS/Parasound-Halo-A-23-Silver.html
2a. I have a friend who likes Parasound but he got dealer pricing, and there isn't much info about them. Deff on the low power side.
2b. I Can get this for $1440. 20% off! Reviews on here seem to say it's pretty good. But not enough power? maybe enough??
Some Closing comments:
1. If I am wrong about needing this much power let me know, and if you could direct me to why I'd appreciate it. Everything I've read does mention you want as much overhead as possible. I do plan to drive these speakers LOUD (louder than comfortable) just to show off occasionally and maybe for parties if I move these to my great room. So having power on tap is important to me.
2. Do I really need A/B? Is class D "good enough" can you even hear a difference? Class H??
3. The LA90 seems good, but I am worried that it will sound too dry. Is this even a thing? Am I thinking like someone who buys silver cables?
Thank you all, I appreciate it!
@staticV3 feel free to take a read if you don't mind .
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