SyncopatedSoul
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- Nov 18, 2024
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I am using is a Topping D50III DAC which I love.
Speakers
EPOS M22i which I also love. They are 3 way floor standing with a sensitivity of 87dB.
On back of speaker of speakers it says 8 ohms and max power of 150W. However online it is always quoted as 6 ohm, and max power of 250W. Not sure why the difference, AI thinks it's just labels for marketing and that actual numbers are 6 ohm, 150W continuous, 250W for peaks.
Old amplifier committed Seppuku so time for something new and better and as I really like my DAC, and as I bought it based on reviews around here, I naturally gravitated to stay with Topping, as their amps top the charts here too and the value for money seems insane.
I am considering 3 Topping options:
PA7 Plus - Max power 107W into 8
LA90 Discrete - Max power 41W into 8ohm (costs about 50% more the PA7P)
Pre90 + 2x B200 Mono blocks - Max power of 153W into 8 Ohm (Costs about 300% more than the PA7P)
Problem is I have no way of listening to them before buying. So I have to buy blind.
I listen to very varied types of music - from classical to the most obscenely loud prog metal bands, dub step and anything you can think of. So I need a system that handles "busy" music well. A friend has Epos ES 22 with too weak Naim shoebox amps - they sound fantastic as long as the music is simple. Once it gets busy with a lot of instruments it sounds messy/smeared/muddled - not sure how to call it but it ain't good. I was told this is due to the amp not being able to supply enough power fast enough and that the solution is better power supply (typically the Naim high cap). I want to avoid that problem in my system.
Initially I leaned into the LA90D, as it scored a bit better on measurements than the PA7P, but I am afraid 41W won't be enough. I don't know how to assess how much power I need. Technically speaking I can afford the mono block option, and a part of me is excited about getting the scientifically best option, but it feels like such a huge purchase to make blind. Then there is the option of going with the PA7P and if I am somehow not happy, consider upgrading to the mono blocks. Also not sure if the facts that the mono blocks option includes a pre amp improves the result beyond the benefit of the mono blocks themselves. Really not sure how to go about all of this. Will much appreciate any wisdom on the matter, and what experience people had with these devices. (I know the reviews are great for all of them)
Lastly given what I want (an amp that performs well with demanding music), should I consider also a power supply upgrade to whatever I buy? I know these use switching power supplys, and was told by a friend that replacing them with big toroidal transformers will improve things. Is this true? Does the answer changes between AB and D amps? did anyone try upgrading the power supply with Topping amps around here?
I am using is a Topping D50III DAC which I love.
Speakers
EPOS M22i which I also love. They are 3 way floor standing with a sensitivity of 87dB.
On back of speaker of speakers it says 8 ohms and max power of 150W. However online it is always quoted as 6 ohm, and max power of 250W. Not sure why the difference, AI thinks it's just labels for marketing and that actual numbers are 6 ohm, 150W continuous, 250W for peaks.
Old amplifier committed Seppuku so time for something new and better and as I really like my DAC, and as I bought it based on reviews around here, I naturally gravitated to stay with Topping, as their amps top the charts here too and the value for money seems insane.
I am considering 3 Topping options:
PA7 Plus - Max power 107W into 8
LA90 Discrete - Max power 41W into 8ohm (costs about 50% more the PA7P)
Pre90 + 2x B200 Mono blocks - Max power of 153W into 8 Ohm (Costs about 300% more than the PA7P)
Problem is I have no way of listening to them before buying. So I have to buy blind.
I listen to very varied types of music - from classical to the most obscenely loud prog metal bands, dub step and anything you can think of. So I need a system that handles "busy" music well. A friend has Epos ES 22 with too weak Naim shoebox amps - they sound fantastic as long as the music is simple. Once it gets busy with a lot of instruments it sounds messy/smeared/muddled - not sure how to call it but it ain't good. I was told this is due to the amp not being able to supply enough power fast enough and that the solution is better power supply (typically the Naim high cap). I want to avoid that problem in my system.
Initially I leaned into the LA90D, as it scored a bit better on measurements than the PA7P, but I am afraid 41W won't be enough. I don't know how to assess how much power I need. Technically speaking I can afford the mono block option, and a part of me is excited about getting the scientifically best option, but it feels like such a huge purchase to make blind. Then there is the option of going with the PA7P and if I am somehow not happy, consider upgrading to the mono blocks. Also not sure if the facts that the mono blocks option includes a pre amp improves the result beyond the benefit of the mono blocks themselves. Really not sure how to go about all of this. Will much appreciate any wisdom on the matter, and what experience people had with these devices. (I know the reviews are great for all of them)
Lastly given what I want (an amp that performs well with demanding music), should I consider also a power supply upgrade to whatever I buy? I know these use switching power supplys, and was told by a friend that replacing them with big toroidal transformers will improve things. Is this true? Does the answer changes between AB and D amps? did anyone try upgrading the power supply with Topping amps around here?
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