good amps are also transparent when played within their power envelope.
You really only need to pay for power output (including grunt for low impedance loads if your speakers need it)
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What has the biggest effect in sound profile Pre a/Amp, Amp, or DAC?
- Thread starter Chanur
- Start date
You really only need to pay for power output (including grunt for low impedance loads if your speakers need it)
Your speakers are an easy load so if you fancy the QUAD combo I'd just go for it.
Given the 84dB sensitivity you might want more power than they offer. Unlikely but possible. That's really the only consideration.
You could get by with much cheaper amplification, as noted. Or with a decent AVR that has signal correction and high pass for the main speakers when using subwoofer(s).
- Thread Starter
- #23
Thanks for all the input gang. Appreciate it. I like the Quad, because you can bridge mono two amps if you want extra power. Wife doesn't like the look but I might veto her and risk the blood bath. Only thing slowing me is the lack of HDMI.
I also have been thinking about just getting one or two buckeye amps and calling it a day. I would want a preamp with HDMI if possible then. I'll need to connect a turn table and a CD player too it. So just need to figure out which would be good.
I could be talked into an AVR if there was some assurances the sound quality would be the same. I want something I can keep and use for 20 years and with the way formats change it makes me a bit hesitant for an AVR.
I also have been thinking about just getting one or two buckeye amps and calling it a day. I would want a preamp with HDMI if possible then. I'll need to connect a turn table and a CD player too it. So just need to figure out which would be good.
I could be talked into an AVR if there was some assurances the sound quality would be the same. I want something I can keep and use for 20 years and with the way formats change it makes me a bit hesitant for an AVR.
kemmler3D
Master Contributor
WiiM Ultra plus a buckeye amp or two will give you excellent bang for buck and overall sound quality. WiiM is not the only game in town, but they are very feature rich for the money and the app is pretty good.
If you just like the Quad amp because you do, nothing wrong with that, but it's far from the only bridge-able unit out there.
Barrelhouse Solly
Addicted to Fun and Learning
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Transducers, i. e. microphones and speakers have the most effect. Oh, phono cartridges if you play vinyl. As others have pointed out, headroom is a factor. The amp and speakers should be matched to avoid clipping. Klipsch's gag about the 1 watt amp is still valid. These days we have a huge number of amps that are great with almost any speakers at low to moderate listening volumes, i. e. the volumes most people listen at.
kemmler3D
Master Contributor
BTW - AVR can definitely work and you may get the benefit of various room correction schemes. I'm not an expert on AVRs at all, don't have one myself.
I did have a pair of Bic F12s and they are an excellent bang for buck sub. I sold them because they didn't quite hang on down to 20hz and I'm really particular about that, but the output in the 30hz+ range is pretty decent. If you use room correction or PEQ to integrate an F12 I think it's worthwhile in your system unless you hear something missing or wrong.
I did have a pair of Bic F12s and they are an excellent bang for buck sub. I sold them because they didn't quite hang on down to 20hz and I'm really particular about that, but the output in the 30hz+ range is pretty decent. If you use room correction or PEQ to integrate an F12 I think it's worthwhile in your system unless you hear something missing or wrong.
There are dozens of functions performed at line level
but not part of what we call "a preamp" in recreational / home audio.
Yes a DSP or audio interface can be "used as a" preamp if you mean it has gain controls.
But a dumb passive source switcher ≠ "a preamp".
These days "a preamp" is simply not needed, if the other units in your chain have all the features / function you need
unless there are gain mismatch problems needing solving, line driver vs attenuation.
Which it is true, can make a huge difference in system SQ
- Thread Starter
- #28
For the preamp/DAC I had actually considered something like the Cambridge Audio EXN100 and Eversolo and while they look slick, particularly the Eversolo, both have HDMI which is convenient .I don't think they have any kind of room correction though, please correct me if I'm wrong.
My wife doesn't like having all the boxes but I can get her past that.
My wife doesn't like having all the boxes but I can get her past that.
Network streamers can include preamp functionality for other sources,
but room correction and other DSP-based pre-processor functions just like the OG analog equalizers, limiter/compressors etc
are each their own separate beasts IMO
not part of "preamp functionality" just because they work at line level
but room correction and other DSP-based pre-processor functions just like the OG analog equalizers, limiter/compressors etc
are each their own separate beasts IMO
not part of "preamp functionality" just because they work at line level
DSJR
Master Contributor
If you changed the 303s for a single Artera 'Stereo' power amp (latest descendant of the 606/707/909 family), you'd have plenty of power, decent four-ohm current output capability that 'bridging' may dilute and great long term service as well. The Artera Play Plus preamp with CD transport is superb as well and fulfils all the audiophile sonic requirements as well as having a basically good spec, as well as solid build. Sadly, it's not 'stand-out' enough on a dealer's shelves, so often overlooked and the reasonable price for the package doesn't appeal to high end 'snobs' either as it's too cheap..
solderdude
Grand Contributor
transducers (+ room for speakers) >> recording >> amplifier >> DAC > transport/source.
tineared
Addicted to Fun and Learning
I believe this would be an excellent choice
I would recommend the Buckeye 1ET6525SA 2 channel amp
It has more power than you will ever need, but it has the advantage of having the power supply separate from the amp modules which is a better design for longevity IMO.
It is a SOTA amp that only costs $1200 and will allow you to decide on your preamp of choice. It's a small black box that you can hide from your wife
Buckeye Amps
Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!
- Thread Starter
- #35
Where would you even buy the Artera stuff in the US?
- Thread Starter
- #36
She kind of hates the look of Marantz unfortunately.
Place a framed picture <of the kids>, or a mini bonsai, or one of those artsy room diffuser thingamabobs in front of it and everyone shall live in peace and harmony.
DSJR
Master Contributor
I thought it was everywhere, but obviously not, sadly. I only commented due to the 'new' 33/303 mention...
- Thread Starter
- #39
I brought up the same thing as we will likely be buying new AV cabinets soon for all of our gear. She was no plussed. That being said I could probably still do it if push came to shove. My only concern was the 40n might not have enough power and the 30 would still need additional gear for HDMI but could probably get away with the optical. Not sure they have DIRAC either but most things don't so it's not a deal breaker.
Any opinions on the new Emotiva Differential Reference Premiere series? Seems like it has everything for a good price, at least compared to the Schitt stack as an example. No experience with them or most Schiit products either. I have an old Modi/Magni.
Audionaut
Major Contributor
Specific recommendation for approx. $1,100
Complete system for streaming and high performance = long-lasting audio enjoyment
WiiM Ultra
AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Class-D-Stereo-Amplifier Hypex Ncore NC502MP 2x500W 4 Ohm
www.audiophonics.fr
Complete system for streaming and high performance = long-lasting audio enjoyment
WiiM Ultra
AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Class-D-Stereo-Amplifier Hypex Ncore NC502MP 2x500W 4 Ohm
AUDIOPHONICS AP300-S500NC Power Amplifier NCore NC502MP
The Audiophonics AP300-S500NC is a stereo amplifier based on a Hypex Ncore NC502MP amplifier module. It is ideal for providing a significant power reserve (2x500W @ 4Ω) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.
www.audiophonics.fr
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