What's hot? Which AMP is currently the strongest contender? (brand new, up to $1000 / 850 Euro in EU ).

[Tweeter2016]

Hello,

I wanted to ask what's hot right now in terms of amplifiers in the $1,000 price range? I don't follow all the latest developments closely, and in China there's something new every week, and every 2-3 months there's a game-changer... About three years ago, the SABAJ A30A was the best (today, most people have probably forgotten about it). What's the absolute best in this price range right now?
I'm actually looking for an amplifier, or possibly an amplifier with a DAC. For a small room (about 20 square meters) and bookshelf speakers. I can buy the DAC separately (I was thinking about the FiiO K13 R2R, good enough?) and the WiiM Ultra as a streamer. Could be class D.

Which AMP is currently the strongest contender?

I want to connect it to the following speakers: Usher S-520 or KEF LS50 Meta or B&W 607 S3 (maybe others, I'm still thinking about it).

Thanks for recomendations!

 

[solderdude]

You can safely skip all the R2R DACs.

There are plenty of DAC speaker amps even with BT connections.
Anything that can supply 70-150W in 4 ohm will probably do (be good enough).

There is no 'best' amp nor DAC-amp nor speaker.
Also tests won't reveal if it will function problem free for the coming years either,
All DAC's and amps willl 'sound' good.

 

[DVDdoug]

It depends on what you want.

There are lots amps in the ASR reviews.

The main thing I look for in a power amplifier is the power rating. If you want to listen loud get something with about the same power rating as your speakers (whatever speakers have to highest rating). For most "home listening" 100W is more than enough. I think my cheap AVR has a spec of 80W per channel (X5 channels) and my subwoofer amp is capable of a bit more than 100W, and my large-passive DIY subwoofers can "rattle the walls" and it goes loud enough for my nearby neighbors to hear.

I've never owned a stand-alone DAC and the only time I've heard a defect or difference with a "DAC" it was a soundcard that made noise when the hard drive was accessed. But of course if you only have a digital source you'll need one.

Other than power, the only "spec" I worry about is noise. But the manufacture's noise specs are useless because there is more than one way to measure noise so you need independent measurements like you find in the reviews here. Even then you won't know if the noise is audible because it depends on the sensitivity of your speakers, how close you are to the speakers, and other acoustic noise in the room. Many pro amps have cooling fans that make acoustic noise and that bothers some people.

You can't always trust manufacturer's power specs either...

I expect frequency response to be flat over the audio range and I expect distortion to be inaudible (unless the amp is over-driven into clipping). These aren't specs I obsess about.

Beyond that, you can consider "look and feel" and "build quality" and the manufacturer's reputation, etc.

 

[Tweeter2016]

@solderdude,
I am a little surprised by your answer. Yes, audio sound is a personal matter, everyone likes something different. It is difficult to please everyone with one amplifier.

But tests indicate models that have, for example, less distortion, better SNR, are better made, have better functionality, are better designed, etc.
In this way, you have undermined the meaning of this (and many other) audio forums, as well as the editors who test the equipment

I know I may have asked some difficult questions, but there have always been favorites in every price range. Three years ago, as I wrote, the SABAJ A30A stood out from the rest, with almost everyone recommending it.

 

[StefanSweden]

I bought Neutrino Colorcube Hypex NC252MP, and would really recommend them in europe. Great finish, small and comes in different colors.

They also sell an integrated amp with streamer.

 

[Tweeter2016]

@DVDdoug ,
I was kind of expecting you to give me the brands/models that are the most interesting and performed best in tests here on the forum, are the most popular and/or talked about (in a positive way, of course!).
I don't obsessively look at charts and results, but everything together + experience with the equipment + user reviews already say a lot about a given piece of equipment.
I ask about these things because I don't follow forums meticulously, and something new appears almost every week.
Perhaps I want to rely too much on the opinions of others, and it would be enough to randomly select equipment from the store list by rolling a dice

Thx for you replies!

 

[Tweeter2016]

@StefanSweden ,
Thanks for the recommendation! I've heard a lot of good things about HYPEX boards, so maybe that's the way to go... The only downside is that I haven't seen them in stores locally (Poland), so it's difficult to check them out or arrange a listening session.

 

[DVDdoug]

Yes, audio sound is a personal matter, everyone likes something different...
...But tests indicate models that have, for example, less distortion, better SNR

Most amplifiers (actually most electronics) are better than human hearing unless overdriven into clipping/distortion. Ignoring that and ignoring EQ/tone controls we can generally say that, "All good amplifiers sound the same" in proper Controlled Audio Blind Listening Tests. The biggest exception is phono preamps and microphone preamps which are high gain, because any internally generated noise is amplified.

You could say that an amp with 0.0001% distortion is "better" than an amplifier with 0.1% distortion but it won't sound different because you can't hear the distortion in either case (and your speakers/headphones will have more distortion).

On the other hand, different speakers or headphones always sound different and it's mostly frequency response (both on-axis and off-axis frequency response with speakers in a room).

Also see Audiophoolery.

It is difficult to please everyone with one amplifier...
...are better made, have better functionality, are better designed, etc.

TRUE!

 

[StefanSweden]

@StefanSweden ,
Thanks for the recommendation! I've heard a lot of good things about HYPEX boards, so maybe that's the way to go... The only downside is that I haven't seen them in stores locally (Poland), so it's difficult to check them out or arrange a listening session.

Listening session? Curious what you think you will hear from it?

They have the 122, 252 and 502. Will certainly please you in your room. Which speakers are you using?

 

[Kosmonaut]

If you're looking for the best measured values, then the Topping LA90.
But measured values aren't necessarily musical.
Personally, I love my Musical Fidelity David (25W Class-A) on 2-way Dynaudios, or rather the resulting overtones

 

[TurtlePaul]

$1000 can get you a topping LA90 or one of the many amps based on the Hypex NC502 or NCx500 boards.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

I bought Neutrino Colorcube Hypex NC252MP, and would really recommend them in europe. Great finish, small and comes in different colors.

They also sell an integrated amp with streamer.

Is this brand good? Never heard of it but it looks nice for it's price and it is using Hypex.

NEUTRINO SMARTCUBE 500 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER/STREAMER/DAC/PREAMP
2x 500W @ 4Ω / 2x 350W @ 8Ω

NEUTRINO SMARTCUBE 500 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER/STREAMER/DAC/PREAMP

neutrinoaudio.eu

 

[StefanSweden]

Is this brand good? Never heard of it but it looks nice for it's price and it is using Hypex.

NEUTRINO SMARTCUBE 500 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER/STREAMER/DAC/PREAMP
2x 500W @ 4Ω / 2x 350W @ 8Ω

NEUTRINO SMARTCUBE 500 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER/STREAMER/DAC/PREAMP

neutrinoaudio.eu

The sound is buttery smooth with velvet sparkles on top... sorry, I could not resist!

Not sure what you mean by 'good'. But I was looking for a small footprint amp with enough power to drive my speakers in our livingroom. The customer service was great and I really like the finish. Its a robust little cube. I posted some pictures here.


I think they have free shipping within EU and quick shipping.

Edit: fixed link.

 

[solderdude]

@solderdude,
I am a little surprised by your answer. Yes, audio sound is a personal matter, everyone likes something different. It is difficult to please everyone with one amplifier.

Yes, sound is a personal matter and everyone likes something different.
The 'different sound' part, however, is solely applicable to speakers (in your room).

But tests indicate models that have, for example, less distortion, better SNR, are better made, have better functionality, are better designed, etc.

Yep, they do but that is below any audible thresholds.
Build quality is not seen in measurements.
Functionality is not seen in measurements.
Longevity is not seen in measurements.
Ease/feel of operation is not seen in measurements.

Yet they matter and a preference or need/desire differs in some factors.

In this way, you have undermined the meaning of this (and many other) audio forums, as well as the editors who test the equipment

Nope not at all. ASR is mostly about measured technical performance (signal fidelity).
Also some functionality is often discussed.

I know I may have asked some difficult questions, but there have always been favorites in every price range. Three years ago, as I wrote, the SABAJ A30A stood out from the rest, with almost everyone recommending it.

Yes, with everything in life there has always been favorites (preferences) in any subject in life.
The thing is... that, what person A, B, C though Z, recommend may not be what for you or anyone else needs/wants.
Also often things you can buy are a FAD and half a year later something else is hyped for whatever reason.
That doesn't make it 'a best choice' or 'best quality' at all... it merely is a FAD for whatever reason.

In fact. ... there is no 'best' in anything in life. There are many well suited things for consumers that fit their needs and wallets.

So when one asks the question what is the best [....] for $ 1000.- you may get many different answers from owners who bought something or would have liked to buy something.

All you need is a pair of speakers that you like (in your room).
Any decent amplifier that can drive speakers in 4ohm and have enough power for the speakers in question in your room to the levels you require.

There is no best here, maybe not even a 'most recommended' one. And with any new device you can't say anything about longevity.

 

[morejazzplease]

Oh my god.... OP just wanted some recommendations for devices to look into and of course it devolves into the typical nihilistic ASR drivel of "nothing matters anyway you know", "it is a solved problem", "but how do you define 'good' exactly?", "everything sounds the same so why would you even ask this question?".

For a group nearly entirely focused on measuring, reviewing and discussing audio gear, yall really like to devolve every post asking for guidance on gear. There should be a bingo card for someone linking to the NPR lossless test, yelling about double blind listening tests and existential arguments about words. It is the same couple of users every single post and so exhausting.

Most people into this hobby enjoy the tinkering aspect and trying new things. Heaven forbid! None of this is purely logical and justified spending. The only justified expenditure doesnt need to be measured exclusively by maximizing Amir's scores (but no more than the audible threshold!) for the cheapest possible price and then unsubscribing and sitting satisfied for the next 20 years... If you guys cared less about how other people spend their money, this place would be much more useful.

 

[Prince Valiant]

Oh my god.... OP just wanted some recommendations for devices to look into and of course it devolves into the typical nihilistic ASR drivel of "nothing matters anyway you know", "it is a solved problem", "but how do you define 'good' exactly?", "everything sounds the same so why would you even ask this question?".

For a group nearly entirely focused on measuring, reviewing and discussing audio gear, yall really like to devolve every post asking for guidance on gear. There should be a bingo card for someone linking to the NPR lossless test, yelling about double blind listening tests and existential arguments about words. It is the same couple of users every single post and so exhausting.

Most people into this hobby enjoy the tinkering aspect and trying new things. Heaven forbid! None of this is purely logical and justified spending. The only justified expenditure doesnt need to be measured exclusively by maximizing Amir's scores (but no more than the audible threshold!) for the cheapest possible price and then unsubscribing and sitting satisfied for the next 20 years... If you guys cared less about how other people spend their money, this place would be much more useful.

There are other outlets for users wanting such an experience. No point in someone asking for advice if they're unwilling to accept it because it doesn't tickle the ear.

 

[Petrushka]

There are other outlets for users wanting such an experience. No point in someone asking for advice if they're unwilling to accept it because it doesn't tickle the ear.

Yeah. I would have to ask why someone would come to a site that specializes in measurement, and be surprised when measurements are the basis of recommendations.

There are, however, thousand dollar recommended amps.

 

[morejazzplease]

What bothers me is the attitude that comes across of, "We can be interested in many different devices, every new product release and specs because we are interested in measuring them but you can't be interested in them because you just want to listen to them and audio is a solved problem...idiot."

There is no reason why you can't just answer this post with the current most respected / agreeable devices that fit their criteria. Interrogating every OP's motivations for wanting something new is so exhausting.

 

[Kosmonaut]

Interesting discussion, and I try to summarize it with the most practical result for the OP

The best is subjective. And with "hi-fi", taste also comes into play, because these are usually not "measuring instruments."

So the first question the OP should ask himselve is what character the amplifier should have?
Class A, Class AB, or Class D. Class AB is standard, and I don't find it particularly exciting.
Class D has become incredibly good in recent years and is fantastic in both performance and price.
Class A is something for connoisseurs, as its technology is "simple" and consistent. However, it sounds very good, but the output power is low in relation to power consumption and it gets hot. Often its sound is descibed as related to tube amps.

I personally use active Class D monitors for music production, which are very linear and precise.
When listening to music normally, I love my Class A amplifier. This hi-fi system is more like a musical instrument with its own character, but incredibly good.

For Class-D the Neutrino Smart-Cube 250 seems a good choice.

For Class-A I dont know, as these amp are normally pricier. So I would look for an used Musical Fidelity A1, better David if possible. But take care that these are in a good condition as through the high temperatures inside, there are a lot unrealiable ones. On the other hand, the “evil chinese” Aliexpress could be a good option for cheaper Class-A replicas.

And the second thing is that it might make more sense to spend more money on the speakers and get an amplifier for under 1,000 € (e.g. € 500-800).

 

[antcollinet]

but you can't be interested in them because you just want to listen to them

Care to point out where anyone has said this?

and audio is a solved problem...idiot."

Or where anyone has called the OP an idiot? Or even hinted at it?

Interrogating every OP's motivations for wanting something new is so exhausting.

You've been here all of five minutes - you sure get exhausted quickly. Makes me wonder why you are here at all.