techenthusiast
Head-Fier
Just wondering if the THX 789 and Monolith 887 are the only amps under $400 worth looking at for a final solution. For single ended is the Atom close, because I don't think that I would ever need XLR.
Primarily interested in a solid state.....for now. Just saw something that Josh Valour did with a cheap tube amp as a pre-amp with a solid state amp that looked interesting.If you are curious about tube or tube/solid-state hybrid amps, you might consider the Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 and the Monolith Liquid Platinum (by Cavalli). Their prices are $349.00 and $399.00 currently (the LP is on sale) before shipping or taxes.
I don't see where you can get that GD A-2 in the US. And if only slightly weaker that could be my solution as I do like a little warmth and color in my listening.All nested loopback amps 789 -like sound dark, uninvolving, unless colouration is added, which is also not perfect.
What about Audio GD A-2 $315? Or a slightly weaker amp, but with great DAC for the price: R2R11 $350? These are class A devices, discrete design, no loopback.
If you like a warmth, tube is the best, then SS class A.I don't see where you can get that GD A-2 in the US. And if only slightly weaker that could be my solution as I do like a little warmth and color in my listening.
Thanks. That's why Im looking for an amp that can drive most anything. What goes before it can change as technology changes. Like I said in an earlier post I could put an affordable like ; https://www.amazon.com/Bravo-Audio-V2-Multi-Hybrid-Headphone/dp/B00ADR2DTGIf you like a warmth, tube is the best, then SS class A.
Importing is not that difficult, but you need someone in your area who owns such equipment, it may be a problem. R2R11 amp is not colouring. It is very neutral on a warm side, not the same. All A-GD amps have similar signature. It is very punchy and while it won't add any sibilants, it will not improve poor recording, it may sound little rough on a bright headphones. A-2 should run more smooths, but I didn't listen to. A DAC portion sounds fantastic, I can recommend without reservation. There is no other DAC in this price range it could compete. It is a pure NOS discrete ladder for the natural presentation. DAC do not provide DSP filtering nor oversampling option. If you like more smooth presentation (more similar to Delta-sigma decoders), Foobar 2000 with SoX do it very well on PC.
Primarily interested in a solid state.....for now. Just saw something that Josh Valour did with a cheap tube amp as a pre-amp with a solid state amp that looked interesting.