[music_man]

I gave a LP to my friend. He reports it just blew up.
He is blaming it on extensive mods I made. He is adept at electronics.
I give gifts that last.

He has HD820. They are better with SS anyway.
I am wishing to get him a slightly better amp that is all SS.
I prefer to use Amazon. So I can get it quickly for him.
I am thinking even highly modified the LP was It does not take $3-$5K to better it.

Suggestions?

Thank you,

M_M

 

[jonathan c]

I gave a LP to my friend. He reports it just blew up.
He is blaming it on extensive mods I made. He is adept at electronics.
I give gifts that last.

He has HD820. They are better with SS anyway.
I am wishing to get him a slightly better amp that is all SS.
I prefer to use Amazon. So I can get it quickly for him.
I am thinking even highly modified the LP was It does not take $3-$5K to better it.

Suggestions?

Thank you,

M_M

Current model: Violectric HPA V222

 

[dunring]

I've had the LP stack a few times, and have several other SS ones. The SMSL SP400 is nice if you have a 5 volt DAC to squeeze the best out of it, more dynamic for drum hits which are more distinctive than the Topping stuff. The Topping A30 Pro is good, using one as a daily driver. Silent noise floor and same power on all connectors. If you just want unlimited power, the A70Pro on balanced will start your car as well. The first batch had a problem and it's been corrected on the new ones.
The A90d discrete I have is nice, except for the display which looks like a highway dot matix road sign. The SMSL stuff is more fun, Topping is generally safe and consumer friendly.
They're both transparent, but SMSL from the HO200 and up have a more lively sound to them, and benefit from a 5 volt DAC.

 

[music_man]

I got him the SMSL SH-9. With his HD820 it should sound the same as the SP-400.

It is said that the SP-400 is already a better amp than the Benchmark HP4. Mainly if the SP-400 is powering Planers.

In itself I take it that the SH-9 is a very decent amp.

I am not sure if the SH-9 is considered to be in the same class as the LP?

Hope I did good by him

 

[music_man]

He is okay with it luckily.

I learned a lesson here.
To me it sounds horrible.
I hate solid state amps.
Especially THX ones.
It is basically a gain wire
It has no warmth or flavor at all
It is very sterile and resolving.
Like looking in a mirror.
To this effect I doubt that the SP-400 or any THX amp would sound better to me.

I have a question though.
Does a better solid state amp, perhaps a Class A one have more warmth and flavor?
For instance a GSX SE?
Or the Violectruc?
It has been a long time since I have had a SS amp
However, I am considering one for myself. Since tubes are very costly and becoming scarce. My own headphones are the AT W-2022 and now the Utopia22. I am powering them with the Woo WA234.

Is there perhaps a better solid state amp that might please me?

Edit: Notwithstanding, I decided to get him another Hybrid amp. Friends do not do this to Friends
I am glad that I listened to this thing myself first
Honestly though I do not see how anyone could enjoy an amp that sounds like this. To each their own I guess. I imagine that the SP-400 or A90 are just more of the same. Albeit, perhaps better of more of the same.