Solid-State Power Amp Adventures

Thanks! That helps give me some perspective into my Linn's needs. Right now I have a Sony TA-F500ES running the speakers. They're adequate but I really don't have any quality benchmark for a good amp-speaker synergy yet.

 

Don't rule out older Bryston stuff either.

 

I used to run my Linn Isobarik's off a Bryston 3B. It didn't sound quite as good as the Linn LK-100, but it didn't boil its insides every time I had a party either.

 

That we can agree upon as we've heard EX-M1 recently and for the price it's a stunning product.

 

STA200 was available new for $500 if we recall correctly and actually sounds and looks really nice once this factors in.

 

I had a chance to buy a Job 225 or Job Int amplifier but decided to pass because of this - that doesn’t sound like a good combo with my ATCs (although probably great with my Dynaudios).

 

Too quick sound to your taste ?

 

With reasonably capable speakers it’s like a wedding photographer has turned the clarity slider in photoshop up. It initially grabs your attention and makes you take notice, but then 5 photos in it fatigues your eyes and you realize it makes everyone look a little bit like the undead.

I’m sure it’s awesome with sluggish drivers, though.

 

...selfless plug

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/another-audio-catharsis.6704/#post-225206

we should talk - the klout is a killer amp made for your Kabers

..dB

 

The thing the STA200 did with my AN UK AZ-Two was wake up the bass/midbass/punch. They're (claimed) 93db/w, folded transmission lines. Didn't do anything to increase extension, but definitely woke things up from 60-200hz. I wouldn't call the amp fatiguing on my setup (YMMV, obvs...). So, on an ATC setup, or any other monitor-style response type speaker (i.e., ruler flat anechoic and striving for cardioid polar response), yes, the STA200 might be a bit bright. I am probably going to grab an Aegir at some point to see what's up. If it has any familial resemblance to the Lyr3, I could definitely get on board with that version of Schiit's "new (other, not 320-grit sandpaper or slightly spitty) house sound."

 

Very tempting... but it is just totally out of my budget for now. Can 1 klout run aktiv for a pair of kabers, or would I need at least 3 klouts?

 

For that price with Emotiva, consider the A-300. Don't get hung up on the monoblock class D thing.

 

The ATCs have enough agility that they just don’t need ultra quick transients from the amp, especially if it is accompanied with even the slightest lean tonality. Vidar is very neutral but with just an ever so slight touch of warmth that matches pretty nicely with them.

By the way, for those who read my review of the Belles amp vs. Vidar a couple pages back, that amp is gone now. Ultimately I preferred the Vidar for its way better instrument separation, smoother more present mids, and generally lower noise floor, even though I loved the really wide open soundstage of the Belles. Plus I had decided that I wanted to try a Bryston amp for the first time, but then Schiit went and announced Aegir...so that may get put on hold for a bit.

 

I am curious how it compares to the Hypex nc400

 

No clue on that. I've owned Emotiva gear, and I find it a good-sounding well priced option. No need to go class D when you can have a solid class a/b amp for the same price with a good warranty.

 

He he, I bought my Linn stuff from Keith in the late 80's when he still ran Absolute Sound on State Street. Our office (Ann Arbor Softworks) was right next door, which had a tendency to make my wallet somewhat lighter....

 

...which is perfectly understandable of course.

 

I’m too lazy to do a write up but I have the kinki ex m1 too and it’s amazeballs. Mine has a small volume control issue but they are sending me a new preamp board at my request so I don’t have to ship this thing from where I live in Hawaii for service.. a nice favor cause that would be expensive