Amplifier ideas

HiFi
1

As much as I like my current setup I think a different amp might be in order. I’ve been switching between my Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 & Maker Audio NL14+ monoblocks. I like aspects of each but neither has everything I want. The S2 takes less space, cost less to run and is easier to operate. The monoblocks sound a bit better but I always have to be double careful when operating the system as they are fed directly from the dac via it’s built in pre-amp. Pressing the wrong combo of buttons cost me the first pair of speakers when I accidentally sent the full signal in to the 325 Watts per channel amps.
I think I want an integrated amp, that has enough power to drive 91db speakers (Cube Audio Nenuphar) and gives some body to the music. I like the idea of the Aries Cerat Genus that’s for sale at Nintronics. I’d have to sell both amps and my Art Audio Diavelo / BP power supply combo as well to get anywhere near what Nintronics want.

Any thoughts on other amps that might work with my speakers?

2

How much power do you need? They seem to be fairly efficient. Pass Labs?

3

I don’t need a great deal of power. Both current amps have way more than required. I can’t recall ever hearing a Pass Labs amp.

4

I don’t think you would be disappointed.
There are a few owners on the forum.
Maybe try and borrow one, or even one of his kit amps.

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5

If you’re anywhere handy to Liverpool I use a Pass Labs pre (XP20) and matching XA100 Monod. Feel free to drop in.

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6

Thanks Ólan, sadly that’s quite a way off from where I live.

7

Nice looking speakers (had to Google them).
The Pass INT-60 looks a good match.

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8

This mahoosive Vitus can be used as an integrated or power amp.

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9

That is big!

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10

Audio Consultants have a Luxman L509 x-dem for sale. Should think that would do a nice job on the Cube

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11

This is a lovely amp.

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12

I’ve sent him a message to ask what he wants for them, but having had a quick read up I think it’ll be too much!

I was also interested in the Esoteric F-03A at Central Audio but Tony said he can’t do P/X on that :frowning:

13

I was thinking of just the amp, for you.

14

If the Esoteric in ballpark - something from the Luxman Class A integrated line would definitely be worth a look I think.

Personally I love a bit of Moon gear, but I suspect that’s not going to be to your tastes here.

I definitely think something Pass Labs would be worth checking out too as others have suggested.

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15

It never works like that though does it? :slight_smile:

16

I’ve had a look and would say the Int 25 is a contender.

17

This is in all ways a LOT of amplifier, and not much more than 1/4 of its new price.

I’ve loved the sound of every M-D product I’ve heard, and would be tempted myself if I hadn’t spaffed a fair bit recently…

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18

This is the cube audio nenuphar playing through an Aries Cerat system with the AC dac. Recorded it when I visited someone in Dubai. Separately heard it with first watt SIT and line magnetic 45 in another system too

19

Do you have any videos with a Quad 909? They are a very innovative design, and I think they may go well with some of the horns in the excellent videos you post.

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20

No - I chanced on this thread googling for Jim’s latest amp - the Art Audio _ Border Patrol PSU.

I saw that Rick sold it because he might want to get the AC amps with his Cube Audio.

Personally, given the budget, and having heard the Nenuphar with multiple amps, I would sell the Nenuphar, keep the Art Audio and get a suitable speaker.

Single driver is noble in concept - difficult to implement. You either need to buy the giant Yamamura horns, or the Pnoe with AER BD/4 and 5 and set them up particularly with the right gear, which even in the used market will exceed 100k.

Otherwise, simply go for a more efficient Altec or Tannoy instead of a single driver.

I put the video on as the lack of sonics is audible.