Krisbee
23-04-2009, 20:10
I listen to classical music in a small room (3m x 2.5m) at relatively low volumes. I'm using what I'd call a desktop audio system. My PC, running Linux, feeds the excellent TC-7250 DAC (with LM4562 op amps) via the USB connection. I'm using AVI neutron 3 speakers. For the moment I have press ganged my old Rotel RA-820BX3 amp into service. I have a newer Rotel RA-01, but that's located elsewhere.
I'm using the DAC as a pre-amp, its connected to the tape input of the amp. The amp's volume is full on, and I control volume from the DAC. This bypasses any software volume control or mixing on the PC. Linux doesn't need ASIOALL etc. I listen at a level with the DAC volume at around 10 or 11 o'clock, occasionally a little higher.
Disability means my mobility is not so good, and this set up is the most convenient with the DAC volume control within finger tip reach. But the amp has to sit on a bookcase shelf with limited rear clearance and that makes cabling a bit awkward.
Now I'm trying to decide if it is worth changing the amp or not. Money is tight and £200 is the max I could spend. So far I've considered these options:
1.Continue using the RA-820BX3 until it finally goes to audio heaven.
2.Getting a tripath amp, like the Bantam sold by temple audio @ £90.
3.Getting a s/hand quad 306 power amp @ £150-200 on Ebay.
Option 1 doesn't really scratch the itch, but costs nothing. I've never really been sure how good or bad the RA-820BX3 is. I don't know if it's getting the best out my AVI speakers. It's over 20 years old and although never heavily used or abused, some of its electronics (capacitors, etc.) must be a bit tired by now.
Option 2 uses less energy and meets my space/convenience criteria. But there's a question mark over its ability to drive my speakers and it's restricted in its application. I can't listen before I buy, but temple audio do offer a money back guarantee. At least one other member is pleased with a combination of TC-7520 and bantam amp which he uses to drive a pair of 4ohm Dynaudio 42 speakers.
Option 3 doesn't use any less energy, but the quad 306 is a neat and compact unit. Although I'd have to buy s/hand, it has a good reputation for reliability and is a popular choice for classical music lovers. Obviously, it's a completely different animal to a tripath amp, in a different league. I can't listen before I buy, so any quantitative improvement over my Rotel is a bit of an unknown. But will the quad 306 even work with the TC-7520 DAC used as a pre-amp? The quad's input sensitivity is quoted as 0.375v. In comparison, the RA-820BX3 CD and tape inputs are quoted as 250mV/20 kohms. If this means the quad input is a lot more sensitive than the Rotel then this could be a problem.
I'd be the first to admit my first hand knowledge of various amps is very limited, so I could well be talking rubbish. I'd be happy to be put right.
So what do you think? Should I just enjoy what I have and forget about a change? Are tripath amps too limited to be worth considering? Is investing in s/hand quad 306 worthwhile and likely to bring significant sonic benefits to my set up and be a good match with my AVI speakers?
I'm using the DAC as a pre-amp, its connected to the tape input of the amp. The amp's volume is full on, and I control volume from the DAC. This bypasses any software volume control or mixing on the PC. Linux doesn't need ASIOALL etc. I listen at a level with the DAC volume at around 10 or 11 o'clock, occasionally a little higher.
Disability means my mobility is not so good, and this set up is the most convenient with the DAC volume control within finger tip reach. But the amp has to sit on a bookcase shelf with limited rear clearance and that makes cabling a bit awkward.
Now I'm trying to decide if it is worth changing the amp or not. Money is tight and £200 is the max I could spend. So far I've considered these options:
1.Continue using the RA-820BX3 until it finally goes to audio heaven.
2.Getting a tripath amp, like the Bantam sold by temple audio @ £90.
3.Getting a s/hand quad 306 power amp @ £150-200 on Ebay.
Option 1 doesn't really scratch the itch, but costs nothing. I've never really been sure how good or bad the RA-820BX3 is. I don't know if it's getting the best out my AVI speakers. It's over 20 years old and although never heavily used or abused, some of its electronics (capacitors, etc.) must be a bit tired by now.
Option 2 uses less energy and meets my space/convenience criteria. But there's a question mark over its ability to drive my speakers and it's restricted in its application. I can't listen before I buy, but temple audio do offer a money back guarantee. At least one other member is pleased with a combination of TC-7520 and bantam amp which he uses to drive a pair of 4ohm Dynaudio 42 speakers.
Option 3 doesn't use any less energy, but the quad 306 is a neat and compact unit. Although I'd have to buy s/hand, it has a good reputation for reliability and is a popular choice for classical music lovers. Obviously, it's a completely different animal to a tripath amp, in a different league. I can't listen before I buy, so any quantitative improvement over my Rotel is a bit of an unknown. But will the quad 306 even work with the TC-7520 DAC used as a pre-amp? The quad's input sensitivity is quoted as 0.375v. In comparison, the RA-820BX3 CD and tape inputs are quoted as 250mV/20 kohms. If this means the quad input is a lot more sensitive than the Rotel then this could be a problem.
I'd be the first to admit my first hand knowledge of various amps is very limited, so I could well be talking rubbish. I'd be happy to be put right.
So what do you think? Should I just enjoy what I have and forget about a change? Are tripath amps too limited to be worth considering? Is investing in s/hand quad 306 worthwhile and likely to bring significant sonic benefits to my set up and be a good match with my AVI speakers?