Looking for a new amplifier - Luxman or maybe Quad... or something else?

[The Black Adder]

Hi all.

I'm looking to get a solid state amplifier for my Tannoy Monitor Gold speakers.

Although I have tried a Quad amp, namely the 306 mostly. I did think it was a very nice sounding amp and it's certainly another contender but I'm now thinking of going balanced as I'd like to use longer signal cable runs.

Something else to try is a Luxman as they have always intrigued me. Some of their kit is also balanced which would also fit the bill.. But, my budget for a Luxman might not fit so it might be more of a waiting game for that.

Has anyone got any experience with Luxman and Quad in their system?

Of course, I can't restrict myself here so other amps would be of interest.

I'm after good slam yet the ability for delicacy, plenty of dynamics and bottom.

My budget is £2k

Any ideas would be great.

[Barry]

I use a pair of Quad 510 monoblock amplifiers, having a nominal power output of 135W. They have a balanced input, and a transformer coupled output, allowing multiple series combination for higher power outputs.

https://www.dadaelectronics.eu/uploads/downloads/03_Quad-User-Manuals/Quad-510-first-version-Instruction-Manual.pdf

[Sherwood]

I use a pair of NuPrime STA-9 power amps in mono block mode to drive my Magneplanar speakers. In this mode each amp outputs 290w. I have them under each speaker in a self build plinth with short speaker cables and long xlr leads.


https://www.analogueseduction.net/power-amplifiers3/Nuprime4.html

[Sherwood]

This is also worth a look.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/audiophonics-hpa-s400et-review-stereo-amplifier.32014/

Plenty of budget left foe balanced preamp

[The Black Adder]

Hi Geoff.

They do look good. I did try a class D amp a while ago. It was a cheapo SMSL amp at about 15wpc...i was quite surprised to be honest. It wasn't very dynamic or very entertaining but still, it surprised me.

Hi Barry... The Quads you have have always been on my bucket list along with the 520 amps but the ones I can see for sale at the moment on ebay are drastically overpriced I think.



Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[Sherwood]

The NuPrime designs are hybrid A+D. In mono block mode they drive my Maggies very well. You could almost certainly get away with a single unit with your more efficient Tannoys. NuPrime also have other models that may suit your needs better. Dynamics are not an issue.

Audio Science Review give a glowing review of the Audiophonics amp and the measurements are off the scale. The quality of construction is awesome and it looks an absolute bargain at the price.


Hi Geoff.

They do look good. I did try a class D amp a while ago. It was a cheapo SMSL amp at about 15wpc...i was quite surprised to be honest. It wasn't very dynamic or very entertaining but still, it surprised me.

Hi Barry... The Quads you have have always been on my bucket list along with the 520 amps but the ones I can see for sale at the moment on ebay are drastically overpriced I think.



Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[Barry]

I use a pair of NuPrime STA-9 power amps in mono block mode to drive my Magneplanar speakers. In this mode each amp outputs 290w. I have them under each speaker in a self build plinth with short speaker cables and long xlr leads.


https://www.analogueseduction.net/power-amplifiers3/Nuprime4.html

That's the way to do it - monoblock amplifiers close to the speakers using short speaker leads, with balanced-line cables back to the preamp etc.

(In my case the balanced-line cables are about 10 metres long and run under the floor.)

[Ali Tait]

I'd recommend something from Neurochrome. Better than any other SS amp I've heard in my system.

[Ali Tait]

These are well in your budget-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134184302697

[Ali Tait]

A little over if you want more power-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134028197555?hash=item1f34b3feb3:g:dVUAAOSwBkZiD3n Y

[karma1967]

theres a 686 for sale on audioaddicts right now,built buy the guy in the above ebay links.

[mikeyb]

And it's nearly £600 off new price too [emoji6]

https://audioaddicts.freeforums.net/thread/2513/

[hifi_dave]

Hi all.

I'm looking to get a solid state amplifier for my Tannoy Monitor Gold speakers.

Although I have tried a Quad amp, namely the 306 mostly. I did think it was a very nice sounding amp and it's certainly another contender but I'm now thinking of going balanced as I'd like to use longer signal cable runs.

Something else to try is a Luxman as they have always intrigued me. Some of their kit is also balanced which would also fit the bill.. But, my budget for a Luxman might not fit so it might be more of a waiting game for that.

Has anyone got any experience with Luxman and Quad in their system?

Of course, I can't restrict myself here so other amps would be of interest.

I'm after good slam yet the ability for delicacy, plenty of dynamics and bottom.

My budget is £2k

Any ideas would be great.
Take a look at the www.radlettaudio.co.uk site for Luxman and Quad bargains.

[Ali Tait]

And it's nearly £600 off new price too [emoji6]

https://audioaddicts.freeforums.net/thread/2513/

Just seen this, was going to post a link. Bit of a bargain that.

[losepete]

The Meridian G57 is worth considering, there is a pre-owned unit currently on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255277746646

[AJSki2fly]

How about one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325270452080?hash=item4bbba13770:g:5DMAAOSwIS9iybA 1
great VFM and vG SQ, match with a neutral pre and it will drive your speakers very well and sound good, better main caps and ancillaries service is around £300-400. I have had one of these and should have kept it.:doh:

Alternatively

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265716071862?hash=item3ddde97db6:g:zckAAOSwqXhilcn z

hard to beat at this price point, excellent SQ, clean and open soundstage, great low end control, not much complain about once again just put with a neutral pre, you will probably never change it, FIREBOTTLE is your man if you want to pick his brains on them, or you want to service if you get it, they are pretty indestructible.

[The Black Adder]

Thanks for the links, chaps.

As for Meridian. I've never been a fan of the signature of them.

Krell.... oooh, looks like it could be a monster.

Great suggestions up to now, thanks... something to do a bit of research on.

[Sherwood]

One advantage of amps like my NuPrime and the Audiophonics is their efficiency. In idle mode my NuPrime draws just 15w.

Although I have not used it in ages, I feel guilty owning my Art Audio Quintet valve amp which functions as a space heater.

[AJSki2fly]

Thanks for the links, chaps.

As for Meridian. I've never been a fan of the signature of them.

Krell.... oooh, looks like it could be a monster.

Great suggestions up to now, thanks... something to do a bit of research on.

If you have not heard a Meridian 557, then very worth while a listen to, it is very neutral, the only improvement that can be got from it is better maim caps which will give better bottom end control and a couple of improved smaller caps, it is effectively a dual mono in one box. Pretty neutral IMHO as standard.

The Krell at this price point just knocks most things out of the park, a friend has a Vitus RI-101 mk2 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER, a serious piece of kit (£17K), driving a pair of Tannoy Kensington GRs, we compared it with the Krell(in the same system), TBH there were only very, very subtle differences which were very hard to determine IMO.

I have never looked back since buying a KSA-80(not many around), FIREBOTTLE fettled it with a pair of new main caps and upgraded the power supply board caps. It is the best amp I have ever had, but then the 557 was not that far behind it, the Krell is a little more detailed. I use my Krell with an Audiolab 8300CDQ which has a pretty decent pre-amp, this also gives me a good DAC, CDP and simple flexibility, I could improve a bit with a dedicate pre-amp, but its the old story of diminishing returns for lots more cash.

[AJSki2fly]

And it's nearly £600 off new price too [emoji6]

https://audioaddicts.freeforums.net/thread/2513/

Yep, I missed out on one of these before I got the Krell, they are very good as well!

[Firebottle]

Definite vote for the Neurochrome 686 or the 286 mono blocks Jo.

[The Black Adder]

Hi all.

So many excellent suggestions, thank you it's much appreciated.

Although the Neurochrome amps look totally crazy value I've decided to go with an integrated option. I could do with reducing so many boxes too.

Therefore I'm considering selling my Uber Croft Epoch preamp.

[struth]

Hi all.

So many excellent suggestions, thank you it's much appreciated.

Although the Neurochrome amps look totally crazy value I've decided to go with an integrated option. I could do with reducing so many boxes too.

Therefore I'm considering selling my Uber Croft Epoch preamp.

i had one of these josie..
https://www.kronosav.com/products/pathos-class-remix-integrated-amplifier?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrs2XBhDjARIsAHVymmRoA8rLvc 3PmrPvp6yNd5ZxEQH5DKdWv8d1KeS0VRbYI0oi8u8DgrQaAns4 EALw_wcB#fo_c=2991&fo_k=6d46724b09a7c84931e99644e09b0597&fo_s=gplauk?cmp_id=1767893886&adg_id=129327915511&kwd=&device=c
pathos are great stuff... might find a used one about. i sold mine to robin. probably best integrated ive had

[The Black Adder]

Hi Grant.

Yeah, that does look lovely. But... I'm going Luxman. First time for everything n all that.

So I'm going to push the boat out on a great deal for an L500AXII.

I've been reading the independent reviews for it and it seems to be loved by the majority. I might even do a review myself.

[rmcin626]

i had one of these josie..
https://www.kronosav.com/products/pathos-class-remix-integrated-amplifier?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrs2XBhDjARIsAHVymmRoA8rLvc 3PmrPvp6yNd5ZxEQH5DKdWv8d1KeS0VRbYI0oi8u8DgrQaAns4 EALw_wcB#fo_c=2991&fo_k=6d46724b09a7c84931e99644e09b0597&fo_s=gplauk?cmp_id=1767893886&adg_id=129327915511&kwd=&device=c
pathos are great stuff... might find a used one about. i sold mine to robin. probably best integrated ive had


Great amp as stated by Grant

[hifi_dave]

You can't go back after using a Luxman.

[Desmo]

There's always the Quad 520f if you like the sound of the 306, and it has balanced inputs!

[Barry]

There's always the Quad 520f if you like the sound of the 306, and it has balanced inputs!

Yes, I have one, but is a power amplifier: it needs an preamp with balanced outputs. Josie's Luxman amp is an integrated amplifier.

(And cometically, the Luxman amp looks far more attractive, despite having distracting and irrelevant VU meters.)

[The Black Adder]

LOL... the VU meters are irrelevant unless you're recording. Luxman seem to enjoy putting meters on things for sure. LOL... PPMs would be more useful for recording IMO.

[hifi_dave]

Might be irrelevant but bloody good looking and fun. Who ever lusts after a plain black box with two knobs ?

[Barry]

Might be irrelevant but bloody good looking and fun. Who ever lusts after a plain black box with two knobs ?

Me! Well OK, four knobs and four switches. :lol:

https://theartofsound.net/images/barrydhunt/41.jpg?t=1300317411

I also admire the minimalist aesthetics of the Croft integrated amplifier - truly a black box with two knobs.

https://audioflair.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Croft-Integrated-Valve-amp-6.jpg

In the words of the minimalist architect Mies van der Rohe: "The less is more". :)

[Macca]

Might be irrelevant but bloody good looking and fun. Who ever lusts after a plain black box with two knobs ?

Damn straight!

[Pigmy Pony]

Me! Well OK, four knobs and four switches. :lol:

https://theartofsound.net/images/barrydhunt/41.jpg?t=1300317411

I also admire the minimalist aesthetics of the Croft integrated amplifier - truly a black box with two knobs.

https://audioflair.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Croft-Integrated-Valve-amp-6.jpg

In the words of the minimalist architect Mies van der Rohe: "The less is more". :)

Not necessarily.

Take your car for example (though I don't know what you drive):

Did you tell the dealers you don't want air con, electric windows, cruise control, power steering? And did you ask that the dashboard looks more like a 60s Morris Minor? All these things we can (and did) manage without, but still nice to have.

The Luxman integrateds are a thing of beauty, especially with the unnecessary VU meters. Roy S, if you're out there show us a pic of yours :eyebrows: That is something to lust after!

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes please!

https://www.fanthorpes.co.uk/images/thumbnails/1600/1600/detailed/101/Luxman_L509X_Amplifier.jpg

[hifi_dave]

I can see a place for the black box with a couple of knobs - most of my stock is that way but given a choice, who doesn't want meters and every control and facility you can get on the front ?

[The Black Adder]

Still not cheap but this is something at a more sensible price...

https://i.postimg.cc/8kHM6tBT/gb1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tC4PtW2W/gb4.jpg

[Barry]

Not necessarily.

Take your car for example (though I don't know what you drive):

Did you tell the dealers you don't want air con, electric windows, cruise control, power steering? And did you ask that the dashboard looks more like a 60s Morris Minor? All these things we can (and did) manage without, but still nice to have.

The Luxman integrateds are a thing of beauty, especially with the unnecessary VU meters. Roy S, if you're out there show us a pic of yours :eyebrows: That is something to lust after!

You are confusing aesthetics with facilities. I much prefer the clean simple lines of the Bauhaus school of architecture to that of Roccoco (late baroque), or my pet hate: Gothic.

As for my car (which is an Audi BTW), the exterior would look no different if there wasn't a car radio/CD player, sat-nav, power steering, cruise control, air-con, heated seats, remotely adjustable mirrors, etc. fitted. The only small difference to the exterior would be the presence of the proximity sensors. The dashpanel and driver controls are, however, a confusing plethora of knobs, switches, buttons, paddles and stalks.

Apropos the Luxman - I never said I didn't like it: indeed the styling is excellent, with the fit and finish of the very high standard that one associates with high-end Japanese products, such as Luxman, Accuphase and Yamaha, and to a very slightly lesser extent with Sony.

[Pigmy Pony]

Well it wasn't me who quoted van der Rohe's "less is more" line.

I do get your appreciation of the Bauhaus design principles, minimalist, nothing there that doesn't need to be, and clean lines. Indeed the exterior of German cars have more than a hint of minimalist, hence your car choice I assume.

But while all the features you note do not affect the car's exterior, they do, almost without exception affect the appearance of the interior (which is what you have in your line of sight much more).

So I would argue that it can be the case with cars, more is more.

My aesthetic tastes may be harder to pin down, I can see beauty in both minimalist designs and ones more heavily featured. I love the look of the Luxman not because of its knob count, but because I think it's just a beautiful thing :)

I think my background of typography and graphic design has given me some appreciation of other aspects of design, but at the end of the day we like what we like, and for no logical reason.

[Pigmy Pony]

This last few days AoS has been "logging" me out at random times, and always during the composing of a long post. Did it just now. Maybe it's trying to tell me something... ;)

[struth]

do you tick the box to stay signed in? its below where you sign in

[Pigmy Pony]

:doh: Probably not. I'll try next time it logs me out

[Pigmy Pony]

do you tick the box to stay signed in? its below where you sign in

Right it just did it again. Next to the signing in bit, there is a box that says "Remember me?" I clicked on that, and it seems to have done the trick :) Thanks Grant

[walpurgis]

Right it just did it again. Next to the signing in bit, there is a box that says "Remember me?" I clicked on that, and it seems to have done the trick :) Thanks Grant

Last time I did that, I found I'd bought a washing machine on easy terms :).

[struth]

Last time I did that, I found I'd bought a washing machine on easy terms :).

was that the wife??:D

[walpurgis]

:D