Amplifiers! What do you have? What do you use?

[walpurgis]

I'm curious to know what amplifiers members use and own.

Some have straightforward choices, some have many amps, some have obscure combinations (me? ) So tell us.


Mine, in no particular order:

Technics SU-C04 a tiny integrated that sounds very nice indeed, similar to a Sugden A21. I've owned this longer than any other amp.

Promitheus TVC paired with a Quad 306. A combo that works brilliantly. Very nice.

SMSL Mini T amp. The size of a fag packet and sounds way better than you'd expect.

Cambridge Audio P80 from the mid seventies. Bit of a classic that has a modern sound. Good bit of kit, even if it is all DIN sockets.

VTL Deluxe valve pre-amp, driving a pair of Modern Tube Classics CT15 Class A EL34 monoblocks. Gorgeous sound, great with Tannoys.

JVC AX-A441 A rare Japanese integrated with very fine sound quality. Hefty beast!

Sugden Optima 80 integrated. A little known model. Sounds rather good driving the Tannoys.

MingDa MC-9 TVC driving a Monarchy Audio SM-70. Amazingly lucid combination. Pure Class A.

Also knocking about, a Little Bear passive pre-amp, an FX Audio 6J1 valve pre-amp that cost peanuts and sounds amazing.


I've had literally hundreds of amps, but have kept only those that sound good to me.

As you can see, I have too many, so no doubt there be a 'thin down' sooner or later!

[struth]

so its you thats hogging all the amps

i use a pair of proart amps in monoblock configuration. also use active q acoustics. I have a backup proart and a japanese market pioneer amp that sounds very good too.

[walpurgis]

i use a pair of proart amps in monoblock configuration

How long have you had those Grant? Seems ages.

[struth]

How long have you had those Grant? Seems ages.

aye, few years now geoff. work well enough in my system, which is pretty simple on face of it but has a few odd connections. the yiang sheng dac in its pre configuration, aids volume control(saves altering 3 vcs) but both amps have a vc too. it also feeds the actives simultaneously as the pre has 2 outputs. the actives act as a sort of big tweeter, and also feed a sub to extend bass a little.
Whole kit is run from a power inspired unit and the amps all switch on via a smart phone controlled switch

[jandl100]

Main rig:
Herron VTSP-2 valve pre, Trigon TRE50M monoblocks.
Spare: LA Audio A30 el84 valve integrated, Amptastic Mini-T

2nd system:
Wadia 151 PowerDAC
Spare: AMC 2100 (100wpc ss power amp)

I go through quite a lot of amps but I tend not to hang on to them once I've got something else I like. Onwards, ever onwards.

[walpurgis]

Herron VTSP-2 valve pre, Trigon TRE50M monoblocks.
Spare: LA Audio A30 el84 valve integrated

I don't know anything about those.

[bbbiker800]

Main rig:
Herron VTSP-2 valve pre, Trigon TRE50M monoblocks.
Spare: LA Audio A30 el84 valve integrated, Amptastic Mini-T

2nd system:
Wadia 151 PowerDAC
Spare: AMC 2100 (100wpc ss power amp)

I go through quite a lot of amps but I tend not to hang on to them once I've got something else I like. Onwards, ever onwards.

Just noticed you sold the Schiit Saga Jerry !

[jandl100]

Just noticed you sold the Schiit Saga Jerry !

Yep, and very nice it is, too.
If I fancy a passive again, I'll def be on the lookout for another, what with its transparent sound and remote control.

Phil hifinutt is now the proud and happy new owner.

[bbbiker800]

Yep, and very nice it is, too.
If I fancy a passive again, I'll def be on the lookout for another, what with its transparent sound and remote control.

Phil hifinutt is now the proud and happy new owner.

I had trouble getting hold of a Schiit and then got fed up trying via UK and Dutch importers to get one - long story as you know ). So, I ended up with a Khozmo Passive Dual into a Cyrus X_Power. A big difference !

[hifinutt]

Just noticed you sold the Schiit Saga Jerry !

yes , currently doing good service with FB mono`s . when and if i upgrade i will keep as back up as its rather good . i was listening to an album the other day and nearly jumped out of my skin on one track as it was very good . The FB are extremely transparent and revealing of any poor recordings. My MSB is a bit more forgiving !!!