Author Topic: Whats a good amp for stereo listening (Read 14018 times)

newbie pa rin · « **on:** May 11, 2006 at 09:59 AM »

Can you recommend one for audio listening only budget's less than 30K.
Can you also recommend a good speaker to match your recommended amp.
I intend not to use a sub for this setup.
TIA

qguy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2006 at 11:42 AM »

Size of the room ?
Type of music ?
What loudspeakers are your going to use ?

plus your own personal taste is important, I myself like a lot of bass, so I lean towards amp with a fuller sound (mataba tumunog)

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2006 at 12:56 PM »

Room size about 12 sqm
Sample music would be Voices(Audiophile collection)

No speakers and amp in mind yet.

qguy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2006 at 01:44 PM »

I would suggest choosing the right speaker first thats best suited for your type of music, then choose the amp that can drive that unit

since you mentioned it (Voices), sayang may Brines - fostex that sold for 12K ata, that leaves a lot of extra $$$ for amp and source

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 11, 2006 at 12:56 PM

Room size about 12 sqm
Sample music would be Voices(Audiophile collection)

No speakers and amp in mind yet.

Philander · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2006 at 02:37 PM »

Tube amp and Monitor Audio S2

jeppoy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2006 at 03:45 PM »

Ano ba cheapest tube amp in the market? How much?

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2006 at 05:22 PM »

Don't wan't to go for a tube amp medyo matagal paghihintay before enjoying the music.
More suggestion please.

Philander · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2006 at 05:36 PM »

Rotel or NAD stereo amp and MAS2 or AE Evo3
Onkyo Integra amp and KEF speakers

hattori_hanzo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2006 at 11:27 PM »

T-amp $36 or Php. 2k

matched with
Lowther PM6A High efficiency at 104db/watt/meter $750 or around Php. 38k

ccc · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2006 at 01:30 AM »

Quote from: qguy on May 11, 2006 at 01:44 PM

I would suggest choosing the right speaker first thats best suited for your type of music, then choose the amp that can drive that unit

since you mentioned it (Voices), sayang may Brines - fostex that sold for 12K ata, that leaves a lot of extra $$$ for amp and source [/size]

There is a rule of thumb of spending 30% of the budget for speakers, 30% for the amp, 30% for the source and the remaining 10% for cables. And it seems that you may find some of them right in this forum.

I second the suggestion of building it around the speakers. Sayang nga yung Brines-Fostex that you just missed out on. But still try to get the most sensitive that you can to widen the field for amp selection. There is a tallish floorstander being sold hereabouts (sony drivers and sanspeak tweeters). Around 10T if I'm not mistaken. I've heard a similar set (Sony drivers with Velodyne tweters c/o the Eposman) and they're not bad for the price. Or you can have a set built for you. Ask Bon (aka Handyman) about the Rosa or his triangular fostex based smallish floorstander - sweet and highly recommended for vocals. He also makes bookshelves.

There is also the highly under rated NAD 304 (only 5.5T) still being sold in the buy and sell forum. Break it in, match it with the right speakers and you will be surprised that full bodied sound can be had for such an amount. Much sturdier and more flexible (higher wattage, source select, phono stage, headphone out) than a T-Amp. Good for different types of music and would be a great match for full range speakers as well.

That would still leave you enough to get a pretty decent CDP. Good cables come next. Doesn't have to be expensive at the outset. Check out the DIY section of www.tnt-audio.com

Good luck and happy hunting.

NB: Tube amps take a while to warm up but its not that long (in my case, 10-30mins pwede na; 30-90 to bring out the magic). And if your really into Voices and related material, it is worth the wait

NBB: If you can't wait, text someone to turn it on when your on the way home.

NBBB: To achieve full potential, SS equipment, particularly amps, need to be warmed up as well. Takes longer in fact (some don't even bother turning it off) but the difference (after warm up) is sutbler.

oweidah · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:18 AM »

Quote from: ccc on May 12, 2006 at 01:30 AM

NBB: If you can't wait, text someone to turn it on when your on the way home.

sir,

basta huwag mo ipa-turn-on k kumpare

Quote from: ccc on May 12, 2006 at 01:30 AM

There is a rule of thumb of spending 30% of the budget for speakers, 30% for the amp, 30% for the source and the remaining 10% for cables.

agree panyero! tgif

sir newbieparin

@30k dami mo pagpilian whether ss or tubes. dami factors to consider as mentioned by our esteemed gurus here. good luck!

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:33 AM »

Im looking into NAD kaya lang nabababaan ako sa wattage per channel nya.
I haven't auditioned it pa naman but I might try the NAD amp and CDP and RS series speakers.

I think I would need to look for a highly sensitive speaker so it won't be a problem with NAD's low wattage per channel.

Im also contemplating on getting the HK with 120 watts per channel stereo amp.

Last on my list are tube amp which I might also consider because of the music I want to listen to.

Which do you think would be the best choice?

bumblebee · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:36 AM »

NAD 304 - 5.5k, BS section
Wharfedale 9.1 - 5.5k, Spectra

11k lang.

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:36 AM »

Sir hanzo,

meron ba sa atin nito Lowther PM6A

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:39 AM »

Quote from: bumblebee on May 12, 2006 at 09:36 AM

NAD 304 - 5.5k, BS section
Wharfedale 9.1 - 5.5k, Spectra

11k lang.

Sir right now I already have a B&W 602s3 for HT.
I don't think I would go for another kevlar its a bit hard to drive.
Thanks for the suggestion sir.

bumblebee · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2006 at 09:46 AM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 09:39 AM

Sir right now I already have a B&W 602s3 for HT.
I don't think I would go for another kevlar its a bit hard to drive.
Thanks for the suggestion sir.

Having kevlar drivers doesn't mean a speaker is gonna be hard to drive. And a 35-watter NAD can drive most speakers out there.

Is the 30k for the amp only? I thought it was for the amp-speaker combo.

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2006 at 10:04 AM »

Amp lang sir another 30 for the speakers but not beyond 30 for speakers or amp

bumblebee · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2006 at 10:09 AM »

If I had 60k, I'd have the amp and speakers custom built

av_phile1 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2006 at 10:19 AM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 09:33 AM

Im looking into NAD kaya lang nabababaan ako sa wattage per channel nya.
I haven't auditioned it pa naman but I might try the NAD amp and CDP and RS series speakers.

I think I would need to look for a highly sensitive speaker so it won't be a problem with NAD's low wattage per channel.

Im also contemplating on getting the HK with 120 watts per channel stereo amp.

Last on my list are tube amp which I might also consider because of the music I want to listen to.

Which do you think would be the best choice?

What is your room size. It might interest you to note that comfortable listening levels in a typical bedroom sized room won't require more than 7 watts RMS of continuous power per channel. So even a 15watt RMS amp will give you enough headroom already. Couple that to a speaker with 92db sensitivity. And you'd have an earfull.

NAD is known to be conservative, using full disclosure in their power rating. Their FTC-based 30 Watt RMS per channel can deliver the same SPLs as many amps rated twice using DIN or EIAJ standards. But ofcourse, 120watt is definitely more powerful. Just make sure it's rating is conservative - RMS continuous power with ALL channels driven into full bandwidth 20hz-20khz into 8-ohm load with the rated THD. Any other rating mode bloats the figures.

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2006 at 10:48 AM »

I might be wrong since I haven't heard it at the same time.
With the same degree of loudness I think the HK will sound better than NAD because of the higher watts per channel.

qguy · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2006 at 11:37 AM »

just to add

My 20 watt Marantz sound better than my Pioneer amp at 60 watts per channel , same thing for my Kenwood power amp at 105 watts per channel
The HK may sound better than the NAD because of the design/parts used, not because of the higher watts that it has

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 10:48 AM

I might be wrong since I haven't heard it at the same time.
With the same degree of loudness I think the HK will sound better than NAD because of the higher watts per channel.

av_phile1 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2006 at 11:57 AM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 10:48 AM

I might be wrong since I haven't heard it at the same time.
With the same degree of loudness I think the HK will sound better than NAD because of the higher watts per channel.

As long as they use the same conservative measurement discipline.

jhunB! · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2006 at 12:36 PM »

go for HK / infinity combo... yung 60K budget mo konti na lang add mo complete set up na ng home theater... try to audition at acoustical space audio room at 5th floor megamall... ok din makipagtawaran ng price dun.... HK/infinity combination for me satisfies my listening taste....

suggestion ko lang po ito!!!!

hattori_hanzo · « **Reply #23 on:** May 12, 2006 at 10:08 PM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 09:36 AM

Sir hanzo,

meron ba sa atin nito Lowther PM6A

meron akong source pero by order...

ccc · « **Reply #24 on:** May 13, 2006 at 03:51 AM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on May 12, 2006 at 10:04 AM

Amp lang sir another 30 for the speakers but not beyond 30 for speakers or amp

[/size]

Although the NAD 304 (still highest bang-for-the-buck) is still in contention, 30T for an integrated amp alone widens the horizon. You can go brand new like the newer NADs or the O2 series of Rotel. Or higher end pre-owned amps which abound in the buy and sell market - both here and at wiredstate.com.

The only way to know however if it fits you well is to give all of them a good listen.

However, if you are really into vocals and have 30 to burn, I suggest you consider tubes first rather than last. There is this warmth or what some call "lambing" that makes it alluring or "pleasant" to listen to.

Once you have decided on that, I suggest you visit Hypertriode's show room (near Cartimar) and listen to a couple of amps there that are within your price point. He has speakers there as well but I'm not sure of the prices. I have to warn you though that there might be no turning back on tubes after auditioning his gear.

With 30 for speaks, lots of choices as well. Include the Klipsch, Aurum Cantus and the Dali Ikons in your listening spree. You may also want to check out Handyman (Makati area) for custom-built speakers. Try the Linn's or the Rosa or any Fostex based speaker that he might have on hand.

Don't worry about the wattage too much. As long as you have sensitive (greater than 92db sensitivity) speakers, even 8 watts will do (assuming your room is no bigger than 20 sq meters). Come to think of it, inquire from VintageDog about the availability of their Tono Personal (Integrated with 2 line inputs, 8W, Php18T). Or Mr. Sevilla for AMX PP or SETs (not very familiar with features but good pricing). You may also want to check out Mang Rod's Musika Pre-amp (tube rectified, 2 line inputs + Phonostage, Headphone out, P18T) if you can find a 12T power amp in the second hand market. By gettting separates, flexibility and upgradability will be on your side.

In sum, no matter what is suggested here in the forum, you still have to listen to all those in your short list before you may intelligibly decide. Sometimes, you don't even use your head but choose what moves you most.

Happy auditioning!

BuLLeT · « **Reply #25 on:** May 13, 2006 at 01:42 PM »

Separates! Separates!

cool

Just to share my stereo sep up...

-Tono 12au7 pre-amp + SONY 330ES Power amp (second hand) + JBL LX2004 floor standers

Source: SONY portable discman and sometimes PIONEER DVD player lang

I'm happy with what i'm hearing(for now). Nilagay ko pa yung Mission M71 dun sa speaker B ng amp para pag like ko ang bookshelf ay switch ko lang sya sa SP B.

You can try a lot of set up combinations with your budget like pure SS, pure tube, Hybrid etc.
This is what makes this hobby so exiciting, trying and hearing the sound differences with different combinations may it be subtle or big.

P.S. Pag naka set up ka na..... Wag ka muna access sa sa PinoyDVD.. enjoy mo muna set up mo.. ahihihihi.. peace

KEN · « **Reply #26 on:** May 13, 2006 at 02:33 PM »

Quote from: BuLLeT on May 13, 2006 at 01:42 PM

P.S. Pag naka set up ka na..... Wag ka muna access sa sa PinoyDVD.. enjoy mo muna set up mo.. ahihihihi.. peace

JojoD818 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2006 at 07:08 PM »

Since you already have an eye for a NAD amp then I guess it would have been very good for stereo listening. But if you really want to enjoy listening to music then may I suggest that you get a tube amp.

By the way, it doesn't take that long to warm 'em up.

markmlists · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2006 at 07:19 PM »

Or, Jojo's Gainclone or GC hybrid...

s2kov · « **Reply #29 on:** May 14, 2006 at 07:15 AM »

basta kung saan ka masaya!