Amp recommendations

[plastic penguin]

Well, had the Leema 7 years and looking for a change. However, it'll need to be ruddy good to upstage that sound quality.

Not interested in the following amps:

Valves, Musical Fidelity, Yamaha, actives.

I am considering Leema Tucana, Creek Destiny (or the newer 100A), Naim XS2... whatever amp is chosen needs to synergize with PMC TB2i.

Max budget will be 2k for the amp - and I'm buying another turntable soon (probably either Gyrodec or Pro-ject Xtension 9.

Most of you know the sound I like, fairly neutral but not bright or warm.

Any suitable suggestions welcome.

Cheers, PP.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

Well, had the Leema 7 years and looking for a change. However, it'll need to be ruddy good to upstage that sound quality.

Not interested in the following amps:

Valves, Musical Fidelity, Yamaha, actives.

I am considering Leema Tucana, Creek Destiny (or the newer 100A), Naim XS2... whatever amp is chosen needs to synergize with PMC TB2i.

Max budget will be 2k for the amp - and I'm buying another turntable soon (probably either Gyrodec or Pro-ject Xtension 9.

Most of you know the sound I like, fairly neutral but not bright or warm.

Any suitable suggestions welcome.

Cheers, PP.

what ! no uv meters *smile*

 

[drummerman]

Well, had the Leema 7 years and looking for a change. However, it'll need to be ruddy good to upstage that sound quality.

Not interested in the following amps:

Valves, Musical Fidelity, Yamaha, actives.

I am considering Leema Tucana, Creek Destiny (or the newer 100A), Naim XS2... whatever amp is chosen needs to synergize with PMC TB2i.

Max budget will be 2k for the amp - and I'm buying another turntable  soon (probably either Gyrodec or Pro-ject Xtension 9.

Most of you know the sound I like, fairly neutral but not bright or warm.

Any suitable suggestions welcome.

Cheers, PP.

what ! no uv meters *smile*

Distracting, expensive, pointless ... imho.

Spend the money elsewhere.

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi. I haven't heard the TB2i, but I heard the DB1 gold (essentially DB1i) and the dealer tried to "explain" the TB2i in comparison. Although I love Naim, I'm not a big fan of the XS2, and I wonder if it would be a good partner for your PMCs. I think a first gen XS would be a better partner (unforunately, no possibility to audition one), or maybe Supernai 2 or some pre with Nap100 (at least that's my preferences). Or a Superuniti (ex-dem or something).

But, of course, you should audition for yourself. If you can find Bryston amps within your budget, I heard Bryston + PMC and it did sound impressive. Creek Destiny, Roksan Caspian or Electrompaniet should also be great matches for the PMCs.

Last, but not least, I know you said "no valves", but Jadis Orchestra might actually be a great partner. Rogue Audio Sphinx too (although this one is a hybrid amp, valves for pre, class D for power).

 

[Blacksabbath25]

Well, had the Leema 7 years and looking for a change. However, it'll need to be ruddy good to upstage that sound quality.

Not interested in the following amps:

Valves, Musical Fidelity, Yamaha, actives.

I am considering Leema Tucana, Creek Destiny (or the newer 100A), Naim XS2... whatever amp is chosen needs to synergize with PMC TB2i.

Max budget will be 2k for the amp - and I'm buying another turntable soon (probably either Gyrodec or Pro-ject Xtension 9.

Most of you know the sound I like, fairly neutral but not bright or warm.

Any suitable suggestions welcome.

Cheers, PP.

what ! no uv meters *smile*

Distracting, expensive, pointless ... imho.

Spend the money elsewhere.

what like a shoe box cyrus *ROFL*

 

[plastic penguin]

VU meters would be a nice bonus but not essential.

I will audition but just trying to gauge any responses for lesser known brands or one's I've forgotten about.

The other 'no no' is Electrocompaniet classic range: Too plasticy looking and feel, and I was bitten by their entry-level CDP. Not great.

 

[drummerman]

Change for changes sake?

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers. Perhaps add a Mytec Brooklin DAC/pre-amp if you find one s/h.

Amps run cool so they could be hidden out of sight.

 

[ellisdj]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

 

[Electro]

VU meters would be a nice bonus but not essential.

I will audition but just trying to gauge any responses for lesser known brands or one's I've forgotten about.

The other 'no no' is Electrocompaniet classic range: Too plasticy looking and feel, and I was bitten by their entry-level CDP. Not great.

That's a shame you will be very much missing out on the perfect combination of PMC i series and Electrocompaniet classic amplifiers, I have years of experience to back that up. *smile*

If you try and lift one up they do not look or feel plasticky . *shok*

I did say at the time that the now discontinued entry level Electro range was nothing special for the money, they should never have bothered making them imo.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

If you want a amplifier that should last you years and is more neutral sounding as the speakers play apart in this too in making a neutral sound I would seriously look at the higher end Yamaha amplifiers as mine is on the neutral side .

there is no plastic used all aluminum and wood sides + the UVs *smile* but something telling me your going to end up getting a Arcam or a upto date leema if you like the leema why not buy something you know already .

 

[drummerman]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

No idea. Owners give good feedback (would they do anyway?). Apparently hugely powerful, dynamic and unfatiguing. Perhaps the best implementation of a 'digital' amplifier yet?

Densen also impressed me in some youtube vids. Look fantastic, well, the ones without the huge gold knobs do. Seemingly fantastic impact and PRAT.

I like fast amplifer/speaker combinations. Give me plodding and I run. Something like a Densen/Guru thing would probably suit me nicely.

Nothing wrong with a Tucana either and perhaps the safest bet as the OP is already a Leema owner.

 

[luckylion100]

Change for changes sake?

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers. Perhaps add a Mytec Brooklin DAC/pre-amp if you find one s/h.

Amps run cool so they could be hidden out of sight.

For £2K. I doubt you'll find any Mytec Brooklyn owners letting theirs go for peanuts. When I was thinking of purchasing one the price was nearing £1700. We can all dream though... ;-)

 

[insider9]

... so can't comment on anything other than specs and what I've read. Slightly pushing your budget but for the specs may be worth a look

http://www.audiologica.co.uk/peachtree/peachtree-audio-nova-300.html

Alternatively, would you consider a minidsp solution with your existing setup?

 

[plastic penguin]

If you want a amplifier that should last you years and is more neutral sounding as the speakers play apart in this too in making a neutral sound I would seriously look at the higher end Yamaha amplifiers as mine is on the neutral side .

there is no plastic used all aluminum and wood sides + the UVs *smile* but something telling me your going to end up getting a Arcam or a upto date leema if you like the leema why not buy something you know already .

No, not Arcam. Still like the brand but the A39 I doubt would be much different or better than the Pulse. The A49 is way over budget and too big.

A better s/hand Leema is very much a possibility, but for the sake of being predictable...

I've heard older higher end Yams and although good, they didn't really tug my rug.

 

[Electro]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

Judging from the reviews they are very very good and I know for a fact that Colin is a top bloke.

This might be of interest to you,

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-mp-nc500-4-6-channel-amplifier-black

Or multiple monoblocks as many as you need.

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-nc500dmst-3

 

[plastic penguin]

VU meters would be a nice bonus but not essential.

I will audition but just trying to gauge any responses for lesser known brands or one's I've forgotten about.

The other 'no no' is Electrocompaniet classic range: Too plasticy looking and feel, and I was bitten by their entry-level CDP. Not great.

That's a shame you will be very much missing out on the perfect combination of PMC i series and Electrocompaniet classic amplifiers, I have years of experience to back that up. *smile*

If you try and lift one up they do not look or feel plasticky . *shok*

I did say at the time that the now discontinued entry level Electro range was nothing special for the money, they should never have bothered making them imo.

Sorry Electro, but once bitten...

In fact it has put me right off all Scandanavian brands.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

No idea. Owners give good feedback (would they do anyway?). Apparently hugely powerful, dynamic and unfatiguing. Perhaps the best implementation of a 'digital' amplifier yet?

Densen also impressed me in some youtube vids. Look fantastic, well, the ones without the huge gold knobs do. Seemingly fantastic impact and PRAT.

I like fast amplifer/speaker combinations. Give me plodding and I run.

Nothing wrong with a Tucana either and perhaps the safest bet as the OP is already a Leema owner.

my issue with the Nord's is reliability yes they look a good spec amplifier I nearly brought one of a chap who got one he had to send it back 3 times for different issues which got sorted out in the end but that's what put me off you need to buy a amplifier that's from a company that's been around for the last 20-30 years or more in my opinion because spending £2000 on a amplifier is a big step to make on something that not been on the market very long .

 

[drummerman]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

No idea. Owners give good feedback (would they do anyway?). Apparently hugely powerful, dynamic and unfatiguing. Perhaps the best implementation of a 'digital' amplifier yet?

Densen also impressed me in some youtube vids. Look fantastic, well, the ones without the huge gold knobs do. Seemingly fantastic impact and PRAT.

I like fast amplifer/speaker combinations. Give me plodding and I run.

Nothing wrong with a Tucana either and perhaps the safest bet as the OP is already a Leema owner.

my issue with the Nord's is reliability yes they look a good spec amplifier I nearly brought one of a chap who got one he had to send it back 3 times for different issues which got sorted out in the end but that's what put me off you need to buy a amplifier that's from a company that's been around for the last 20-30 years or more in my opinion because spending £2000 on a amplifier is a big step to make on something that not been on the market very long .

I can't comment on the specific problems this chap apparantly had but Hypex modules are ready made. Nord fits them into a case and connects the power supply, as do others such as BelCanto.

Hypex have been going quite a while and the current models are generation x.

Saying that, perhaps you are right but one man's problems dont make a brand unreliable.

Anyhow, PP doesnt strike me as a 'Hypex man' 🙂

 

[Vladimir]

I'm betting on the Leema staying for a 10y jubilee and finances going to a turntable upgrade.

Otherwise, I think the Naim Nait XS2 is an ideal candidate. Matches well with PMC, exciting fast rhytmic sound like the Leema, powerful, holds value better than gold, fits the budget, future classic, British, pisses everyone off.

 

[ellisdj]

Nord's Hypex amps offer significantly more power. As used by many top manufacturers.

What are these amps like? I made an enquiry with them the other day for some info?

Thanks

Judging from the reviews they are very very good and I know for a fact that Colin is a top bloke.

This might be of interest to you,

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-mp-nc500-4-6-channel-amplifier-black

Or multiple monoblocks as many as you need.

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-one-nc500dmst-3

I was looking at using a 3 channel version for home cinema to compliment a valve amp for stereo duties - was just a theory I was looking into.

 

[drummerman]

I'm betting on the Leema staying for a 10y jubilee and finances going to a turntable upgrade.

Otherwise, I think the Naim Nait XS2 is an ideal candidate. Matches well with PMC, exciting fast rhytmic sound like the Leema, powerful, holds value better than gold, fits the budget, future classic, British, pisses everyone off.

I'd be with you on this one if he upgraded from an Element. The Naim is a good amp but is it enough of an upgrade?

I am not sure what PP's wants to achieve but the only real change comes from either change in topology or power, probably.

 

[Vladimir]

I'd be with you on this one if he upgraded from an Element. The Naim is a good amp but is it enough of an upgrade?

Yes.

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm betting on the Leema staying for a 10y jubilee and finances going to a turntable upgrade.

Otherwise, I think the Naim Nait XS2 is an ideal candidate. Matches well with PMC, exciting fast rhytmic sound like the Leema, powerful, holds value better than gold, fits the budget, future classic, British, pisses everyone off.

Aren't they Anglo-French? If so that means all employees can only have hair under one armpit. *biggrin*

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm betting on the Leema staying for a 10y jubilee and finances going to a turntable upgrade.

Otherwise, I think the Naim Nait XS2 is an ideal candidate. Matches well with PMC, exciting fast rhytmic sound like the Leema, powerful, holds value better than gold, fits the budget, future classic, British, pisses everyone off.

I'd be with you on this one if he upgraded from an Element. The Naim is a good amp but is it enough of an upgrade?

I am not sure what PP's wants to achieve but the only real change comes from either change in topology or power, probably.

One that justifies paying the extra.

 

[Vladimir]

I'm betting on the Leema staying for a 10y jubilee and finances going to a turntable upgrade.

Otherwise, I think the Naim Nait XS2 is an ideal candidate. Matches well with PMC, exciting fast rhytmic sound like the Leema, powerful, holds value better than gold, fits the budget, future classic, British, pisses everyone off.

Aren't they Anglo-French? If so that means all employees can only have hair under one armpit. *biggrin*