Amp thoughts...

[spl84]

I've been mulling over my amp upgrade for years but for me I feel like I need to get it right the first time. I ponied up for speakers and got a pair of Focal Aria 936s about a year ago. I've almost settled on the PS Audio S300 power amp which I will likely pair with one of thier pre amps. PS Audio is probably not world renowned but they are pretty well known over here in the states, made in Boulder CO. The Aria 936 dips to 2.8 ohm and this amp is 2 ohm stable. It seems like a near perfect fit and not overpriced. What are you guys thoughts?

S300 Amplifier

From the deepest bass to the warmest, sweetest highs, the Stellar S300 makes any loudspeaker sing and is our most affordable stereo power amplifier ever.

www.psaudio.com

 

[Gray]

Looks great.
I'd be more than happy with that and a matching preamp 👍

 

[nopiano]

Is there any chance you can try before you buy, or return it if you don’t like it? PS Audio seem to have rather a mixed rep on their kit. It looks nice, but some of their DACs are deliberately voiced, so you either love or loath them.

Paul McGowan is a bit of a divisive figure too. He is very avuncular on YouTube and has many fans. I find him quite interesting too. But he is really a great salesman.

How much can you get this amp for, because you can get the same modules in cheaper amps? Hypex and Purifi class D devices are technically better. But the PS has plenty of power so will play your Focals very loud indeed. And there is a matching preamp, you say (which I’ve not looked at)

Try to read the review from 2019 on Audio Science Review.

 

[spl84]

Is there any chance you can try before you buy, or return it if you don’t like it? PS Audio seem to have rather a mixed rep on their kit. It looks nice, but some of their DACs are deliberately voiced, so you either love or loath them.

Paul McGowan is a bit of a divisive figure too. He is very avuncular on YouTube and has many fans. I find him quite interesting too. But he is really a great salesman.

How much can you get this amp for, because you can get the same modules in cheaper amps? Hypex and Purifi class D devices are technically better. But the PS has plenty of power so will play your Focals very loud indeed. And there is a matching preamp, you say (which I’ve not looked at)

Try to read the review from 2019 on Audio Science Review.

I'm pretty sure there is a trial period, will have to double check but I will definitely check out those reviews. What do you mean the DACs are voiced? I'm not very familiar with DAC technology...

 

[nopiano]

I'm pretty sure there is a trial period, will have to double check but I will definitely check out those reviews. What do you mean the DACs are voiced? I'm not very familiar with DAC technology...

PS Audio make them sound distinctive, or ‘give them a voice’ or character. DACs are essentially tonally neutral, but by inserting various components into the output a designer can make their product sound ‘different’.

It is a choice you can make as a buyer - you either like the sound, or the flip side is that the sales pitch implies they have a secret formula which is why they sound that way. The latter is a bit suspect in my opinion, and PS can veer that way.

That might be appealing, and all PS gear is nicely styled and well supported, so is understandably popular. Their speakers are very impressive too. I’m just a bit wary, because the amp you’re looking at has class D modules that weren’t the best six years ago, and were I in the USA I’d be looking at Buckeye or similar brands using Hypex or Purifi modules, which are more advanced. (I’ve owned a British assembled Nord amp with Hypex modules, so I’m speaking in part from experience).

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com