Amplifier for Audiolab M-DAC

[Andy768]

Hello,

I've been looking at DACs for sometime - all my music is digital (CD's now in storage!), most on iTunes, and I play via Apple TV or USB directly from IPod... I have a cheap Onkyo AV Amp at the moment but have had much better systems in the past - so I know what sounds good to me.

So I've decided on the Audiolab M-DAC - but need an Amp - am considering the M-PWR Power Amp to go with, after reading reviews am not sure its what am after but need more ideas - most amps are integrated stereo amps - so require some suggestions please? 🙂

I'm after lots of musical detail and only a small living room - so nothing over the top either in terms of volume - rythmical, and perfect timing is what i'm after, budget is hundreds not thousands...

Appriciate any thoughts - thanks

 

[SteveR750]

Hi Andy,

As a start, how much do you want to spend, what sort of music, and how loud do you want to play it, and what is your listening room like - size, furnishings etc

 

[Esra]

Andy the M-Pwr. amps from Audiolab are a good choice for your needs and fit the M-Dac perfect.

 

[CnoEvil]

What speakers will you be using?

 

[Andy768]

Cambridge Audio S30's - for the moment - am getting some speaker stands for these as well... will upgrade speakers later on

Thanks

 

[Andy768]

Hi there,

Listening room is living room - 2 x sofas - but listening sofa (on my fav spot lol!) - is about 2.5 - 3M from speakers

Music - Muse, Depeche mode, Chilli Peppers, Prodigy (yes still!), Mainstream stuff, I want to bring any music alive, but I don't really listen to Jazz, Blues, Classical - but I might if good system - I want to hear all the detail 🙂 at the moment I would say Indie Rock and Pop I guess :-S

Budget - is £500 max for Amp...???

Thanks

Andy

 

[Andrewjvt]

An abrahamsen non up version but its about £699 but you will find it far better spec'd than any £500 amp on the market unless you go 2nd hand

 

[SteveR750]

An abrahamsen non up version but its about £699 but you will find it far better spec'd than any £500 amp on the market unless you go 2nd hand

You beat me to it. That's where I'd be spending my money, but it's a bit above your budget.

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi, if you can stretch or find used, check Hegel H80 (integrated amp with DAC), or Naim Nap100 for power amp. I have the latter on home dem and it's amazing.

 

[Andy768]

Just wondering if I can still reply - had problems replying!

 

[Andy768]

Thanks for comments, really appriciated, I'm now a proud owner of M-DAC and M-PWR (M-PWR was £300 so budget wise best I could get) - sounds nearly great - this weekend getting QED XT40 cables - so that will help - biggest issue is Apple TV - have order Cambridge ID100 to get me by and then looking at Sonos CONNECT - I have 320K mp3's so that should help. Then speaker upgrade for Christmas 🙂 If I'm going wrong let me know - tbh I'be a good mind to buy a CD transport and start buying CD's again - can you still get them!?