Power Amplifier for Monitor Audio GX300 Speakers

[Julian_b]

Thinking about Audiolab amplification - any thoughts? Better experiences? Room size is 6m x 4m. Music from classical through jazz to rock? Thoughts?

 

[ellisdj]

Heard a moon integrated on the PL300 @ WHF - sounded very good if you like a lot of space and a really 3D soundstage - they have some very high end gear in their range - only heard the one amp - think it was an I model

 

[Julian_b]

Thanks Ellisdj - I'll have a closer look at Moon amplification.

I was also looking at a pair of mono Quad 405's that are refurbished/upgraded by Net Audio too. Don't know if anyone has any experience of Quad or Net Audio's sound with Monitor Audio speakers? Net Audio themselves think they will work well - any experience out there...?

 

[ellisdj]

At the Bristol show MA was using a Moon Source and Amplification in their demo room - they had GX200 in there and it one of the best sounding rooms I heard (didnt hear every room). They chose them for a reason - they work really well.

Nordost were also using Moon Equipment feeding Proac D Two and that again was one of the best sounding rooms as well.

The GX Image really well and to me and my experience that is what the Moon kit has done really well - lay it all out clearly infront of you - I really like that sound - after getting used to that everything else just sounds flat and muddled

I am running Meridian Analogue Amplification at the minute which was over shadowed by their DSP Speakers and they no longer make it becuase they dont want confusion - they are an all digital company

However it works really well with the GX - you get clear leading edge of notes and instruments, again space and layers to the sound stage - and a sweet listen all day sound - no harshness which I cant stand that plagues HiFi and AV - even in top end gear I have now heard in the wrong conditions.

There are several G range or the older 500 range that are good amps - including the Monster 558 that a lot of people love because of its power

My amp the G55 you can bi - amp or bridge and you get 300W 8ohms rms - of clean good quality power - you can pick them up used for good prices.

For AV a lot of owners had 2 G series amps - 1 G55 bridged into the front L&R for 300w - then the 5th channel for the centre @ 120w @ 8ohms

Thne they would have a G57 for stereo rear channel duties.

I just have the 1 doing my 5 channels but crossover @ 80hz and use my sub for the majority of bass - it plays more than loud enough and only shows a bit of distress when playing at silly loud volumes - that more than likely otheer factors - room etc.

The G55 amp bridged would be really good. - Just other ideas for you to consider

 

[Julian_b]

Thanks again Ellisdj for your thoughts and suggestions. Interesting you are picking up on two aspects that I also think are pretty important to get the GX 300's really performing at their best - firstly, the soundstage, so you hear the instruments arranged both left to right and back to front too, and secondly, using an amplification sound signature that leans towards 'smooth' rather than too clinical and bright.

From your description of your experience with Moon and your Meridian amplification that's the impression I'm getting - is that right?

I popped back to the dealer here in Singapore who sold me my GX300's (and Apex's too) to discuss what I was missing with my old Cambridge amp after auditioning at his studio. So he then compared a Primare I30 (Ithink) with a dinky little valve/transistor amp called a Music infiniti M101A. The former was S$3000 and the latter S$380! These were played through a pair of RX6's - the little Infiniti was better (to myself, someone else who was auditioning the RX6's and the dealer who had a big smile on his face). Bass was tighter, soundstage was as above whereas the Primare was only left to right. Also, the sound signature had a slightly smoother sound than the Primare.

So the dealer has offered I can take the little infiniti home for a test when i have a decent run of time home in Singapore to have a proper listen. So in a couple of weeks time......will let you know what I discover, but have serious doubts over absolute volume (with only 25 watts), but he assures me there's plenty enough to upset the neighbours. We'll see...

 

[BigH]

Just heard the Audiolab 8200A, with those speakers and a large room I may go for something with a bit more power like the Musical Fidelity M3i.

 

[ellisdj]

Thanks again Ellisdj for your thoughts and suggestions. Interesting you are picking up on two aspects that I also think are pretty important to get the GX 300's really performing at their best - firstly, the soundstage, so you hear the instruments arranged both left to right and back to front too, and secondly, using an amplification sound signature that leans towards 'smooth' rather than too clinical and bright.

From your description of your experience with Moon and your Meridian amplification that's the impression I'm getting - is that right?

I popped back to the dealer here in Singapore who sold me my GX300's (and Apex's too) to discuss what I was missing with my old Cambridge amp after auditioning at his studio. So he then compared a Primare I30 (Ithink) with a dinky little valve/transistor amp called a Music infiniti M101A. The former was S$3000 and the latter S$380! These were played through a pair of RX6's - the little Infiniti was better (to myself, someone else who was auditioning the RX6's and the dealer who had a big smile on his face). Bass was tighter, soundstage was as above whereas the Primare was only left to right. Also, the sound signature had a slightly smoother sound than the Primare.

So the dealer has offered I can take the little infiniti home for a test when i have a decent run of time home in Singapore to have a proper listen. So in a couple of weeks time......will let you know what I discover, but have serious doubts over absolute volume (with only 25 watts), but he assures me there's plenty enough to upset the neighbours. We'll see...

Its funny you mention that - its not only the watts rating that determines how an amp controls the speaker - there is a company that I really like their products - purely because they are really good and everything I have bought from them has over exceeded my expectations which are silly high and appeared cheap against what else you can buy that performs to that level

Its a company called Graham Slee - now he has just realised mono block amps that are 25watts each.

Now I am scared to demo them in case I like them - however in your shoes I would be very interested to hear them.

A guy who is in charge of their home loan system for the UK he went from a very similar amp to yourself to 2 of the Proprius Amps from Graham Slee and he thinks they are awesome. Now obviously he is linked to the company to a certain degree so may be a touch biased but I am not - I have got quite friendly with him and he has been very honest with me about them and everything else I ahev asked him about that they sell

He uses them on MA GX100's so its very apparent feedback that the sound very good on those speakers- especially in the bass he says which doesnt suprise me given his headphone amp that I own.

So maybe see if you can get a demo of Graham Slee Proprius Amplification in Singapore - I know he sells worldwide

 

[Julian_b]

Thanks BigH for the Music Fidelity amp suggestion - they do get great reviews....not tracked down an importer into Singapore yet but sure there will be one.

Thanks ellisdj for the Graham Slee suggestion - found the importer that specialises more in headphones so waiting to hear if they have the monoblocs - not exactly cheap in the UK.....

Still have to find the Moon importer too.

The big problem with Singapore is that it's a small market overall and you don't get multiple dealers (beyond the mass brands) to be able to partner the right kit.

Forgot to mention that when I auditioned the GX 300's intitially it ws through the little Music Infiniti mentioned above so given how great it sounded thn will be really curious to see how it sounds in-home situ....

 

[dsuciato]

Thanks BigH for the Music Fidelity amp suggestion - they do get great reviews....not tracked down an importer into Singapore yet but sure there will be one.

Thanks ellisdj for the Graham Slee suggestion - found the importer that specialises more in headphones so waiting to hear if they have the monoblocs - not exactly cheap in the UK.....

Still have to find the Moon importer too.

The big problem with Singapore is that it's a small market overall and you don't get multiple dealers (beyond the mass brands) to be able to partner the right kit.

Forgot to mention that when I auditioned the GX 300's intitially it ws through the little Music Infiniti mentioned above so given how great it sounded thn will be really curious to see how it sounds in-home situ....

You can find Simaudio Moon distributor in Surabaya, Indonesia www.artsoundlab.com. For Musical Fidelity you can contact Excellent Audio in Jakarta Indonesia e-audio@usa.net ask for Billy. Or contact Malaysia dealer, should be closer.

 

[cstanwhf]

MF is distributed by Alpha Audio in Singapore.

Or you can consider the Cayin A88T which you can test drive the GX300 with at PA.

 

[Julian_b]

Thanks for the info dsuciato on Simaudio dealers - think the Malaysia option will make more sense as closer and same voltage as Singapore too. Will have to plan to check it out.

Also thanks to cstanwhf - will check out Alpha Audio for Music Fidelity too.

I purchased my GX 300's from PA (Edward) - will suggest a demo of Caymin, as well as the Music Infiniti too.

 

[Julian_b]

Going to start with a demo of the Cayin A88T when I have some time to concentrate on this mid April (too much travel at the moment but at least it's both business and pleasure time). Edward (Precision Audio) is pretty convinced that I will end up with the Cayin versus Music Fidelity 6i (and the latter is triple the price too). Unfortunately can't try the latter with my speakers as yet.

Only problem with the Cayin is that it needs approx 10" height in a rack - my current one has 6 1/2" only......damn - another purchase required or it will have to live on the floor - then again maybe get a box or something....! May have to get creative if I like it.