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- Nov 29, 2020
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Sorry for the double post, but I realized my post in other people's threads may have gotten lost.
My goals are as follows: the cleanest most musical amp for nearfield low to mid volume listening. The speakers will be on a desktop. As such, I am really looking for the best measurements (versus the most power). I am hoping something will respect the great source coming out of the DAC.
Based on a lot of research, here is what I am considering:
I am leaning towards option 5. For the price, I think I prefer the Cambridge to the Emotiva based on reviews, and I think I can get away with the 25 watts (I hear Cambridge under measures and the Q150s are pretty easy to drive). The Crown seems designed for power and volume above all else, which is really the opposite of what I want. Most of the other power amps would fall into that general category.
Ready to pull the trigger on this final component of the system, so would really appreciate any advice.
My goals are as follows: the cleanest most musical amp for nearfield low to mid volume listening. The speakers will be on a desktop. As such, I am really looking for the best measurements (versus the most power). I am hoping something will respect the great source coming out of the DAC.
Based on a lot of research, here is what I am considering:
- Option 1: Tidal MQA --> SMSL M500 DAC --> Liquid Spark (as a preamp and headphone amp) --> Emotiva BasX A-100 ($229) --> Kef Q150
- Option 2: Tidal MQA --> SMSL M500 DAC --> Liquid Spark (as a preamp and headphone amp) --> Emotiva BasX A-300 ($399, but may be discontinued) --> Kef Q150
- Option 3: Tidal MQA --> SMSL M500 DAC --> Liquid Spark (as a preamp and headphone amp) --> Crown-XLS-1002 ($339) --> Kef Q150
- Option 4: Tidal MQA --> SMSL M500 DAC --> Liquid Spark (as a preamp and headphone amp) --> Cambridge Audio AXA35 ($349) --> Kef Q150
- Option 5: Tidal MQA --> SMSL M500 DAC --> Liquid Spark (as a preamp and headphone amp) --> Cambridge Audio AXA25 ($225) --> Kef Q150
I am leaning towards option 5. For the price, I think I prefer the Cambridge to the Emotiva based on reviews, and I think I can get away with the 25 watts (I hear Cambridge under measures and the Q150s are pretty easy to drive). The Crown seems designed for power and volume above all else, which is really the opposite of what I want. Most of the other power amps would fall into that general category.
Ready to pull the trigger on this final component of the system, so would really appreciate any advice.