I'm looking for a new amplifier for my desk system. Currently I have a tiny Topping VX2 running some Boston Acoustics speakers from either Tidal Hifi on Windows or a Squeezebox.
The sound isn't that great - the bass is out of control - and turning it up is hopeless. I thought it was time for new speakers but then had a brainwave, try my XTZ Edge A2 power amp from the main system.
I'm also building up to another Picoreplayer and recently bought a Khadas Tone Board in preparation.
You see can see my stuff here
Now, oddly enough, that combo of Khadas into XTZ sounded staggering. Especially sitting a metre from them. Poor Topping, it's nothing personal.
So now I'm looking for a new amplifier with some of that Class D muscle and clean sound, but it doesn't need the insane power of the XTZ. It could be a DAC/Amp, it could be a power amp but more likely an integrated just to have a volume control to protect the speakers from Windows. I have Tidal Family so maybe something with MQA as well - then I can compare DACS. Maybe it's something Chinese from Audiophonics or something used. I'm not precious.
I have just two sources - Khadas Tone Board and USB. The Topping was handy being a USB DAC/Amp but I'm flexible over what comes next. This is the system for "analysing" music and comparing stuff so I had even thought of going for Genelecs or Adam monitors at one point.
The budget can be 3 figures and I realise there is a LOT of choice.
Ideas very welcome
The sound isn't that great - the bass is out of control - and turning it up is hopeless. I thought it was time for new speakers but then had a brainwave, try my XTZ Edge A2 power amp from the main system.
I'm also building up to another Picoreplayer and recently bought a Khadas Tone Board in preparation.
You see can see my stuff here
Now, oddly enough, that combo of Khadas into XTZ sounded staggering. Especially sitting a metre from them. Poor Topping, it's nothing personal.
So now I'm looking for a new amplifier with some of that Class D muscle and clean sound, but it doesn't need the insane power of the XTZ. It could be a DAC/Amp, it could be a power amp but more likely an integrated just to have a volume control to protect the speakers from Windows. I have Tidal Family so maybe something with MQA as well - then I can compare DACS. Maybe it's something Chinese from Audiophonics or something used. I'm not precious.
I have just two sources - Khadas Tone Board and USB. The Topping was handy being a USB DAC/Amp but I'm flexible over what comes next. This is the system for "analysing" music and comparing stuff so I had even thought of going for Genelecs or Adam monitors at one point.
The budget can be 3 figures and I realise there is a LOT of choice.
Ideas very welcome
