Advice on Solid State Amp (Dartzeel and Audiopax Preamps)

[Vicks7]

Hi all, I am running Evolution Acoustic MMTwo speakers with the new Audiopax L50 hybrid preamp and M100 monoblock tube amplifiers. I also have a Dartzeel preamp (18NS Model 1) which I have been using as phono and preamp.

Given the scarcity in tubes due to the recent conflict and also just to have a different flavor, I would like to get a solid state amp (it could be second-hand) and I am looking for recommendations. Unfortunately I do not have the budget at the moment for a Dartzeel 108 which would probably make sense given the synergy with the Dart pre and my speakers; I would not want to spend much more than $5,000-US$8,000. My equipment is set up on the side wall and I run a long interconnect between the pre-amp and the power amps that reside between and behind the speakers. It would be good if the amp had balanced ins as well as single ended as I currently have balanced cables (Ocellia) so would prefer to avoid having to buy new single ended interconnects.

Thanks all in advance,

James

 

[JAB]

Wow you have the Audiopax new hybrid pre
What do you think?
To your question of amps
You did not post efficiency so I am thinking some Pass amps ,Bryson amps or Ayres
I am in US so don’t know availability there

 

[aLLeARS]

Here's one that looks like it could fit the requirements.
Atma-Sphere class-D.
They are mono-blocks, have both balanced and unbalanced inputs and list for under $6k.
They are only 100 Watts into 8 Ohms. But if you listen at moderate volumes that could work with your speakers.
I replaced my fully modded M60 OTL tube amps with them.
They are very musical sounding amps.

 

[Vicks7]

Wow you have the Audiopax new hybrid pre
What do you think?
To your question of amps
You did not post efficiency so I am thinking some Pass amps ,Bryson amps or Ayres
I am in US so don’t know availability there

Thanks JAB. The new Audiopax L50 hybrid pre is superb. It now includes a tube stage (in a cathode follower mode with automatic bias adjustment using ECC82/12AU7 tubes). Its a marked improvement on the original L50, particularly in terms of what I can only describe as the layering of the music that is presented. Audiopax recently presented it at a show in the UK and I think received a number of orders - very pleased for them as the product deserves more attention but the Brazilian hi-end market is very limited.

In relation to your question, my Evolution Acoustic MMTwos are 93dB/7 Ohm impedance.

 

[Zeotrope]

Hi all, I am running Evolution Acoustic MMTwo speakers with the new Audiopax L50 hybrid preamp and M100 monoblock tube amplifiers. I also have a Dartzeel preamp (18NS Model 1) which I have been using as phono and preamp.

Given the scarcity in tubes due to the recent conflict and also just to have a different flavor, I would like to get a solid state amp (it could be second-hand) and I am looking for recommendations. Unfortunately I do not have the budget at the moment for a Dartzeel 108 which would probably make sense given the synergy with the Dart pre and my speakers; I would not want to spend much more than $5,000-US$8,000. My equipment is set up on the side wall and I run a long interconnect between the pre-amp and the power amps that reside between and behind the speakers. It would be good if the amp had balanced ins as well as single ended as I currently have balanced cables (Ocellia) so would prefer to avoid having to buy new single ended interconnects.

Thanks all in advance,

James

Hi James,
I see you already have a DarTZeel 18NS pre-amp. I know it's considerably more than your budget, but if you can, try to find a pre-owned 108. They occasionally come up in the mid-$20s. Even a Mark I is fine - you can send this into DarTZeel later to be upgraded to a Mark II or III (in the future!). The synergy with your 18NS using the Zeel 50 ohm connections is unbeatable. And then you are done with upgrading.

 

[DSkip]

Within your budget you’re going to be hard pressed to beat the Norma PA-150. Brand new it comes in at your top budget. It’s a very high current design with an extremely low noise floor and erring on dark presentation. I have not compared it directly to the dartzeel but I have compared the integrated IPA-140 to several separates systems multiples its price point and it put them all to shame.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Within your budget you’re going to be hard pressed to beat the Norma PA-150. Brand new it comes in at your top budget. It’s a very high current design with an extremely low noise floor and erring on dark presentation. I have not compared it directly to the dartzeel but I have compared the integrated IPA-140 to several separates systems multiples its price point and it put them all to shame.

I will second Skip's slightly biased view. I have had the pleasure of hearing the Norma line at Skips listening studio and they are quite exquisite sounding. And I have the Norma IPA-140 (sorry Skip found a great used one in NY) in one of my systems and it is one of the best integrated amplifiers I have heard. You should audition Norma. Listening to the IA-140 now.

 

[Tabl10s]

Hi all, I am running Evolution Acoustic MMTwo speakers with the new Audiopax L50 hybrid preamp and M100 monoblock tube amplifiers. I also have a Dartzeel preamp (18NS Model 1) which I have been using as phono and preamp.

Given the scarcity in tubes due to the recent conflict and also just to have a different flavor, I would like to get a solid state amp (it could be second-hand) and I am looking for recommendations. Unfortunately I do not have the budget at the moment for a Dartzeel 108 which would probably make sense given the synergy with the Dart pre and my speakers; I would not want to spend much more than $5,000-US$8,000. My equipment is set up on the side wall and I run a long interconnect between the pre-amp and the power amps that reside between and behind the speakers. It would be good if the amp had balanced ins as well as single ended as I currently have balanced cables (Ocellia) so would prefer to avoid having to buy new single ended interconnects.

Thanks all in advance,

James

I have the amp you want and you've got have the preamp I need...

 

[Brucemck2]

While neither are particularly popular on this forum, Bryston and Balanced Audio Technology both make very nice solid state amps, with used units often available.

 

[steve59]

If you find a $5-8k amp that brings the best out of your $50k speakers...Tell nobody, buy them out, relabel them and sell em for $25k ahem $40k retail.

 

[steve59]

I know Benchmark makes the only real amp in the world and the rest of us are fools or just have too much money.

 

[Vicks7]

Thanks all. I am in the process of updating my DarTZeel 18NS pre-amp to Model 2. After this I will turn back to the amp. I think if I could find a good pre-owned 108 that may make sense if I have the funds.