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July 26, 2023 - 10:33am
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erikland
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Joined: Jul 26 2023 - 10:11am
Schiit, PS Audio, Marantz in Alaska

Hello from Alaska!

I need to buy a new amplifier for my stereo system. My budget is $1200 US.

Right now, I have it narrowed down to 3 choices:

1) Schiit Vidar 2 > $950 shipped > https://www.schiit.com/products/vidar2

2) Marantz MM7025 > $999 shipped > https://www.crutchfield.com/p_642MM7025/Marantz-MM7025.html?tp=180

3) PS Audio Stellar S300 > $1999 - $800 trade-in = $1199 shipped > https://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-s300-power-amplifier?variant=43692321079586

Here's my current system:

Wiim Pro streamer > PS Audio Sprout integrated amp > JBL L100T 3-way floor standing speakers (rated to 150 watts) - https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/jbl-l100t-167.html

The PS Audio Sprout is the first one, not the newer Sprout 100, so it puts out 33 watts into 8 ohms.

The JBL L100T loudspeakers are from the late 80's. I bought them locally and completely restored them (new surrounds, replaced faulty crossovers, refinished the cabinets).

I have a Schiit Modi+ dac that will be put into my new set up, and my wife bought me a Schiit Saga S preamp that's ready to be put to work.

So all I need is a power amp to fit into the new system.

From the three choices (Schiit Vidar 2, Marantz MM7025, PS Audio Stellar S300) which would you choose? And of course, I'm open to other suggestions as well that fit the budget.

Thanks!
Erik

p.s.- Not sure if this is applicable, but here is some of the music that I listen to > Prince, Siouxsie & the Banshees, XTC, Peter Gabriel, James Brown, The Knife/Fever Ray, Little Dragon, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Kraftwerk, Bauhaus/Tones on Tail/Love & Rockets, Billy Bragg, Joni Mitchell .....

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August 1, 2023 - 6:46am
JRT
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Joined: Jul 12 2007 - 12:36pm
In your search, also investigate Buckeye amplifiers, sold direct

Buckeye amplifiers have plain appearance, but excellent performance at very modest pricing. If you don't need the added visual bling, these are worthy of your consideration.

I would have suggested the Schiit Freya S rather than the Schiit Saga S because the Freya S includes XLR (balanced impedance, differential signal, galvanic isolation) and RCA (unbalanced, single ended, ground referenced) inputs, both types of inputs and likewise both types of outputs, while also providing conversion between those.

Buckeye has priced their "Hypex NCx500 Amplifier, 2-channel" at $1,095 (direct sales). And though that is currently on backorder until the end of September, it might be worth the wait. Inputs are XLR, so you would need adapters to use with your Schiit Saga S. Alternatively, consider trying to return the Saga S ($299) to Schiit for refund and upgrade to the more capable Freya S ($599).

More money, but worth consideration, would be a pair of Buckeye "Hypex NCx500 Amplifier, Monoblock" for $750/each, $1500/pair (also on backorder until the end of September); or a pair of Buckeye "Purifi 1ET400A Amplifier, Monoblock" for $750/each, $1500/pair (available now); or a pair of Buckeye "Purifi 1ET7040SA Amplifier, Monoblock v2" for $950/each, $1900/pair (also available now). The 1ET7040SA is latest and greatest Purifi Eigentact module, capable of higher current throughput than the earlier 1ET400A modules.

In combination with the Freya S, you can locate each of the monoblocks adjacent to each of the loudspeakers, use short speaker cables and longer XLR terminated balanced interconnection back to the Freya S preamplifier, which can be located anywhere in the room, not necessarily near the amplifiers.

Another alternative might be a "Hypex NCx500 Mono Block Amplifier" from Deer Creek, priced at $795/each plus $29.95 shipping to "US mainland" (not sure if that includes Alaska). They show that as being in stock and available now, no backorder.

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August 30, 2023 - 12:52pm
erikland
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Erikland

Hello,

I ended up buying the Schiit Vidar 2.

So my system now consists of: Wiim Pro streamer > Schiit Modi+ dac > Schiit Saga S preamp > Schiit Vidar 2 amp > JBL L100T speakers.

And it sounds great! The bass is much better than when I had been using the PS Audio Spout. The bass is tighter and more accurate.

This is my first real stereo system, and I'm really happy with it.

I listened to the Charles Mingus album, The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, and I was dumbfounded by how great it sounded. I've heard that album before, but I've never heard it like that.

Bob Marley & the Wailers, The English Beat, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Prince, Kraftwerk, Rush..... I sat down and listened to music like I was watching a movie.

What a treat!

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September 4, 2023 - 7:21pm
Dorsia777
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Joined: Mar 14 2019 - 9:14am
Congrats

That’s awesome to hear how happy you are with the results! That’s what this hobby is all about!

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