[yardbird]

Hey guys,
I recently bought a pair of Elac B6 2.0 bookshelves for my 2nd system. I believe that are rated at 87dB at 2.83v./1 mtr. I am currently using a Topping VX2 integrated/dac fed by the optical output of a Chromecast puck. Listening to Pandora 192bps and Tital. I have a pass B1 buffer i could use as well as a Wadia 121 dac that has an optical in as a dac. I would rather have an analog volume vs. the wonky remote that comes with the Wadia. Would prefer class AB vs. digital probably. Don't really want a built in dac, just a decent amplifier.

Looking to replace the Topping with a better quality amp or integrated. DIY is an option. I am definitely a noob but have built the B1 buffer and a Pass F6. No tubes as I want to leave it on mostly. Thought about the Folsom (with the Wadia and B1 buffer) but am unsure if it has enough power. I don't listen super load but like to crank it a bit on occasion. I suspect the Folsom would roast other stuff I could get for the $200-250 to build it.

Cheap- for me, for this ~$300

Stuff I have been looking at:

-Cambridge Audio topaz A10 (35 wpc into 8 ohms) refurbed from CA at $225 shipped
-Emotiva A100 flex- $230 plus shipping
-Yamaha Integrated 301 refurbed is ~$250
-NAD little integrated one of the BBEs (not really the 3020 v2) ~$250
-Music Hall, Creek, Arcam, Marantz or other used amp ???

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeff

[Bemopti123]

Either spend $250 now or add some couple of hundred and get something that will be more than sufficient for the near future....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ7Q5Xm2ySY&t=528s

[rodge827]

This might fit your needs;

https://www.allo.com/sparky/volt-plus-d-amp.html

With these added on:

https://www.allo.com/sparky/19v-power-supply.html
https://www.allo.com/sparky/capacitance-multiplier.html
http://www.allo.com/shop/home/125-acrylic-case-for-capacitance-multiplier.html

Allo is running a 10% off sale through Christmas...the complete package Amp,PS,CM,CM case, and Shipping will run you <$200.00

[OzarkTom]

This might fit your needs;

https://www.allo.com/sparky/volt-plus-d-amp.html

With these added on:

https://www.allo.com/sparky/19v-power-supply.html
https://www.allo.com/sparky/capacitance-multiplier.html
http://www.allo.com/shop/home/125-acrylic-case-for-capacitance-multiplier.html

Allo is running a 10% off sale through Christmas...the complete package Amp,PS,CM,CM case, and Shipping will run you <$200.00

Some are saying this amp can be greatly improved with the Burson opamps. They plug right in.

[Yatsushiro]

Some are saying this amp can be greatly improved with the Burson opamps. They plug right in.

Source? What opamps?

[lacro]

Since you already have DIY skills, I vote the Folsom. I am driving 87dB speakers with no issues. It's a sweet sounding amp that is hard to beat for the what it cost. Also, you get the satisfaction of building your own amp. You won't be disappointed!

[yardbird]

Thanks for the thoughts. I like the idea of the Folsom and a project. Just want it to have the ability to speakers well. Off topic- Just saw the Whammy headphone amp on DIY Audio and I'm going to build that.

I saw this from Musical Paradise- http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=75

Looks interesting for the money. Not too interested in the USB dac but it does 50wpc as a Hybrid (pre tubes are not as objectionable as they last longer and are cheap). I am wondering how it would compare the Sphinx or the Jolida hybrid. Less power than either but it is a hefty 8.5 kg. From the web-

MP-303 is our newly designed hybrid amplifier, combining the advantages of tube and digital technologies. It is a big upgrade for the previous MP-302. It doesn’t sound like traditional Class D digital amps or Class AB solid state amps. It sounds like a warmer and smoother tube amp with significant second order harmonic favorite. On the other hand, it can also pump out 50W per channel output power to drive lower efficiency speakers. The built-in 24bit 96khz USB DAC can eliminate dirty computer onboard sound cards for computer audiophiles. It consumes less than 5W in idle time and runs cool.
◦ 300W high grade toroidal power transformer
◦ Hybrid design, 5670 tube pre-amp + TI eco friendly energy saving Class D digital power-amp
◦ Built with high grade, high reliability components, WIMA MKP, ELNA Silmic, Panasonic and Rybycon capacitors, Vishay resistors.
◦ Low noise ALPS volume control
◦ 24K gold plated RCA input and speaker terminals
◦ Built-in VIA 24Bit 96Khz usb dac

[fredgarvin]

Thanks for the thoughts. I like the idea of the Folsom and a project. Just want it to have the ability to speakers well. Off topic- Just saw the Whammy headphone amp on DIY Audio and I'm going to build that.

I saw this from Musical Paradise- http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=75

Looks interesting for the money. Not too interested in the USB dac but it does 50wpc as a Hybrid (pre tubes are not as objectionable as they last longer and are cheap). I am wondering how it would compare the Sphinx or the Jolida hybrid. Less power than either but it is a hefty 8.5 kg. From the web-

MP-303 is our newly designed hybrid amplifier, combining the advantages of tube and digital technologies. It is a big upgrade for the previous MP-302. It doesn’t sound like traditional Class D digital amps or Class AB solid state amps. It sounds like a warmer and smoother tube amp with significant second order harmonic favorite. On the other hand, it can also pump out 50W per channel output power to drive lower efficiency speakers. The built-in 24bit 96khz USB DAC can eliminate dirty computer onboard sound cards for computer audiophiles. It consumes less than 5W in idle time and runs cool.
◦ 300W high grade toroidal power transformer
◦ Hybrid design, 5670 tube pre-amp + TI eco friendly energy saving Class D digital power-amp
◦ Built with high grade, high reliability components, WIMA MKP, ELNA Silmic, Panasonic and Rybycon capacitors, Vishay resistors.
◦ Low noise ALPS volume control
◦ 24K gold plated RCA input and speaker terminals
◦ Built-in VIA 24Bit 96Khz usb dac

I'm using a Musical Paradise SEP tube amp now, and like it a lot. I've been tempted to buy one of those MP-303's myself just to hear it. It looks like a nice build-good components and hefty power.