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Rob,Don't confuse chip amps with digital (I own Channel Island Audio mono blocks of both designs). Digital comes in several forms, but chip amps (more popularly known as 'gainclones') harken from the 47 Labs Gaincard amplifier introduced in 1999 (small cult following) that uses minimal components (typically 9, including a limited variety of chips serving as the heart of the amp) and short signal paths (some as short as 9 mm). Gain clones have had a huge following on the DIY scene (with widely varying levels of success due to the sensitivity of the design) plus a few notable commercial offerings. They are known for blending the positive attributes of solid state (cool running, high damping factor) and tube sounds (lush, full bodied) but are limited to 40 (maybe 50) watts. As such they've never been accepted by the tube crowd (simple design but obviously not a tube) or the solid state camp (not enough power to be more than a novelty).
Thanks JLM,I am well aware digital and class D are not the same. Awhile back I purchased a low cost class D chip amp on a whim, and after listening to it realized it was not for me and returned it. I am also very familiar with gain clones, having had an Audio Zone Amp STi and an Audio Sector Integrated. It was on the Audio Zone Amp STi that I was converted to Omega speakers. The Decware SE84C+ took the experience to the next level (in the same system) and I have remained in the single tube per output SET/efficient single driver camp ever since.
Search AC for recent mini-review of the new NAD D7050 versus Wadia PowerDAC. Big rave for the D7050.Rob, just wanted to keep terminology clear as you seemed to question if a chip amp was class D (as you seem to know, class D are not conventionally termed as such). Yes, most solid state amplification uses chips (integrated circuits) but in the world of audio amplification, chip amp = gain clone (not class D). And as I stated above, digital amplification currently comes in many forms, so it's not easy to throw a blanket over the whole realm (generalize) regarding design/sound.
The Redgum RGi35 ($1100) is highly build/sound quality with 35 wpc. They also offer a scratch and dent version for $950 if you have to hold to a budget and a RGi35ENR that is fully tricked out ($1390) with 50 wpc.These are minimal designs with Redgum tree wooden face plates and separate left/right volume controls (extra cost remote available).
Thanks. But need dac amp combo for a grand or less. Need remote control too.
Alwayswantmore,If you are looking at getting some Omegas, the Glow Audio Amp One with included separate DAC is under a grand including shipping. Matched up with Omega speakers this little amp will likely outperform most solid state amps anywhere near it's price, not to mention the fact it is an established audio classic.If I may be politely frank, don't compromise great sound for the sake of a remote unless you are physically incapacitated.
Alwayswantmore,I understand what you say about live music. In our household I hear live music more often than I listen to my stereo. My professionally taught daughters make some very beautiful music. That is one reason I love Omega speakers so much is because they come closer than any other speaker I have heard to a live performance. Omega speakers are really beyond imaging, 3D soundstage, layering, and all the glowing terms we give great audio gear. They are best described as "you are there".As far as an amp goes, check out this link: http://www.europroducts-canada.com/#/creek/4531491901It is for the classic Creek A50iR (brand new in the box with full warranty) which has MOSFET outputs. It will be a beautiful match for your Omegas. As far as DACS go, from first hand experience the Audioquest Dragonfly and KingRex UD-01 punch waaaay above their weight. I realize this combo is a bit over a grand, but the amp has a remote and you may find it to give your RWA a serious run for it's money.
Coming late to the conversation here, but maybe not too late...I'm the poster of the NAD D7050 mini review mentioned above, and I wanted to point out that the D7050 is much more refined, hands down, than the Wadia 151. The difference is significantly more than you would guess from the $200 price premium. I A/B compared the two units for a couple of weeks and really wanted to like the Wadia more than I ever was able to--I was constantly itching to switch back to the NAD. And the one thing I would LOVE to do is hear the D7050 with an efficient single-driver speaker like Omega and Zu produce. (Oh, and I'd love to hear it with electrostatics like the MMG, too.) I love the D7050 with my Monitor Audio Silver 5s, but I suspect the pairing with your Omega speakers could be even better. Given what your stated goals are (simplify, cost reduce, without too much sonic compromise), my advice would be to give the D7050 a 30 day trial like you did with the Wadia 151. I would wager that you would keep it.
