[almostbuff]

I just ordered a pair of Song 3-A in Silver Gray with burst edges.  My source will be the Lumin D2 and I'm considering either Sparkos or Sonic Imagery OP Amps. Which amp will sound better with the Song 3-A, Hypex based or Purifi based amps?

SONG 3-A:
https://salksound.com/gallery/Song3/s3-grayburst.jpg

STREAMING SOURCE:
http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-d2.html

HYPEX BASED AMPS:
https://www.apollonaudio.com/apollon-audio-pnc-1200-stereo-amplifier-hypex-nc1200-weiss-op2-bp/

PURIFI BASED AMPS:
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/nc1200

MY FAVORITE:
http://www.hattor.com/ncore_integrated.html

http://www.hattor.com/nc500_mono.html

[ilikerecords]

Congrats on your order!  I wouldn't be too much help here with your question, but I will say get ready for your overly excited anxiety to kick in!  I'm 9 weeks into my order and my speakers are at 23% build and it's through the roof!

[Phil A]

Congrats on the order and welcome.  I use a Lumin U1.  For an amp, I'm currently using an EVS 1200, which is no longer made and is a modded version of the IcePower AS1200 mono modules.  I have a non-modded Icepower AS1200 stereo amp too and there is a world of difference in the two amps.  EVS is currently in process of evaluating a modded Purifi module - http://tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/Purifi_amp_mods.html   I spoke to Ric Schultz (of EVS) last week and believe he is in the final stages of his mods and will have it evaluated soon vs. other things.  I'd recommend at least talking to him before making a decision.  He also has some info on his website about some of the modules you are asking about - http://tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/Ruminations_on_Class_D.html

[jd3]

I picked up my Song 3 BeAT's just over 2 weeks ago, and prior to those that I had Encores.  I used Hypex based amps with both of them.  I've got a CIAudio C 100 S amp from Dusty:   https://ciaudio.com/product/c%e2%80%a2100s-2-channel-stereo-amplifier,  and a March Audio P502:  https://www.marchaudio.net.au/p502   

Both Dusty and Alan are great to deal with too.

I'd used an IcePower AS1200 with the Encores, but I no longer have that to compare.  I'd also used PS Audio M700's with the Encores, but preferred the AS1200 amp to them.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of your amp choices.  I'd looked at Apollon, Nord and Hattor but ended up going with the March P502.   I've not had a Purifi based amp so can't comment.  I alternate between the CIAudio and the March.   

[DWG]

JD3.  Curious why you moved from the Encores to the Beats?  I am considering both and would like to hear from somebody who has lived with both.

Also interested in hearing from somebody who owns a Purifi amp.

Happy Holidays!

[jd3]

JD3.  Curious why you moved from the Encores to the Beats?  I am considering both and would like to hear from somebody who has lived with both.

Also interested in hearing from somebody who owns a Purifi amp.

Happy Holidays!

Size.  I loved the Encores but will be downsizing next year and wanted to reduce the footprint.  The Encores have great bass; I ran them without a sub until I got an Anthem STR pre.  The Eton mid on the Encore is more analytical vs the BeAT mid.  There are some things I miss from the Encores but the BeAT's mid is more laid back.  The Encores have a 'fuller' sound due to the bigger bass driver, but if I was ordering again and had the space, I'd go with the Audio Technology mid in the Encores.  I think Jim's done that before.   

[Rocket]

Hi,

Congratulations on your purchase. I've got a pair of song 3's and I can only imagine how much better the accuton version would sound. Accuton is my favourite mid range driver.

Cheers Rod

[almostbuff]

All,
thanks for the replies.  I've been without any type of system for well over a decade.  The last system I had was a pair of Magnepan 1.6 speakers with Conrad Johnson components.  It sounded pretty good at a moderate levels but I did not have enough power.  I hope the Song 3A sounds similar or better with some added punch. 

@ jd3, can you tell me about the March p502 sound characteristics?

@phil A, how does the Lumin sound with your system?  I'm hearing a lot of good things about Lumin products?

[Rocket]

Hi,

I also have a pair of Ht3's which require a lot of power.  My song 3's use the tang band midrange which is quite good and the speaker provides a nice bass with excellent definition i.e. not one note like a lot of other speakers.I think you will really like it as Jim's speakers provide a really good audiophile sound at a very competitive price.

Good luck.

Cheers Rod

[jd3]

@ jd3, can you tell me about the March p502 sound characteristics?

Not a lot to tell.  To me, it's very neutral.  No exaggerated highs or bass, not forward sounding.  Dead quiet at my speakers.   Lots of power.

[Randy]

A couple weeks back I took delivery of this:  I think it's a great amp. I use it with my balanced Tortuga pre. Terrific match. Pure neutral, gorgeous sound. Don't let the photos of the chassis fool you. It is a beautiful understated amp to look at.

https://nadelectronics.com/product/c298-stereo-power-amplifier/

[almostbuff]

Randy,
The c298 is on my short list, actually the c298 is the first amp that I considered with the Purifi technoloy. I'm also considering a pair of the Cherry In-Line 60V KING Maraschino inline ILM mono amplifiers.  Tiny footprint, great reviews.

https://www.cherryamp.com/maraschino

[Randy]

Randy,
The c298 is on my short list, actually the c298 is the first amp that I considered with the Purifi technoloy. I'm also considering a pair of the Cherry In-Line 60V KING Maraschino inline ILM mono amplifiers.  Tiny footprint, great reviews.

https://www.cherryamp.com/maraschino

It's not very glamorous and some audiophiles put great stock in glamor. It just provides straightforward, superb sonics. Gets out of the way and lets you listen to the music with no worries. No fuss, no muss.

[rmdtexas]

I love my BeATs powered by PS Audio m700s.

But suspect its more implementation than whether a purifi, hypex, or ice based module is used as the basis for the amp

[AvsFan]

It's not very glamorous and some audiophiles put great stock in glamor. It just provides straightforward, superb sonics. Gets out of the way and lets you listen to the music with no worries. No fuss, no muss.

I own a pair of Golden Cherry mono's and they're NEVER leaving my system. They've made everything from Maggie's to ZU's sing without breaking a sweat and they sound very good in doing so. They completely shatter the preconceived notions of Class D not being musical.
I'd bet they would mate well with Salk speakers.

[Bubba12]

I have a PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated powering my Song 3s and its near perfection. It betters another system I have that cost 5 times as much. Sometimes that is a depressing thought even though I think the room has a lot to do with it. Anyway tubes are a great solution and  I'm not a 'tube' guy.

[almostbuff]

I switched my order from the 3A's to the BEATS.  I love the look of the white Accuton midrange on the 3A though better than the Audio Technology midrange on the BEATS.  I've never auditioned a speaker with beryllium tweeter or any of Jim's speakers.  So I can't make a comparison other than looks.  I can't wait till they are finished!!!

I purchased a Cary Audio SI-300.2d integrated, 300 watts per channel.  Hopefully it will be a good pairing. 

https://www.caryaudio.com/products/si-300-2d-integrated-amplifier/