The All Purpose Advice Thread

Hello,
I'm looking for some advice on what would be the logical Upgrade path from: 2x Vidars, that are Bi-Amped into Bookshelf Speakers for both Top & Bottom frequencies.

I'm getting rid of one Vidar Amp, but keeping the second one exclusively for Bottom-end frequency amplification of (internally crossed-over, 4-pole) Speakers.
Then I'd like to Bi-Amp just the Upper/Mid frequencies of (Low-efficiency: 84.5dB/6Ω/3-way) Speakers with something like an SET / Tube Amp (w/ Speakers taps), or a great SS Power Amp. I was thinking along the lines of (but a simplified setup) to how Marvey did it on his own DIY stereo chain; using Vidar for Lows & Aficionado for Highs. (Marv's Post).

Initially I thought: EC Aficionado Tube Amp, would be a great Upgrade choice, Bi-Amped for Highs/Mids; but then realized that it's only 4W into 8Ω, as it's not even rated for 6Ω Speaker loads, so seems like it's, unfortunately, out of the question, at least for my use.
(Though I do have cheap High-efficiency Speakers on hand, but they are the smallest/cheapest Klipsch Towers, that would also be a pain in the ass to setup in a really tight space, let alone worth the trouble.)

I'd actually prefer to, perhaps, avoid Tube Amps all-together... since figuring out all the Tube-Rolling: Varieties, Prices & Technicalities, seems like a crazy enough proposition for my feeble, old mind to handle. But who knows, maybe I can still figure Tubes out eventually.

So I'm reading up on it & thinking if Ragnarok Amp (V1.5) would perhaps be a better option, or maybe even an actual Upgrade over a Vidar Amp?

Chain is: PC > Lynx/Eitr > Yggdrasil > Saga (w/ 4 RCA Pre-Outs w/ Remote Control) which will be Horizontally Bi-Amped between two different Speaker Amps.
Budget is: (Max: $4400 if saved up over 6 months, but preferably under $2k to 3k though) & I'm willing to save up and wait 'till July 2018: if something can be Pre-Ordered, that is worth a long wait, or on a horizon.

Would greatly appreciate if anyone can chime-in w/ any advice or perhaps some better Amp recommendations, thank you fellas!

 

Heh heh heh.

 

Why do you people have to do these kind of things.

 

Cruel, brutal, savage, cock-teasing monsters!
I hope a whole year's wait is gonna be worth it!*
Along with that 6 to 9 months one... or is it only 4 to 7 months left now?
Regardless, stop giggling over there, Mr Stoddard... But just shut-up and take my money!!! *throws Piggy-bank through the window*
/s

*Please please be a fancy new [Redacted] 2 w/ a Remote! ... Just random thoughts & wishes from a completely clueless Rando.

 

I didn't know quite how to take this at first. After Eitr, I learned to take it seriously!

 

I moved on down the road. I can always make a u-turn if something compelling for me comes out. No need to stand still because something cool may come out in the future.

 

Need some comparison of the Modi Multibit to the sdac, or a link to earlier comments.

 

You can always do a @Luckbad!

 

Are good things tubular? Never mind, you won't answer that anyways...

 

You may have seen this, a good "nutshell" statement from Marv:

 

Budget is a maximum of $2,500. I'm not adverse in going down the vintage route either.

I'm looking for a "tubey" sounding tube amp. All modern high-end tube amps seem to aim for a neutral sound signature. I'm looking more for a warm, full, rich yet not syrupy tone . Not a tube amp that leans that way but actually is without having to go through god knows how many tube combinations. That's my primary concern.

I also prefer an amp with good bass weight, an intimate presentation (particularly when it comes to vocals), and depth is more important than the width of the soundstage for me. I'm more focused on bass and midrange instead of treble presence, which I'm sensitive too.

I've come across the Mogwai and an amp called the Minute 45, which I've only seen talked about on Headfonia. A DHT headphone amp sounds quite appealing. Minute 45 sounds interesting and may mostly have the sound I'm looking for, but there's nearly no mention of it. I also fear that it may be a bit too specialised ("I do think that it is quite a specialized amp focused for mostly mellow female vocals"), lacking dynamics and come across as boring. Curiously, the description sounds more like a 300B instead of 45 based amp.

Any others?

 

As you described what you're looking for, I was planning on recommending the ampsandsound Mogwai. Then you mentioned it.

You are barking up exactly the right tree. It's my favorite tube amp with good bass slam and tube coloration without sacrificing too much.

@ampsandsound is coming out with another version of the Mogwai at some point. Dig around for the review by @gbeast as well. That amp is excellent fun to listen to.

 

I think I may have to go ahead and order the Mogwai or wait for the special edition. A tube rectifier and a "wetter sound than a mogwai" sound hugely appealing.

I think you and I generally like the same sort of sound. I bought the MHDT Labs Orchid because of your impressions and couldn't be happier. The HD650M is also my favourite headphone.

 

I’m looking for a closed headphone to replace my hd800 since the my surroundings have gotten to loud for their openness. I’m a treble and detail nut and I primarily listen to large orchestral music. Budget is $1000 ish. Currently considering Breyer T5p 2nd gen, th900, lcd xc (Going for 900 used on head fi) or a used eikon.

 

You probably have read the ZDT Jr thread. If not, check it out!
Looks like it fits your criteria pretty well - size, punchy (but slow I imagine) and warm, budget, synergy with HD800.

 

Dude, a year is a long time to wait for something that you may or may not like. You can play in the used market and rotate through a half dozen completely new systems with minimal loss in that time.

Go satisfy the new gear lust and ignore the strumpets.

 

I have but I'll be back home in Singapore for the summer and it'll be tough to arrange delivery, so unfortunately it's a tough consideration. The ZDT Jr. does indeed look like everything I want, though..!

 

It does ship to Singapore though (admittedly for 25USD), so I'm not sure what's the issue?

I'm an IEM only user - ears can't take headphones - otherwise I'd pick one up.