Power Amp for "small" dCS (Lina or Bartok)

Hello. I have a Bartok updated in APEX. Just say that I was not fully satisfied with Bartok, upgrading to APEX has been fine ! It is usually connected to my preamplifier (I listen often vinyls), but I tried the Bartok directly connected to my amp and it works well, so it could be a good solution. You will be always able to upgrade your system with a preamplifier later.
I have a Boulder 1160 amp with Thrax Lyra+Hades speakers.
I choosed my gears by first listening at shops, making a first selection, then finalize by listening at home with system. I agree that what is great for one can not be the case for others.

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dCS Lina 2.0 and Mola Mola Perca is a great combo !

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+1 for Naim NC NAP250. It works and well worth a listen.

I drive this amp direct with a Lina dac/clock. It works a charm and makes sweet music all day.

some details of my system: A Lina dac and clock (BJC Belden 4694R) w/AG Yeung EF130 power filters; Balanced output via Gothic Audio Nublu XLR into a Naim NC NAP250 into Dynaudio Heritage Specials via NACA5 and Dynaudio Sub 6. Room is 14’x20’.

My settings are DXD, Filter 4, Mapper 3. Output set to 0.6V (key to success). Anything else gives something up to my ears. Good news is, I seek nothing more than this.

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I binned my Naim 282 Pre-amp (along with my NDX2, XPSDR and SupercapDR) a couple of months ago. I now connect my Bartók Apex directly to my Naim 300DR.
I personally found the sound/SQ better. Also, when I sold the 282 on eBay, I was £2,000 better off! :+1: Every little helps! :grinning:
It is my intention purchase a different Power/Integrated amp. The jury is still out on that one. I have already demoed the Naim 350 mono blocks and was very impressed.

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I own this integrated amp, and the owner of Lotus hifi has written quite extensively about it. INTRODUCING the THRAX ARES AMPLIFIER/DAC at Lotus Hifi, London, UK
I think you could configure it without built-in DAC for a lower total price.
He also carries Vitus so nice comparisons in that piece if you would like to read up on it.

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I have actually demoed a Vitus against the Naim 350. Personally, I didn’t think there was much in it, considering the 350 is over £13,000 less.

I will have a read up on the Thrax Ares.
Thanks👍

I’m a Pass Labs fan. So I would say to give one a try

I’ve had a 350.5 and now xa60.8 monos

I’ve not hooked my Lina up directly to the amps so can’t comment. I have a XP32 preamp