XPA-2 Gen 3 vs PS Audio Stellar S300?

[michael14]

Has anyone in this group heard both the XPA-2 G3 and the new(ish) PS Audio S300?  Trying to decide between the two (and maybe a new NAD integrated, but don't want to confuse things too much).  Thanks!

[Loop 7]

I've only heard the PS Audio DirectStream DAC but have spent quite a bit of time with it. Those who own the Stellar DAC claim it has the PS Audio character which strives for richness (a term they use a lot).

The DirectStream blew me away with it's uncanny analog sound but with speed plus nearly endless extension.

If it were me, I would definitely get the Stellar DAC/pre. PS Audio has a flexible return policy.

[michael14]

Thanks, Loop 7. Right now, my plan is to use my existing AVR (Onkyo TX-RZ800) as preamp to feed a new, higher end amp, rather than buy a new DAC/preamp.

[michael14]

Expanding my question, as it seems that few have experience with the PS Audio amp. How about the XPA-2 versus the Parasound Halo Integrated or NAD integrateds (either M32 or C 388 or 368)? Thanks!

[leonski]

I owned a GCC-250 many moons ago. It is also a 'D' integrated using B&O modules.
I found the HF end of things to be long-term UnSatisfying. It wasn't lack of extension, but rather a phasiness to it that finally got me.

The S300 uses ASC modules, while my much older GCC-250 used ASP modules. Both have on-board PS of the switcher type.

PSAudio uses their own proprietary input section which on the GCC series was the 'Gain Cell' and was potted in epoxy or ?
And as a result, are 'unfixible', but if fails must be replaced.
The new amp uses a gain something which is probably an update. The Integrated I had also had 5 inputs (1 balanced) and an extra pair of outputs, which I used
for a sub. A simple amp needs only one input per channel.

Plusses include high efficiency of >80% at highest powers. Cool running. Very 'fast' amp.
Minuses for some? Don't like 'D' presentation or sound.

NAD uses an amp sourced from HYPEX, another 'D' amp.   That applies to the 'hybrid' line, while I think you can still get 'BEE' series which are of
conventional design.  

[amped]

You never said what you wanted to spend...I am not a big advocate of the Gen3 series...What speakers are you driving?

[michael14]

Thanks, leonski. Good point, amped. My left and right speakers are KEF LS50s, and I'm using a powered Rythmik sub. I don't want to spend more than $3K or preferably less (I know the M32 lists for $4K).

[garbulky]

PS audio is a wild card. On one hand - class D. Hmmm.. not sure how I feel about it. On the other hand...PS audio have developed some really nice products - the ones I've heard. Interesting that the PS Audio amp is fully balanced - which the XPA-2 gen 3 is not.
if I were getting a solid high end 2 channel amp - XPA-2 gen 2 is the one I have heard and it's really quite good. A keeper amp imo with a nice heavy duty torroidal power supply.

[garbulky]

Oct 16, 2017 15:36:06 GMT -5 michael14 said:

Thanks, leonski. Good point, amped. My left and right speakers are KEF LS50s, and I'm using a powered Rythmik sub. I don't want to spend more than $3K or preferably less (I know the M32 lists for $4K).

You have the KEF LS50? In that case, I would invest the money somewhere else. The LS50's can be improved upon. I suggest a used XPA-2 gen 2 or maybe a used Emotiva XPA-200. B'zilla is about to put his Emotiva UPA-1's monoblocks up for sale. You may be able to get them at a nice price too.

[michael14]

Garbulky - your point is that my speakers can be improved upon? Sure, so can nearly everyone's. Let's assume I'm sticking with them, and don't want to buy used amps.

[garbulky]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be insulting. I always try to look at synergy of components and what would match best in terms of value set up. Though I have somewhat expensive amplifiers, I would only recommend amplifiers if I felt it would make a significant difference. Unless you have a powerful amps, I would consider Emotiva's bass X amplifies which would give you some good quality clean power for your kef speakers Though the other used amplifies I recommended are of better quality and value in my opinion

[leonski]

Parasound Halo.
The Integrated? Goes for 2500$ and is basically an 'improved' P5 preamp with a power amp between the A23 and A21 in power.
A23 Power amp? 125x2@8 is Plenty and only 1000$
The A21 is basically 2x the power, or 3db, but has more 'A' power before transition and is maybe 2500$ these days.

I have 2 reasons for suggesting Parasound.
1. My ownership experience is seamless.
2. Parasound is at shows with KEF speakers. The LS50 / A23 combo is well regarded.


www.stereophile.com/content/winning-combination-parasound150kef150wireworld

The photo includes Richard Schram who is the 'daddy' of Parasound and a tireless worker.   I've emailed him at MIDNITE and had an answer before I went to bed.   

[leonski]

North is another HYPEX solution. They use the NC500 modules which is NOT available to the DIY crowd.
I believe NAD uses the same start material.

[wpl]

and marantz marantz pm-10

www.google.de/search?q=marantz+pm-10&hl=de&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-p47dwfbWAhVDvY8KHSOaATUQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=949

[leonski]

A little bit of irrelevent history. Look back at PSAudio designs of a decade or so ago. They look the same as W4S for a reason.
Once upon a time, it was ONE company. Somehow they decided to split with Paul M. getting the PSAudio name / business.

Each company went their own way and are now, in 'no way' clones or copy cats of one another.

Look at product styling of the period and you'll see they are very much alike.

Image is of my now sold, GCC-250         Note that the W4S preamp and my PSAudio have same control arrangements / functions and even a similar display.  

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