It appears that my Exposure 28 has developed a fault - it creates a crackling sound above about 75-80 dB (measured with the DecibelX app). Not the speakers - I have a Linn Klout that does not do it. I’ve emailed Tony at Exposure and am waiting to hear back, but I’m a bit worried it won’t be cost-effective to repair.
Hence: what would people suggest for a power amplifier? The system is an Exposure 3010S2 CD - Naim nDAC - Exposure 3010S2 preamp - [power amp] - Monitor Audio Gold GX300 speakers.
The Klout is . . . OK. The 28 sounds more energetic, livelier, and clearer - the Klout sounds like it extends deeper into the bass. The obvious step is a pair of Exposure 3010S2 monos, but they are unusual on the secondary market.
Considerations - it should be powerful enough to drive the MAs, it should be from a real company that has been around a while and seems likely to be around for a while in the future, reliable, and ideally an advance music-wise on the 28. I’d like to stay at $2k USD or under. There is a local NNP01, new, for $1199 - the factory amplifier-only version. Worth a shot?
Thanks all in advance - I appreciate your thoughts! (And @Richard.Dane - if anything in this is inappropriate, please let me know . . . and accept apologies in advance)
I suggest a Belles 150A v2 reference, made in the USA, 125/8 Ohm and 250/4 Ohm. I have one of these set aside for me at my local dealer, just have to come up with the cash, 2k Canadian funds. I demoed it with Neat Ultimatum MF5’s and Harbeth P3esr’s, and I loved it. I used to own a 250 DR…
Check out Rogue Audio. I have the integrated Sphinx but they have a great reputation, are good value and some well regarded power amps with interesting designs. They are a US company too.