Suggestions wanted for a dead quiet integrated amp

[Dark Sucker]

Use: Computer sound system to power B&W CM5 S2 (bookshelf) speakers, needs optical SPDIF input (to isolate PC noise or ground loops). I'm extremely bothered by hiss and hum (especially 60 Hz), so I'm looking for "dead" quiet (to match my pc).

Prior Amp: Nuprime IDA-8. It worked like a champ for 5 years. Then my cats managed to trash it while we were away for 3 days. I also have an old Rotel RC-980BX that I liked (and still works), but it's way too large for my computer desk, and I'd still need a preamp.

My ask: Please suggest other amplifiers I might want check out.

 

[mono-bloc]

The new Cyrus 2 would fit the bill.

Cyrus 2 - Cyrus Audio

The Cyrus Two set the standard for ultimate audiophile amplification. Designed to eliminate the extraneous aberrations caused by non-essential circuitry, the straight line Cyrus Two was “the” integrated amplifier for the pureist. Amplification power is commonly defined in “watts” rating. In...

www.cyrusaudio.com

 

[TLS Guy]

The new Cyrus 2 would fit the bill.

Cyrus 2 - Cyrus Audio

The Cyrus Two set the standard for ultimate audiophile amplification. Designed to eliminate the extraneous aberrations caused by non-essential circuitry, the straight line Cyrus Two was “the” integrated amplifier for the pureist. Amplification power is commonly defined in “watts” rating. In...

www.cyrusaudio.com

This is the finest integrated amp you can buy. S/N exceeds 100db. It will cost you, but is not made in China, but Europe.

 

[highfigh]

This is the finest integrated amp you can buy. S/N exceeds 100db. It will cost you, but is not made in China, but Europe.

How is the S/N determined, shorted and A weighted, or unweighted?

 

[Dark Sucker]

Thank you, Everyone. The Cyrus 2 is new to me, and its features look attractive. I'll look into them.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Not sure about your budget, but NAD M33 should also be considered.

On a cheap and cheerful solution, my very cheap PC sound solution is dead silent:
PC->USB-> USB DAC with Balanced Out [in my case, which is just ok, but cheap Behringer UMC404. Substitute for Motu M2 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) ] -> XLR balanced cables -> Active studio monitors (JBL LSR2325P for me)
However, I usually use my Senn's HD600 phones, which are also awesome.

 

[lovinthehd]

What's the budget for the integrated amp? How much power do you want? The Cyrus 2 looks to be light on the amp side and the Creek seems awfully expensive for your speakers....

 

[PENG]

For it to be truly dead quiet, I would suggest a separate preamp/power amp if you are open to the concept, instead of an integrated amp (especially those with DAC).

 

[Dark Sucker]

@lovinthehd Up to $1100 (Numprime IDA-8 price). 80W RMS ought to be plenty, but I can get by with 60.
@PENG Yes, that's another option that I'm looking into.

 

[TLS Guy]

This is the finest integrated amp you can buy. S/N exceeds 100db. It will cost you, but is not made in China, but Europe.

Spec. is 102db. on a line input. Weighting not specified, but even if this is weighted it is exceptionally good.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I wouldn't recommend spending $1k usd to power CM5's nearfield.
My 2c is Focusrite (or Motu m2) and XLR to Kali In-8 V2 active monitors. That's $1k plus tax (where needed)

 

[lovinthehd]

So what happened to the old amp particularly? Have you made sure your situation with grounding is not a bigger issue than a particular amp needing to be "quiet"?

 

[Dark Sucker]

So what happened to the old amp particularly? Have you made sure your situation with grounding is not a bigger issue than a particular amp needing to be "quiet"?

The old amp was fine before leaving. I turned the computer off, but I left the amp on, as I often do. On return, the amp was in its off (but ready) state. This was the first clue something was up. Next I turned it on, and immediately heard a low to moderate 60 Hz hum. When playing a youtube video, the content was normal on top of the hum. I noticed the optical cable and one speaker cable was chewed nearly through. The power cord had numerous bite marks. ... The cats had no apparent injuries. My guess is some sort of short circuit caused the damage.

The forum is complaining about "spam like content", so I had to remove my carefully written answer to your ground loop question. Grr.

 

[PENG]

@lovinthehd Up to $1100 (Numprime IDA-8 price). 80W RMS ought to be plenty, but I can get by with 60.
@PENG Yes, that's another option that I'm looking into.

That's good, just check these out, fully balance, but no phono stage, price to pay for real "separates" and leave those integrated to others who actually need them!

Amazon.com: Topping Pre90 Preamplifier & Ext90 Input Extender Hi-Res Audio NFCA Modules 2RCA 4XLR Combination (Black, Pre90) : Electronics

Amazon.com: Topping PA5 High Performance Power Amplifier Fully Balanced Class D TRS×2 Input AMP Black : Musical Instruments

Talk about dead silent, this thing's SNR is incredible, try to find one that can match or even get close to it!
Note: This is not manufacturer specs, but measured on the bench, and the reviewer there sets a very high bar to get on his recommended list.

For a power amp that is not made in China (some people are against that..):

Buckeye Amps: New US based Hypex multichannel amplifier builder, line-up announcement! | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

2 channel NC252MP, Neutrik XLR inputs, Standard 5-way Binding Post outputs = $579 shipped

Those Hypex power amps are practical silent too, I have one.

 

[Dark Sucker]

Thanks @PENG . I'm checking those out. You mentioned a reviewer; do you happen to have a link to their web page or youtube channel?

 

[PENG]

Thanks @PENG . I'm checking those out. You mentioned a reviewer; do you happen to have a link to their web page or youtube channel?

Here's the link:

(1) Topping Pre90 Review (preamplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

Same person reviewed the buckeye power amp NC252MP I linked earlier.

Assuming your source players are as quiet, with preamps and amps like those, you won't hear anything except the music.

 

[Dark Sucker]

Update:
I wound up buying the Topping PA5 amp and the E50 DAC, and they sound great. Dead silent as advertised (a pleasure to my ears), and they have the power to drive my CM5s well (punchy bass stuff to jazz). Your help is much appreciated, Everyone.

The components take up minimal space on the computer desk.The E50's front panel controls aren't intuitive to me. They provided a remote, so I used that to get things running. Since then I've managed to do a few things with the front panel ui. I haven't yet done a serious read of the manual.

Overall, I am quite pleased.

 

[Cos]

Update:
I wound up buying the Topping PA5 amp and the E50 DAC, and they sound great. Dead silent as advertised (a pleasure to my ears), and they have the power to drive my CM5s well (punchy bass stuff to jazz). Your help is much appreciated, Everyone.

The components take up minimal space on the computer desk.The E50's front panel controls aren't intuitive to me. They provided a remote, so I used that to get things running. Since then I've managed to do a few things with the front panel ui. I haven't yet done a serious read of the manual.

Overall, I am quite pleased.

Nice Purchase, I use the E50 DAC for my PC speakers

 

[Dark Sucker]

Update 2:
After months of enjoyment, the PA-5 bit the big one. It started with an almost inaudible crackle in one channel a few days ago, and morphed into highly attenuated bass response. The high end sounds ok, but the sound is so muddy overall that I can't say the high end is fine. I've contacted HIFIcollege.net regarding repairs, but it's beyond the 30 day warrantee, so I'm not holding my breath.

@BoredSysAdmin, I didn't understand your Nov 8 2022 post above back in November, but today it made sense and reminded me I had a pair of Equator D5s from a guitar set up long ago. I plugged the Topping E50 (still works great) into the D5s and they sound surprisingly nice. Really good imaging, and the low end is much richer (like my Shure846 earbuds) than the PA-5 + B&W CM2 setup. There's a little distortion, but it doesn't irritate. Thanks for the inspiration! I've got a nice stand in while I wait for a response from HIFIcollege.net.

I'm also considering picking up a pair of In-8 V2 active monitors. They look nice on the web page.

 

[TLS Guy]

Update 2:
After months of enjoyment, the PA-5 bit the big one. It started with an almost inaudible crackle in one channel a few days ago, and morphed into highly attenuated bass response. The high end sounds ok, but the sound is so muddy overall that I can't say the high end is fine. I've contacted HIFIcollege.net regarding repairs, but it's beyond the 30 day warrantee, so I'm not holding my breath.

@BoredSysAdmin, I didn't understand your Nov 8 2022 post above back in November, but today it made sense and reminded me I had a pair of Equator D5s from a guitar set up long ago. I plugged the Topping E50 (still works great) into the D5s and they sound surprisingly nice. Really good imaging, and the low end is much richer (like my Shure846 earbuds) than the PA-5 + B&W CM2 setup. There's a little distortion, but it doesn't irritate. Thanks for the inspiration! I've got a nice stand in while I wait for a response from HIFIcollege.net.

I'm also considering picking up a pair of In-8 V2 active monitors. They look nice on the web page.

Those In8 v2 were well reviewed on this forum So I think that would be a good solution. Those PA-5 have blown up at an alarming rate, and the manufacturer forced to stop production and discontinue the product. Apparently they will have a replacement product available sometime this year. I advise giving that product a wide birth.

If Xi helps Putin expect an embargo on China. In the meantime we all need to avoid Chinese products.