So from my understanding, you are concerned about there not being enough power from the PA3 or SA300? What if I held off for another two weeks (giant paper weight route) and got the Emotiva A-100?
That is correct. I have a Zen DAC I am planing to use for now.
The Emotiva will give you plenty of power too. It’s 40W rating is probably closer to an actual 40W. Plus it’s class A(/B?) topology will freak out and distort less if you’re pushing it close to its max. Another bonus is you can jumper it and have that massive headphone amp if you want. The Emotiva is also most likely the best sound quality match for the Jamos. The Jamos were something like $650 before the sale, right? The Emotiva is much closer to being on the same sound tier. The Yamaha won’t be far beyond, probably. So if you want to move now I think the Yamaha is your best bet. If you’re happy waiting, hold out for the Emotiva.
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Happy with waiting? No. Can I deal with it? Sure.
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Dude, you pull that off…I’m jealous. That’s a hellavu starter HiFi system.
I’ve been considering swapping my TA-10 with a TA-20 and running it balanced from the Zen. Perhaps down the road I’ll invest in a full blown tube amp.
Either way, I now get to wait for everything to arrive.
My consideration right now if I do go with the BasX is grab a desk like this:
rip out the drawer, and put the A-100 in it’s place (either find a way to rack mount it, or build a shelf there, if I don’t grab a different desk that uses shelves instead).
I know the timing is poor but if there are ANY furniture consignment shops or goodwill shops around you open take a quick look for used desk. You can haggle at consignment shops who are desperate for any money at the moment and goodwill usually has the best deals for stuff like this. Again if possible and if you have the time and inclination…
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That is something I am taking into consideration as well, just using that as an example… I need to stop thinking about shit though, as now I’m comparing the Emotiva with the Topping TP-60
I really like my Emotiva very much, it is NOT perfect by any means but offers up so much value and the HP sound is reminiscent of an old school “Vintage” sound which is pretty cool, just a little bit of hiss, but warm and inviting and can push just about any headphone you throw at it. I love mine for use with speakers and you would have to spend a disproportionate amount more money to get “better”. Yes it is limited in its connections and features but such a solid value for under $250. IMO
Good luck on whatever you decide
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I know Z has said the Topping sounds just like the PA3(which @M0N has praised), and could actually live up to the rated power thanks to those freaking massive transformers.
On the other hand, Emotiva has the headphone out capable of crazy amounts of raw power, and at least the headphone out has a warmer sound signiture(which I tend to like, but I also fuckin love TUBES 
I think both will serve you well for what you want, pick the one that falls within your price requirements based on what else you need too.
Nice! I am excited for you. Looking forward to your thoughts once it’s all up and running.
Out of curiosity, is there any suggestions as to how to go about doing this? For example, anything to be mindful of or avoid doing?
don’t go to deep if your using power tools. otherwise not really if your taking it all off. its paper thin might peel up some as you do it, no worries. shouldn’t hurt the wood under it.
go gentle and easy so you get an even finish.
edit: and watch out for the front baffle! you do not want to hit it at all as i doubt it comes off
What if rather then going with a different veneer, I tried plastidip? Or could that change the tonality of the speaker?
nah shouldn’t affect tone
edit: i would still hand sand a little to rough it up so the plastidip sticks better
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