AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => All Solid State => Topic started by: brk36 on 11 Oct 2016, 04:37 am
-
I have recently decided with some help from an audio suave friend that I might not want to hook up my surround sound system using a 5 channel amplifier but instead hook it up with a stereo amplifier and a separate 3 channel amplifier in case I decide to divide the system between rooms later. To that line of thinking what is your personal favorite stereo amplifier, why, and what is it's average cost used on ebay or an audio site? Thanks!
Benjamin
-
What is the rest of the system?
-
Realize that you can't "split" your HT system without leaving it lacking vital components. Perhaps the word "split" sells better domestically? So what you're thinking of is developing a separate audio system in another room. In that case I'd leave your system as is and wait on the amp until you make that decision. Recommend shopping for audio-only speakers then find an amp to match those speakers/room when the time comes. Keep in mind that with a separate audio system lots of options exist. One quality/inexpensive one is to use your laptop to feed a DAC/preamp to feed active or powered speakers. Example: your laptop via USB to $500/pair Vanatoo speakers (with built-in DAC/preamp).
Some folks with higher-end combination audio-A/V systems do use separate two and three channel amps. Typically they have full range speakers for left/right front channels with a stereo amp and use a fancy control center/signal processor. But blending the sound with the center channel can be a challenge if you don't have the same manufacturer/model line of speakers. And it's also a challenge to find those left/right front speakers that are optimized for both audio and HT uses. Another issue to consider include matching sound of the HT and stereo amps. Except for running a slightly cleaner signal path for audio, it makes you wonder why you should go separate if the sound of the amps should remain similar. :scratch:
And in general audio gear has gotten cheaper and better over the years so no need to buy ahead. This sounds more like a itch than a practical thought (speaking from experience, currently owning 4 pair of speakers for two systems :oops: ).
-
The rest of the system is as follows, I will admit, I went WAY overboard when I had this surround sound system commissioned hence why I think I will have to split the system up.
Front channels: 1 tweeter, 2 6in. mid ranges, 1 12in subwoofer in a 4.17 cubic feet box (roughly coffin size lol)
Rear channels: 1 tweeter, 2 6 in mid ranges, 1 7in subwoofer in a 3.75 cubic feet box
Center channel: 1 metal domed tweeter, 2 6in mid ranges
2 Separate 12 in. subwoofers in 3.25 cubic feet boxes
Total of 7 cabinets
So, if you're keeping track that is a total of 5 tweeters, 10 6in mid ranges, 2 7in subwoofers, and 4 12in. subwoofers. All of them nice high quality brands. My fear is, 6 subs in one room might be intolerable, if it is I want to be able to cart 3 of these monster cabinets to another room and be able to plug in and go.
The speakers were custom built by a guy who use to work with Rick Craig at Selah Audio when he first started the business.
I have a Anthem AVM 30 (Factory Upgraded) Pre Amp and a separate 1000 watt amplifier just to run the subwoofers, now I just need an amplifier (or two) to power to the rest of the system.
-
I use my system for pure 2-channel music only listening. I look for clarity and sound stage imagining. I also have a preference for the "European" sound, accurate but very unforgiving to components that are lacking. This requires "guts' in an amplifier. Flash and big numbers are not at all important to me.
With all of this said I am very pleased with my current amplifier which a SST Son of Ampzilla II. This is the fairly recently released re-designed line which was co-engineered by EJ Sarmento (Wyred 4 Sound fame, and OEM producer for several lines including work for PS Audio, etc.) and the legendary James Bongiorno prior to James death. EJ and crew had purchased SST during their collaboration and is keeping true to James designs.
The new Ampzilla's are fantastic and well worth consideration. I believe the current pricing is about $4200 for "The Son".
-
Realize that you can't "split" your HT system without leaving it lacking vital components. Perhaps the word "split" sells better domestically? So what you're thinking of is developing a separate audio system in another room. In that case I'd leave your system as is and wait on the amp until you make that decision. Recommend shopping for audio-only speakers then find an amp to match those speakers/room when the time comes. Keep in mind that with a separate audio system lots of options exist. One quality/inexpensive one is to use your laptop to feed a DAC/preamp to feed active or powered speakers. Example: your laptop via USB to $500/pair Vanatoo speakers (with built-in DAC/preamp).
Some folks with higher-end combination audio-A/V systems do use separate two and three channel amps. Typically they have full range speakers for left/right front channels with a stereo amp and use a fancy control center/signal processor. But blending the sound with the center channel can be a challenge if you don't have the same manufacturer/model line of speakers. And it's also a challenge to find those left/right front speakers that are optimized for both audio and HT uses. Another issue to consider include matching sound of the HT and stereo amps. Except for running a slightly cleaner signal path for audio, it makes you wonder why you should go separate if the sound of the amps should remain similar. :scratch:
And in general audio gear has gotten cheaper and better over the years so no need to buy ahead. This sounds more like a itch than a practical thought (speaking from experience, currently owning 4 pair of speakers for two systems :oops: ).
I am considering the same type of system (combined). Currently we have a separate media room (not large enough to be considered a 'theater') for video only (3.2 configuration; very happy with this set-up), and a dedicated two channel system in another space. We are contemplating a move, where it would be possible to have a single dedicated space for both. Two channel is still very important however. One amplifier I have considered is an ATI which offers a modular set-up - anywhere from 2-7 channels, in a variety of designs and power levels. I use a 2-channel ATI right now and am very happy with this choice.
-
I have a real soft spot for the big Sansui receivers from years gone by. I have the G8000 playing right now. Great big power supply anchored by a massive toroidal transformer. With 120W available to drive my 8" two-way monitors, I have all the SPL I need. Clean, clear, quiet and beautiful to look at.
I recently had all the electrolytic caps replaced and the lights fitted with LEDs. It was completely worth it.
Here's a decent picture of one from the web. I can't seem to get a decent shot of mine.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9nOx735x9Oc/SeSBls3kaJI/AAAAAAAAFv4/EE3owlO9vu0/s1600/P1040830.JPG)
-
After many years and many more amps, I recently found a wonderful sounding amp for relatively cheap. I was given a Hafler P225 by a member here, recapped it thought it sounded great. I then purchased one of John Hillig's upgrade kits from Musical Concepts and now it's going to be my amp for a while.
Not much to look at but I love it's warm, inviting sound. I've read opinions both glowing and not so glowing so I guess it's a matter of taste.
Just for the heck of it I bought a working Hafler P230 on ebay with the intent of simply recapping it to compare against the modded P225. The P230 sounds great to me also. I could live with either amp.
-
Hi guys, thanks for all the suggestions. Few more questions:
4 grand is wayyyy outside of my price range so no Son of Ampzilla for me :/
Sansui is a brand I know, I have heard good things, is 125 watts really going to be enough to power a 3 way speaker?
I have searched for an ATI at a reasonable price, meanwhile people keep asking 650 dollars for a 1505 or 600 dollars for an 1802.
Hafler is a new brand to me, I have seen they're super reasonable in terms of price and have really good reviews. Have you had any issues with your units? I always worry about buying a vintage amplifier because of repairs
I guess the real question is how much power do I really need in my front channels?
Thanks guys
-
Hi guys, thanks for all the suggestions. Few more questions:
4 grand is wayyyy outside of my price range so no Son of Ampzilla for me :/
Sansui is a brand I know, I have heard good things, is 125 watts really going to be enough to power a 3 way speaker?
I have searched for an ATI at a reasonable price, meanwhile people keep asking 650 dollars for a 1505 or 600 dollars for an 1802.
Hafler is a new brand to me, I have seen they're super reasonable in terms of price and have really good reviews. Have you had any issues with your units? I always worry about buying a vintage amplifier because of repairs
I guess the real question is how much power do I really need in my front channels?
Thanks guys
125W is plenty if your speakers have sensitivity near 90dB
-
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9nOx735x9Oc/SeSBls3kaJI/AAAAAAAAFv4/EE3owlO9vu0/s1600/P1040830.JPG)
That's a nice looking piece. Brings back memories from my youth.
-
OK brk36, so telling us that you have lots of gear doesn't help us to give advice. We can't know if a vintage Sansui receiver be an upgrade if you don't tell us what pre/power/integrated amp you're currently using. Again, if you're looking at receivers I recommend you simply hold off and put your money into buying a whole new audio system when you decide to expand. It seems like you and your friend are suffering from gear lust without a reasonable plan in mind.
First, without knowing your gear/room I'm not sure you'd gain any significant/immediate benefit from adding a two channel amp. Second, as mentioned when you do set up an audio system in another room you'll need a whole system and it's best to pick speakers then find a complementary amp, not the other way around. Third, if you do go through with this you'll probably be going back to your current gear when you set up the audio system. Fourth, a new two channel amp probably won't match your current amp sonically or be the ideal fit in an audio system as audio and HT priorities differ.
Without providing your speaker specifications (frequency response, efficiency, power handling rating); room size; and listening habits (how loud do you listen, what type of music would you be listening to) it's impossible to know how much power you might need. And there's so much more to consider when picking out an amp that we haven't even touched on yet.
To Pete, timind, and Windy: you're not helping, you're only confusing/distracting brk36.
-
Yes, but he never asked for help in picking out an amplifier, he asked what is your favorite amplifier. Thus we're under no obligation to help him pick one, rather just to list our favorites. I suppose one could infer that he's asking for our help, and that answers to that end would be welcome, so we can really answer in any fashion deemed appropriate by the poster.
However in an effort to be helpful I'd suggest the NuPrime MCH-38 amp that John Casler is raving about. 5 channel amp that bridges into a three channel, fabulous for either home theater or stereo listening. He says it's the best amp he's ever heard.
-
I hear that the NuPrime are very nice. Never tried one however. In the Class D realm, Wyred 4 Sound always get excellent ratings.
About Hafler, back in the day I built several f their kit amplifiers. They were excellent amplifiers at a value! I am not up to date as to how they are now, but I do know that David Hafler had sold the company.
-
Hi guys, thanks for all the suggestions. Few more questions:
4 grand is wayyyy outside of my price range so no Son of Ampzilla for me :/
Sansui is a brand I know, I have heard good things, is 125 watts really going to be enough to power a 3 way speaker?
I have searched for an ATI at a reasonable price, meanwhile people keep asking 650 dollars for a 1505 or 600 dollars for an 1802.
Hafler is a new brand to me, I have seen they're super reasonable in terms of price and have really good reviews. Have you had any issues with your units? I always worry about buying a vintage amplifier because of repairs
I guess the real question is how much power do I really need in my front channels?
Thanks guys
The Hafler amps I'm referring to are the older D220 series. The amps I own are the professional versions of the D220 amps. The difference being the pro versions have either XLR inputs or 1/4 inch RCA plug inputs. The pro versions also have volume controls on the back.
As part of the mods I did to my amps I replaced the input connectors with standard RCA jacks I replaced the speaker terminals with better quality binding posts. I also bypassed the volume pots as well as the speaker protection fuses.
My P230 amp is absolutely dead quiet. In fact, after finishing all the mods and setting the DC offset and bias I hooked it up to my speakers and turned it on. It was so quiet I was afraid it wasn't working until the music emerged.
As for reliability, these amps are very well built, not pretty, but very rugged. And the design is fairly simple so not a lot of reason to worry about break down under normal operating conditions. If you are into DIY at all, these make for a fun and simple project to bring back to specs. And they sound darn good for the investment IMO.
-
Favourite Stereo Amplifiers? Well, since you asked ...
Luxman M-4000
Luxman 5M21
Threshold 400A
Bryston 2BSST
Sonic Frontiers Power2
Currently own, use and like very much:
Anthem Amp1
Those who recognize these will notice there are no 21st century designs. I haven't liked most of the ones I've heard that I can afford, and the ones I do like, I can't afford.
-
I have enjoyed a number of amps over the years, both power and integrated.
Sugden A28B - awesome integrated, sold only as I wanted remote control - 45wpc - updated May 2017 - bought a used Sugden P28 and had a local tech replace caps and RCA inputs - back to the good old British hand built stuff for me!
Yamaha A-S500 - surprisingly good integrated - 85wpc
Crown XLS 1500 - solid power amp, drove Maggies and Totems really well - 350wpc
Monarchy SM70-Pro - good little power amp that delivers Class A goodness - 25wpc
-
However in an effort to be helpful I'd suggest the NuPrime MCH-38 amp that John Casler is raving about. 5 channel amp that bridges into a three channel, fabulous for either home theater or stereo listening.
Actually an 8-channel amplifier with 4 stereo modules that can be configured as
8 channels (all set to stereo)
7 channels (1 set to mono, 3 set to stereo)
6 channels (2 set to mono, 2 set to stereo)
5 channels (3 set to mono, 1 set to stereo)
4 channels (all set to mono)
-
Really like the top Luxman amps.
For Class D, I was surprised with how far they've come as of late. The Anaview AMS series used along with Amphion sound quite wonderful.
-
Actually an 8-channel amplifier with 4 stereo modules that can be configured as
8 channels (all set to stereo)
7 channels (1 set to mono, 3 set to stereo)
6 channels (2 set to mono, 2 set to stereo)
5 channels (3 set to mono, 1 set to stereo)
4 channels (all set to mono)
I really need to look things up rather than go by memory, thanks. But I was in the ballpark, a multichannel amp that takes to bridging very well. I don't have this amp, but I do have their headphone amp and it's a peach for $695. While the MCP-38 is not inexpensive, it's an attainable price. IMHO it kinda fits the op pretty well. There's one for sale here on the trading post at $2500.
-
Well guys, that was an explosion of advice and I thank you all very much for it. I am literally just setting up my first audio system ever hence I am not going from any system to a new system, I am just constructing this system from scratch. With that in mind, I now have a major choice to make in amplification, I honestly don't have the specs on my speakers because I didn't build them. I will ask him for them, but right now I am leaning towards Hafler, the ATI, or a NuPrime.
-
Well from the amps you're leaning towards it looks like the one I'm about to mention is a little out of your price range.. I've owned :
Krell Showcase
McCormack DNA-1
Adcom
Parasound A21
Classe CA2100 (current in system)
Love the Classe.. They pop up for sale around the $2000 mark.. 100 watts per, very detailed, neutral.. No modds needed... Just plug and play
-
Pass Labs X250
AVA Hi Fi DVA-850 monoblocks
-
Benjamin,
Again, when assembling a new system always start with speakers. They will reflect your preferred musical genres, acoustical taste, and room so provide the biggest variance to system performance. The room is the 2nd biggest variable (size, shape, setup, furnishings, isolation). Then look for amplification. Power amps serve the speakers (nothing more) and so must be electrically compatible with the speakers (primarily in terms of power, impedance, and damping). Next is the source (CD, computer, open reel, or vinyl). Tons of choices with computer options/features constantly changing making this most popular option expensive to heavily invest in technology that could be laughably obsolete in a couple of years. Finally the pre-amp - buy the features you need, make sure impedances in and out are compatible, then spend what it takes to get the sound you're after.
Most seem to be stuck with substandard rooms (small, square, un-isolated bedrooms or larger shared spaces with poor layouts), so they "over-gear" for the room constraints. Honestly if the given room sucks why seriously invest in gear? That's what high quality headphones or desktop setups (with limited bass output) are for.
-
If 1K fits your budget, take a look at this one. The STM by DAC. You will not find a negative review anywhere here on the net. It is very transparent, open and detailed. My buddy Rex sold his highly rated 7K integrated amp after he bought one of these.
http://www.cherryamp.com/
-
...when assembling a new system always start with speakers.
I disagree. If the system goal is to obtain the best possible sound quality, then there is no hierarchy of components. Everything is equally important.
By merely choosing an amplifier that is "electrically compatible" with your chosen speakers in terms of power, impedance, and damping... chances are that amplifier will severely limit the final result in terms of overall sound quality.
-
I disagree.
I disagree with your disagree and raise you an agree. :o
Rocket_Slaving at work today_Ronny
-
I disagree with your disagree and raise you an agree. :o
Rocket_Slaving at work today_Ronny
Everyone has an opinion and they are all personal. We all have our favorites. When I put systems to together for folks, I just say you must start with a budget. It's a must. For a total system you should have everything including cables in your budget (personally, I'd just with the lower end Audioquest or maybe Cardas cables).
You have to figure out if you want used or new. I love it when you have a dealer you can trust who knows what goes best together. We can all tell you what amp we like or what speaker we like or what DAC we like, but some products don't go together and some just have synergy. Do you have to have remote access to the stereo system?
Some of my favorite systems have started with my trusted Onix integrated amp (actually finally going to sell it as it's just sitting there since my recent upgrades of all my systems). They pared so nicely with the Vandersteen 1 and 2 series speakers. Throw in a Codex DAC and you have some components that sound highly musical together and can play any type of music and give you a high end sound for budget costs. NAD amps always have synergy with the Vandersteen speakers and the new Belles Aria is one of the best integrated amps under 4k (it's about 1800 I think) that seems to have synergy with many speakers that you're probably looking at. One of the most amazing pieces I've heard recently for the price. I'd stay far clear of any AVR even though many like the old ones a lot. They just aren't resolving compared to the newer amps. Every piece in the system matters as much as the other. When you go listen, have them change amps, DACs and speakers and you will notice that the speakers will sound very different with each amp.
My personal opinion is that since Vandersteen and a few others make a floor standing speaker that usually goes lower pretty cleanly, you should think about going that route as their footprint is the same as a monitor on a stand. If you would rather have a monitor, I wouldn't think about putting a sub with it as it's nearly impossible to integrate a sub properly unless you have an octave overlap. That's reality and I know many will try and call me out on that, but most designers will privately tell you the same thing. The market is there for sub/sats and they often makes these to sell them because that's what folks want. Nearly all the time there is lack of coherency when trying to set these up. Most folks have them turned up so they can 'hear' their expensive subs, but in reality you should NEVER hear the sub per say.
Again, this is MY personal way of looking at putting a system together.
-
Buy the amp you need for your purposes now not what may be in the future. If you end up doing a different system in the future the associated gear / speakers / etc may prefer a totally different amp than what you'd use for home theater. E.g. A tube amp.
If you're looking for multichannel amplification for home theater, I'd recommend ATI or Parasound. What's more important is that the front three channels have the most power and preferrably similar amplification as most sound will come from there and much less so from the rear channels. So if there's a need / desire to timbre match the sound, the front three channels are the most critical.
As for 5 vs 3+2 channels, I wouldn't sweat that so much. When you get to 7 or more channels it be becomes more of an issue to run one or more more amps as 7 channel amps get large and heavy and sometimes prefer a 20amp line.
Personally I'd rethink the whole thing and just go for a good 5 channel amp.
-
Odessy makes very good amps. He will not build one until he talks to you about your needs.
Cheers
Charlie
-
second on the Odyssey, especially for the money. BTW: I own a pair of monos.
Always liked anything by Pass Labs and Threshold. Maybe one of the best rigs I ever heard was a pair of VMPS RM40s driven by all Threshold gear. (don't remember front end) Simply stunning.
Speaking of Pass Labs, the Adcom GFA-555 designed by Nelson was a damn good amp, especially considering the price. (had a pair driving Maggies back in the late 80s)
always wanted to try Monarchy. Always get great reviews.
best of luck.
-
deleted
-
Another thought is that you can get a used or even demo Ayre AX7e integrated that is class A rated and for around 2k is outstanding. It's not the most powerful but has high current and can drive most speakers in a small to mid size room. IT has video pass through and or the price is about as good as it gets. I know Audio Connections in Verona, NJ still has a demo that he's selling and I've seen a few others offered. They just stopped production a couple of months ago.
-
I disagree. If the system goal is to obtain the best possible sound quality, then there is no hierarchy of components. Everything is equally important.
By merely choosing an amplifier that is "electrically compatible" with your chosen speakers in terms of power, impedance, and damping... chances are that amplifier will severely limit the final result in terms of overall sound quality.
Totally disagree. Speakers do the bulk of the work. If you get a pair of great speakers that are easy to drive, then you won't need an extremely expensive or high wattage amplifier. By limiting the requirements needed of your amplifier, you not only save money on amplification but also give it a larger group of amplifiers that can be used successfully. Sources get outdated quickly.
-
You should look at Nord amps, a little more than your budget though
http://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/products
-
I have read and reread this thread. There are tons of these same threads on every forum out there. What is the best ????. Which first ?????
We all have opinions and none are wrong as they work for us. I will say that the used market is fueled by these threads as folks buy what is highly rated or most discussed on the boards. We are all guilty of posting about what we own since that's what we know best. Many of us are lucky and get out to audition new stuff all the time. I have always said have the end game in mind and buy a system.... Yes, that's what I preach and many others will disagree and that's cool too, but I was speaking with a few the last few days about this very thread. Each and ever store owner and manufactuer say the same thing, that you should buy with a system in mind. Ask what the folks who build their products use to run them. After thinking about things, I decided on speakers first and then built around that. It took a few years to get to where I am right now and I may not be through. I decided on Vandersteen Treo's as I loved how they sounded (Vandersteen wasn't even in my thought process until I was kind of forced to audition them). Then I took my time and ended up with a smaller Ayre integrated to start with. I knew that I would be able to sell it and upgrade later on, but I heard the Treo's with the AX7e and it just sounded great, although it wasn't what I wanted long term. I then did research and listened to so many DACs' and turn tables. I bought the Basis 1400 and Rhea phone stage ....Benz Glider LO cartridge. I had Vinny VU custom make one of his top bases for the TT set up and I love it, but will probably sell all my analog soon as I have MS and just don't love getting up to change albums anymore. The sound was spectacular at this point. Then I got some more money and was able to afford the Ayre AX5 Twenty which is world class. I auditioned well over 20 integrated's before closing the Ayre though. I had to as there are some great components out there in all price points. I always audition well over my price point to know what my personal reference line is and go from there. I travel a ton, so I was able to visit at the Vandersteen dealers I could and hear everything from D'agastino, to NAD to Aryre to Krell to Boulder to Rowland and Classe and MAC. In the end the Ayre just sounded right. Neither tube nor SS. I was always a tube guy and just didn't want to go there anymore as I can't keep checking and changing tubes as needed. Again, the MS, lol. Amplification makes as much a difference as speakers or anything else. Listening as much in so many systems really showed that to be so true. I think most skimp on amps and they really shouldn't . That's why I feel so strongly that listening as a system means sooo much and it's not just speakers first per say. Then I got the Empirical Audio DAC and loved it. First time I"ve ever purchased a product that I hadn't heard first. Scared the dickens out of me. REAlly did, but it was awesome. I just let it go for the Ayre QX5 twenty though and I'm so happy I did as this is as good as nearly every DAC I've heard. I haven't heard the Trinity Ref or newest DCS stack in the last 6 month's so I can't say it's best, lol. It's really special though and shows just how far digital has come in such a short time.
I was able to get top Audioquest cables when I got my speakers, so I am fortunate, however I would also do cables last. They make a difference, but shouldn't make nearly as big a difference as a component upgrade. JMHO. The AQ's are just very neutral at all price points and are still a good value compared to other lines I feel. I've never heard them sound badly in any system. I can't say the same for some other larger and smaller cable companies. Again, ask what cables the speakers are used for voicing. IT will be a good starting point at least. Any good dealer will swap put cables in their various systems and should know what goes best and what is best at various price points. That's their job and if they can't do that, they need help, lol. Now it's time for me to upgrade my server from the Mac Mini that was rebuilt by Steven Nugent of Empirical.
I have purchased as a system, but also with the future in mind as my early budget wasnt' what my final budget was going to be. I knew what I'd purchase and sell overtime, and I made sure that what I bought in the beginning sounded great with what I would buy later. Now I'm selling the Treo's as I want the Quatro's. I knew eventually I wanted to get there and I knew the Ayre AX5 Twenty crushes it on the Quatro CT's, so that was a no brainer.
How have you all purchased what you own so far? Similar path or totally different?
-
I rather love the msb s200 . its remote control and sounds very good . I have used for a number of years with various pre amps and its excellent
http://www.stereophile.com/content/msb#dqGkGaDo5UP94HuO.97
-
Went from a Peachtree Nova 220 SE, to a pre and pro version of this, and never going back.
Websites from Sweden...
Pre: http://www.holographicaudio.com/products/2/pretwentyfive-remote.html
Pro: http://valutronic.se/CM100-montering.html
-
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9nOx735x9Oc/SeSBls3kaJI/AAAAAAAAFv4/EE3owlO9vu0/s1600/P1040830.JPG)
Oh yeah (http://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/drool.gif) I guess it needs new caps by now and who knows what else, but yeah. OP can always do like I do and buy everything on looks 8)
-
I've owned a Krell integrated, Parasound, Belles and own Odyssey Stratos monos. My favorite is the Belles 150 hotrod.
-
At roughly $100 new, the Topping amps are great little boxes and take up practically no space.
Around $400-500 used, the Bryston 2B is fantastic. The B60 is the integrated version and is my last remaining Bryston piece after I've gone through a ton of their amps.
At $1k new the NuPrime IDA-8 is another great all-in one.
At $3k new the Benchmark AHB2 is one of the finest I've heard.
-
I heard the Belles years ago and was blown away for the cost. Then Johnny at Audio Connections in NJ started to carry them and holy cow are they a great buy. To me, dollar for dollar, they are of the best you can buy. I have always loved the top NAD and even some of the Rotel's, but the Belles is worlds better and for not much more at all. That integrated is listed around 1800 or so I think. What a value in high end audio. More money for the speakers, lol.
-
I believe that all ingredients are necessary for a good or adequate 2channel system.
Room, receiver or pre amp, amplifier and speakers...lastly room acoustics.
The room I must say is the least ingredient that we can change in MOST cases.
We are stuck with what we have.
Many homes were not built with the audio enthusiast in mind and unless you are handy, have money to spare you make do with what you have and make adjustments with speaker placement and acoustics.
No shame in that arrangement.
The main purpose besides the above mentioned is being satisfied with your listening experience.
The sound YOU hear should be enjoyable to you.
You are the main ingredient when it comes to YOUR SYSTEM!
BTW some nice pieces posted!
-
All suggestions so far have been of solid state amplifiers as I'll assume that the OP although he didn't explicitly state it, is really looking for a SS amp. That's fine of course, but to change things up a bit, i'll throw in a modern derivative of the trusted old dynaco ST-70. It's the VTA ST70 which can be had either as a kit or fully assembled. This is one sweet sounding amp without any trace of the vintage slow/syrupy sound that we tend to associate with amps of that era.
OOPS! just noticed that this is posted under the 'All Solid State' circle... Duh! :oops:
-
I heard the Belles years ago and was blown away for the cost. Then Johnny at Audio Connections in NJ started to carry them and holy cow are they a great buy. To me, dollar for dollar, they are of the best you can buy. I have always loved the top NAD and even some of the Rotel's, but the Belles is worlds better and for not much more at all. That integrated is listed around 1800 or so I think. What a value in high end audio. More money for the speakers, lol.
Great product overall. Especially with Vandersteen.
charles
-
At roughly $100 new, the Topping amps are great little boxes and take up practically no space.
Around $400-500 used, the Bryston 2B is fantastic. The B60 is the integrated version and is my last remaining Bryston piece after I've gone through a ton of their amps.
At $1k new the NuPrime IDA-8 is another great all-in one.
At $3k new the Benchmark AHB2 is one of the finest I've heard.
If someone would do a direct comparison between the benchmark amp and the odyssey I would read that. I believe both are class ab designs
-
The Benchmark is actually closer to Class H, in that it has multiple rails with a switched mode power supply.
-
what is your personal favorite stereo amplifier
Plinius SA-102
why
because it's what I own ........
and what is it's average cost used on ebay or an audio site?
less than 3k
-
The Benchmark is actually closer to Class H, in that it has multiple rails with a switched mode power supply.
Nice!
And before somebody asks...here is a nice synopsis of the different classes without getting into too much technical detail:
http://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-classes
Best,
Anand.
-
For highly efficient speakers Lamm ML2.2 and for everything else Arion HS500 hybrid class"D". Planar owners will love this amp.
charles
-
Son of Ampzilla II - one great amp, Class A up to 10 watts. Built like a tank. Great sound.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/sst/5.html
-
Over the years, a Dynaco SCA 35 and ST 70, a Quad 303, a Mission Cyrus One, a Musical Fidelity A-1, Carver Silver Seven, and my current amp, a Yamaha B-2, which gives me for the first time a convenient way to play my AKG 1000s.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166007)(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166008)
-
Quad 303
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166007)
I remember seeing that one on display at Sounds of Music in Edmonton back in the late 70's... seemed pretty reasonably priced for a power amp at the time.
-
I remember seeing that one on display at Sounds of Music in Edmonton back in the late 70's... seemed pretty reasonably priced for a power amp at the time.
I love this amp. This is the first amp that showed me in no uncertain terms that amplifiers do differ significantly in sound, beyond the obvious power rating.
I was trying to help my father simplify his home stereo setup by replacing his Quad preamp and power amp (33/303) with an all in one receiver. This was back around 1977. I thought any old thing would work, so I bought him a Sony of some kind and hooked it up. Both my brother and I looked at each other with the same realization—"Oh shit, what have we done?". The music suddenly had no life—sounded hollowed out.
Around the same time I was in a high end store in Vancouver and the salesman who also loved this amp demonstrated its low impedance load capability by switching on all the speakers in the store which were hooked up to his comparator board, one by one. The speakers were all in parallel, yet the overall volume stayed about the same as he did this, and there was no indication of distress from the amp. I had to go around and listen to confirm that they all were playing, and they were.
One other time I was so impressed with the sound of the top end from the PA system a band was using, in the break I asked them what they were using to drive the high horns, and I never query bands about their amplifiers. A Quad 303.
My case rests.
Quad came to market with solid state amplifer years after all the other manufacturers jumped on the solid state (transistor) bandwagon, because they didn't want to present an amp that to them sounded inferior to their tube amp (the Quad II), so they plugged away until they came up with the 303.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166012) (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166013)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166014) (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=166015)
-
Ok, now that we are all 'waxing nostalgic' I'll chime in with a great from over thirty years ago.......... my Threshold S400, it drove my Maggie IIIa's at the time to pure sonic bliss !
-
Quad came to market with solid state amplifer years after all the other manufacturers jumped on the solid state (transistor) bandwagon, because they didn't want to present an amp that to them sounded inferior to their tube amp (the Quad II), so they plugged away until they came up with the 303.
According to Home Theather Review... (http://hometheaterreview.com/quad-33-preamp-and-303-amp-reviewed/) Quad sold 94000 units between 1967 - 1985.
If I am not mistaken I think the reason why I dismissed it at the time was because the model I saw at Sounds of Music required a DIN connection. I had no idea what that was and I didn't want to stray from convention.
-
According to Home Theather Review... (http://hometheaterreview.com/quad-33-preamp-and-303-amp-reviewed/) Quad sold 94000 units between 1967 - 1985.
If I am not mistaken I think the reason why I dismissed it at the time was because the model I saw at Sounds of Music required a DIN connection. I had no idea what that was and I didn't want to stray from convention.
Yes, that slowed me down, too, although the dealer was willing to provide a 2 RCA to DIN adapter, and some units were retrofitted with RCS ins.
-
... Mission Cyrus One, ...
I miss my Mission Cyrus One sometimes - it was such a great jump up from the NAD 3020a it replaced, but then I remind myself the sale of it funded the Naim Nait 2 that I still have to this day.
-
I miss my Mission Cyrus One sometimes - it was such a great jump up from the NAD 3020a it replaced, but then I remind myself the sale of it funded the Naim Nait 2 that I still have to this day.
I wanted more power, so I bought a Cyrus Two, but the Cyrus One is what sold me on those Mission amps.
I often wondered whether I should have copied what the employees at Mission did for themselves in their personal systems; in preference to the Cyrus Two, use two Cyrus Ones in a vertical bi-amp configuration. This is my favorite way to get the most from a bi-amp situation with two identical amps, since the power supply of each amp is fully available for the bass duties in one channel.
-
I have a real soft spot for the big Sansui receivers from years gone by. I have the G8000 playing right now. Great big power supply anchored by a massive toroidal transformer. With 120W available to drive my 8" two-way monitors, I have all the SPL I need. Clean, clear, quiet and beautiful to look at.
I recently had all the electrolytic caps replaced and the lights fitted with LEDs. It was completely worth it.
Here's a decent picture of one from the web. I can't seem to get a decent shot of mine.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9nOx735x9Oc/SeSBls3kaJI/AAAAAAAAFv4/EE3owlO9vu0/s1600/P1040830.JPG)
Very cool choice Pete! I run the Sansui BA-F1 and the CA-F1 preamp currently, which is the separates version of your receiver, basically. DD/DC topology. Stuff like this makes you wonder just what has been accomplished in audio in the last 30 years? With regards to amplification, not much...
-
Luxman M-4000; Threshold 400A; Luxman 5M-21; Sonic Frontiers Power-3; most vacuum state Audio Research Corporation (ARC) power amps I've heard; Mystere and Prima Luna premium power amps.
-
Happy with my Counterpoint 1 E. Especially since its nothing like original Solid 1. The e and a versions uses much bettrr binding posts.But then again i stopped buying a new or used amp and use for a few monyhs ovrr and over and over. Once i ttied thr Counterpoint i havent had any urge to sell it.