I am in need of opinions re pre/amp combos.

william · « **on:** 29 Nov 2004, 10:27 pm »

Okay, I am very close to movng forward with a large purchase (for me). I am looking for any input from those that have already gone through this before.

Driving Snell C/II's...

McIntosh 6500 or 6900 integrated amp

ARC SP16L with ARC 150.2, Bryston 4BSST, or Odessey Stratos (Mono Extreme)

Any input will be appreciated. My musical tastes range from Dream Theater (progressvie metal) to 70's progressive to classical.

Hantra · « **Reply #1 on:** 29 Nov 2004, 10:33 pm »

My vote is for the 6900. It will drive the hell out of those, is amazingly quiet, sounds very good, smooth, emotional, big tuneful bass, and did I mention powerful?

If you can get yourself a sit down with the Perreaux Radiance 200i, you won't be sorry. Don't laugh. I was about to buy a 6900 myself.

Eric · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 03:29 am »

I own the Bryston 4BSST with the BP-20 Pre. It has ben a great combination:

1. Nuetral and clean sound
2. The new SST version of the amp is much more musical than the ST version
3. Bryston's great customer service

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 04:08 am »

My approach is unconventional: A Channel Islands passive pre ($249) followed by a Marchand X-9 Deluxe electronic x-over modded by Modwright. The x-over's power supply has been modded and the x-over boards cryo'ed. Power amps are a Forté 4a for the mini monitors and Kenwood L-07 M2 monoblocks for the subs. The result is stunning clarity, impact and imaging.

zybar · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 05:32 am »

Tact RCS 2.2x + McCormack DNA-500.

It is more than some of the other options, but man it is worth it...

George

jpsartre · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 05:08 pm »

After going through the works for a couple of years, I ended up with a McCormack MAP-1 pre and a Spectron Musician II amp. I doubt I'll be dividing this duo any time soon-very good synergy and the dual 6-channel inputs on the MAP-1 are ideal for SACD/DVD and a processor.

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 06:11 pm »

Quote from: jpsartre

. . . very good synergy and . . .

Too often it is easy to forget this aspect. When you find it, it's best not to even make any changes that aren't reversible. I learned that the hard way by selling a piece to try another piece, and then missing it every day. Now that I got it back, I'm hanging out trying small, reversible tweaks.

Rocket · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Nov 2004, 10:56 pm »

Hi Hantra,

Are you referring to the plinius amplifier you had?

I see an audiocircle member in oz is selling his plinius sa100 (i think that is what it is) for $2300au. Knowing DSK i'm sure it would be in mint condition.

I'm tempted but am looking at the pass aleph 30.

Regards

Rod

Hantra · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 12:14 am »

Quote from: Rocket

Hi Hantra,

Are you referring to the plinius amplifier you had?

Rod:

More specifically the Plinius 8200 MkII. I sold my SA-102 b/c it just didn't do what the 8200 MkII did. I think it was just lack of power. It was more detailed than the 8200, but I didn't enjoy it b/c it was weak on my speakers.

Rocket · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 01:16 am »

Hi Hantra,

It is actually a plinius sa100 mkIII which is for sale at $2300au.

Have you heard that particular amplifier? I don't know anything about plinius except what i have read in the US audiophile forums.

Regards

Rod

Hantra · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Dec 2004, 01:45 am »

Quote from: Rocket

Hi Hantra,

It is actually a plinius sa100 mkIII which is for sale at $2300au.

Have you heard that particular amplifier? I don't know anything about plinius except what i have read in the US audiophile forums.

Regards

Rod

I have heard the 100 MkIII. It's a good amplifier, but not as good as the 102. If it drives your speakers, I think it's safe for that amount of money. Very tubelike.