[JohnR]

This is a thread for solid state "tanks" THAT YOU ACTUALLY OWN AND USE. You know, amps with "real" transformers and "real" heatsinks. With pics please.

If you got it used for a bargain, even better.

Tube amp? Not here. Start your own thread in Tubeophile circle.

I'll start. I picked up a Rotel RB-985 the other day. This is a 5 channel amp. So far all channels check out OK.  This is not my pic, I found it on the net, it looks better in person:



Yours? (Remember the rule: you have to actually have one to post about it )

 

[FullRangeMan]

In the 80s I had this PA pro amp, really bad and veiled sound by output in class super AB, 4 transistors pairs, last pair is class B.
Its a tank 30 kilos and lots of leds as VU in the faceplate.
It was outbest by a small Carver receiver.
The ridiculous CDP is a Sony CDP-50 $450usd 

[JohnR]

OK! I was sorta hoping for positive recommendations but that's a start!   

[undertow]

I have owned everything from Threshold, Krell, Classe', Clayton, Mcintosh, Adcom, Odyssey, Forte', Goldmund, Muse, McCormack, Plinius, Coda, Rotel, B&K, Conrad Johnson [Mosfet, Bi-polar, IEC transformer, Toroid Transformer] Balanced, Single ended, Mono blocks, Stereo, 30 lbs, to 150 lbs each, etc...

Best solid state to date and no joke "Super special" is the BEL 1001 amps with only 50 watts is a real tank as it bested my 300 watt beasts from others, and will play down to a 1/2 ohm no problem with the transformer. Here is my current version...None of the below reviews in the link are from me either...

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/amplifiers/bel/1001-mkv/prd_125378_1583crx.aspx

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks for inform, a valuable first hand information.

[Phil A]

Owned a Rotel 985 many moons ago, Proceed amps (including an HPA2 and HPA 3, which weighed about 115 lbs) and many of the Bryston ST and SST series amps.  Currently using a Modwright KWA 150SE (I think it weighs around 85)

[groovybassist]

After enjoying the Rowland Continuum S2, I had a chance to pick up a Karan Acoustics KA I-180 Mk2 integrated amp for a great price.  Use it and love it.  Enjoy!

-Mike

[Early B.]

Here's my Audio GD SA-300SE amp with its hat off. Eighty pounds of pure muscle @ 300wpc driving 98 db monitors   The first 10 watts are pure Class A. I'm typically using about 4 watts.

[Russell Dawkins]

After enjoying the Rowland Continuum S2, I had a chance to pick up a Karan Acoustics KA I-180 Mk2 integrated amp for a great price.  Use it and love it.  Enjoy!

-Mike

Boy, that's a rare beast—and a stunning performer from all reports. I've always lusted after this model after learning about its performance from a Serbian friend.

[beta14ok]

Mark Levinson No.27. I used to have 2 of these in a bi-Amped system with a set of Audio Artistry Dvorak speakers. I loved that rig!, But. i have scaled it back and am currently using just one with a pair of Vandersteen 2Ces. Really a great amp for the money.

[grsimmon]

Ok,  now no laughing.

I recently traded some of my unused audio equipment for a Monster Power 5 channel amp.  It's the MPA-5150 Signature Series.  150 watts continuous,  all channels driven,  into 8 ohms etc.  75 pounds and 20 inches deep,  which made it interesting to get into my audio rack.  Doesn't quite double into 4 ohms but for my purposes,  good enough.  This was a storeroom demo model for a brick and mortar that went out of business near Portland, OR.

Monster is normally a company that I either completely ignore,  or run the other direction from.   But the fact this was not actually made by Monster got my attention,  as did that it was designed by Richard Marsh.  I'm pretty sure this was made in the same factory that Marsh uses (or used) to make his own amps.  Anyways, my plan is to pursue 3 channel audio using the SST Trinaural Processor,  and I need 3 channels of amp.   I got 5 with the deal,  a little insurance policy....but so far so good.   I disabled 2 of the channels under the hood to save on my electric bill.

I don't have a way to post any pics right now but here's a review link:


http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-power-amplifiers/multi-channel-amplifiers/monster-mpa-5150-multi-channel-power-amplifier.html

[grsimmon]

Really, nobody else?   The times are changing?       

[Scott F.]

I'm used to posting in the Low Wattage and Open Baffle circles so this is a little strange...solid state and all. But anyway, after I disassembled my old 5 watt system, I've officially got myself a 'tank'. It's a McIntosh MC-452. She weighs in at 110lbs which, I think, qualifies for this thread.

[JohnR]

Nice, Scott  That does seem to be a bit of change for you.

[Scott F.]

Nice, Scott  That does seem to be a bit of change for you.

No doubt about that Then again, one upon a time I was tri-amping with active crossovers and racks full of solid state gear.

I have to admit, it's a good change. I've decided that I want to enjoy music, not listen to gear and the Mac & B&W combo does just that. It gives me just enough to satisfy the old audiophile left in me yet lets me enjoy every piece of music I've ever bought because it has tone controls....with gobs and gobs of power

[opnly bafld]

A friend picked up an Electron Kinetics Eagle 7 recently (his back hurts now) and is working on it to go in his main rig.

From the EKSC website:
"The Eagle 7 has earned the dubious honor of being the most broken Eagle amplifier that can still pass a signal. Your Eagle 7 may appear to work yet need much repair."

[FullRangeMan]

Wow, superb industrial looking.

[JohnR]

Now we're talking!! What a beast 

[Bemopti123]

Ok,  now no laughing.

I recently traded some of my unused audio equipment for a Monster Power 5 channel amp.  It's the MPA-5150 Signature Series.  150 watts continuous,  all channels driven,  into 8 ohms etc.  75 pounds and 20 inches deep,  which made it interesting to get into my audio rack.  Doesn't quite double into 4 ohms but for my purposes,  good enough.  This was a storeroom demo model for a brick and mortar that went out of business near Portland, OR.

Monster is normally a company that I either completely ignore,  or run the other direction from.   But the fact this was not actually made by Monster got my attention,  as did that it was designed by Richard Marsh.  I'm pretty sure this was made in the same factory that Marsh uses (or used) to make his own amps.  Anyways, my plan is to pursue 3 channel audio using the SST Trinaural Processor,  and I need 3 channels of amp.   I got 5 with the deal,  a little insurance policy....but so far so good.   I disabled 2 of the channels under the hood to save on my electric bill.

I don't have a way to post any pics right now but here's a review link:


http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-power-amplifiers/multi-channel-amplifiers/monster-mpa-5150-multi-channel-power-amplifier.html

I remember Marsh used to make amps that had some coverage back in the mid 2000.  I guess their reception in the audio world was lukewarm.  Once in a while you can see Marsh preamps in the market for discount rates. 

I think this thread should be redefined not necessarily as simply "Tank" or "heavy build amps" but amps that was brutish in construction but remarkable sonically, one does not equal the other many times.

[Tone Depth]

I bought a VA Systems Model 2, at 200 wpc, and a tank to me, in the late 1970's. It now serves as a backup to my main amp.