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Always liked MOSFET's
Cheap? Get a Hafler DH220 for $100, recap it for around another $100, reset bias and DC offset (easy procedure) and enjoy. Very smooth MOSFET sound with a seemingly indestructible build. Not the prettiest amp though.I honestly couldn't count the number of amps I've owned; Class D, class A, Class A/B, tube, tube hybrid and probably others. ANd after all of the searches, this inexpensive Hafler is the last power amp I'll buy. It satisfies my taste.
As my back up (and rational reality check) I keep a Yamaha A-S500 integrated around. I find it remarkable. For the $ I paid used, I know I cannot beat it ($200 Canadian, so roughly $145 USD).I do ultimately prefer the combo of my NuForce preamp and Audio Refinement amplifier, but they represent a good 4x the investment.
Hey all,Been getting back into audio a bit and have been looking at stereo preamps and power amps.What do you all think would be the best way to build up your system if you were to spend between 400-800 on used or new gear? In my case, even though it's the C&C circle, I would perhaps consider raising budget if something stellar was available.Onkyo and Yamaha have some decent priced options for power amps one can often get refurbished. Also considering Parasound Zamp (or possibly A23), Emotiva BasX, used gear, and gainclones.For preamps I don't want any integrated DAC or anything like that as those change often and I'd like to have gear I can use for some time. Some options: the new Schiit, the Parasound Zpre, Emotiva, and a few others that slip my mind as I type this out.I've also considered integrated amplifiers, but unless there's one with insane performance that isn't overly pricey, I think separates may be more fun long-term.The Parasound Zpre and Zamp have a lot of stellar reviews and I haven't seen many bad reviews of either product. Schiit has been making some great stuff for the desktop arena and is looking good, too.Ultimately, I'd like to have some good current on tap, but probably won't need a huge amount of watts, 100-120 at most. I have fairly small rooms, but like the ability to power any speaker (because, let's be honest, it's fun to try different speakers).So what do you guys think? Any opinions on brands mentioned or options you've tried?
Good selections all, a couple pushing guidelines a bit. I know the op said $800, but that makes it really hard to make a C&C system around it. Guidelines say no more than $400 for any one component, we also have a $200 slush fund and nothing says we can't apply it all on one component, so $600 and you're still in. Exceptions are always considered if they make sense and are in a system that comes in under $1200 ($1000 plus $200 slush). I don't think the op would mind spending less, but you gotta sell it if you got him spending more. Maybe suggest a virtual C&C system around your amp, or something else that explains why your component deserves an exception. Of course the op can buy whatever he wants, it's rather for us to follow guidelines in our suggestions. And again, good job on those suggestions, some innovative thinking there.
You should really consider the speakers and the amp as a sub-system within the whole system, not just as separate pieces. Synergy, not only in terms of sound reproduction characteristics but also electrical characteristics, is really key when choosing an amp & speaker pairing. To simplify the goal of choosing an amp, it's usually most helpful to pick your speakers first...especially due to the very wide variety of speaker types / designs to choose from.
