[Stu_N]

Hi all

I am looking to upgrade my front end power amp ( currently a Parasound 1500A)  I tried a PS Audio HCA2 and while it was absolutely wonderfull on the bottom end and very good through the mids I really wasnt happy with the top end response through my system. ( Anthem avm20, McCormack UDP1, Von Schweikert VR4 gen III's, B&K 6000 for rears, and center and second zone)

I came across a good deal on the Cinenova 3 channel but really dont know much about these amps, a cple of good reviews but not much other than that.  3 ch would work well across the front instead of splitting it across 2 amps.

I  am more concerned about its sound for music rather than movies.  Its a great deal but wonder if I should save my pennies and look at something like the Bel CAnto or the Butler hybrids.  Although the cost would be more than double what I can get the Cinenova for.

Would appreciate opinions from anyone who has heard these

[John Casler]

Hi all

I am looking to upgrade my front end power amp ( currently a Parasound 1500A)  I tried a PS Audio HCA2 and while it was absolutely wonderfull on the bottom end and very good through the mids I really wasnt happy with the top end response through my system. ( Anthem avm20, McCormack UDP1, Von Schweikert VR4 gen III's, B&K 6000 for rears, and center and second zone)

I came across a good deal on the Cinenova 3 channel but really dont know much about these amps, a cple of good reviews but not much  ...

Hi Stu,

I have used and sold many CineNova amps and still have the 3 channel perfroming SUBwoofer duties in my 2 channel music system.

Since I am a dealer take my comments in that vein.

I used the CineNova as my primary music amp for some time, and used it with VMPS RM40s and VMPS 626R's.  Both very revealing systems and both subject to displaying flaws in components, should ther be any.

I found the CineNova remarkable, "in its price class", and it beat or matched most other amps I compared it to, until I put the Son of AmpZilla in the mix.

It has low distortion (.003%), low noise (112db) and lots of power (300wpc)

It is not warm, it is not cold, if I could claim to know neutral, I would probably say it was neutral.  The first 100 hours can be "edgy", but after that it just drives the speakers well.

It never gets beyond warm and "MUST" be plugged directly into your wall socket preferably with an after market power cord and hubbel wall socket.

It will not flavor your sound in any way.  If you want "warm" or "sepia", look somewhere else.

For a combo system of HT and Audio, it is almost a no-brainer unless you have money to burn.

It also did well with the MiniMax Tube pre and CDP in my 2 channel system.

Clear highs, Solid lows, and accurate mids.  You should be able to find them from $1000 for used, rebuilds, refurbs, and e-bay auctioned B-stock, to $1500-$1800 for A-stock new amps from authorized dealers.

[Stu_N]

Thanks John, that was exactly what I was interested in,  just looking for some confirmation from someone who had heard them.

I like my Parasound but after hearing the low end from the PS Audio amp I know I can do better.  The PS was very tight and detailed with lots of slam>  If the top end had been different I could have lived with it but it could get a bit harsh when driven.
The Parasound is smooth but a little soft at the bottom with my speakers.

The deal I found was for 1200 new so that seems like a killer deal.