[zapper7]

I am looking for mono block amplifiers for my room. They are used for both music and movies needs, obviously music being the priority.

My room is 33 x 15.5 x 8 with 8th Nerve treatments.
I have a Wadia 830 running directly to the amps.
I have (2) 20 amp circuits for each.
My speakers right now are Silverline Sonatas at 93db.
I have Bel Canto M100s (125W) right now that are doing a good job.

What I want more of is power for control of the bottom (too much is never enough), VERY musical mids and highs, balanced and RCA inputs that actually work with the switch (the BCs I have to literally unplug the balanced wires to use the RCA feed, a pain), and 2 sets of speaker outputs, if possible.

I like the small sized ICE/Digital amp idea. A silver or silver/black chassis would be nice.

I have had/heard Bel Canto M300, Acoustic Reality 1001 monos, Carver ZR1600 monos, Classe C100 in mono, Odyssey Audio stock Stratos, but not all with these speakers.

Was wondering what other options may be out there, I am not affraid to put a kit together, but would need all parts and chassis with a kit.

My budget is around $1400 for new or used.

I listen to everything, except Country of couse , and like to listen at higher levels than most , I believe.

Thanks for any and all ideas.

[bgewaudio]

Ever consider Bryston, I think 7B sst mono would probably fit the bill, super clean highs and a very open defined midrange and has a tight low end.  Price is probably around 6,500/pr retail, I'm not sure, you can ask James on Bryston/PMC forum, he could give you the exact retail value.

Good Luck!

[woodsyi]

Are you saying $1400 per mono or both?

[bgewaudio]

I know these my be a little over your budget, but hey, might be able to pick up a second hand pair on EBay.
I think they would make a fabulous addition.

[zapper7]

That would be for the pair. That is around what the used Bel Cantos went for, and the used Acoustic Reality that I have seen are going for, but rare. 2 Classe 100 are around that, used.

[PhilNYC]

balanced and RCA inputs that actually work with the switch (the BCs I have to literally unplug the balanced wires to use the RCA feed, a pain)

Is this true?  I've not tried connecting both the RCA inputs and XLR inputs at the same time on my Ref1000's, but I do know the RCA input switches on/off with the button next to the inputs, and there's nothing in the manual that says you shouldn't plug something into both inputs at the same time.  What happens when you press the button when both RCA and XLR inputs are plugged into something?

[bgewaudio]

Thanks for the info Phil

[bgewaudio]

Yeah Zapper, classe would make a nice addition as well if you like a warmer sound.

[woodsyi]

You can probably build a pair of UCD400s.  Kevin has UCD700 package on line for 749.  http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?cPath=140&products_id=599  UCD400 should be less. 

[bgewaudio]

In addition to your comment on more control in the low end, Bryston's power amps are well know for their fabulous low frequency performance, If you get a chance, or have a dealer in you area, check em out.

Hey you never know, you may change or opinion.

[zapper7]

Pressing that pathetic button does not do a thing . I have the pre-amp balanced into the amp, and my HT pre-outs into the RCA inputs. Unless I remove the balanced wires, the RCA inputs will not work, button or no button. I need to go behind every time I change from music to movies. I assume other amps are not like this. Maybe my Bels are not functioning correctly.
I like the warmer sound of the Classe, but don't know if the bass performance is up to the switching amps I have heard/had. I actually did a Classe factory tour about 8 years ago in Montreal, a great company for high end audio.
I am afraid the Brystons will be to bright, my room is quite live sounding, even with the treatments. I will try and audition non the less.

So far good input, thanks.

[bgewaudio]

Check out the Bryston/PMC circle, there was another user who was inquiring if there was some type of outboard switcher from balanced to unbalanced, not too sure what the outcome was, didn't read on that a whole lot, so you can see for yourself.  Almost seems that the bal/unbal switch on your bells is at fault, may have to get that looked at.  Also in addition to you comment about the Brystons possibly being to bright for you room, that may be a consideration with the older Bryston models.  Their new sst c series have come along ferther in eraticating that problem, they are now a little more tubey sounding with the same solid state design.

Very ear pleasing!

Cheers.

[bgewaudio]

Zapper, are the Silverlines a brighter sounding speaker?

[acfan]

Take a look at Kavent P-2200 by kellsieavdesign.com. The best quality product for the money. Call or email they for the best price.

[zapper7]

The Silverlines are a neutral-warmer sounding speaker, as confirmed by zybar who owned them as well.
I will look at these K amps.
Thanks

[Bill Baker]

Take a look at Kavent P-2200 by kellsieavdesign.com. The best quality product for the money. Call or email they for the best price.

 Are you a Kavent dealer?? Distributor? The Kavent is/was a great product line IMHO but I thought they were discontinued because of issues with Vincent gear.

 If they are again available in the US, I would surely like to know.

 

[acfan]

No, not dealer. I got three P-2200's from a groupbuy a while ago. A colleague of mine purchased a pair last month after hearing them at my place. So it should be still available, but don't take my words. Give them a call.

[JLM]

Red Dragon is taking pre-orders for ICE based 100 watt monoblocks, $250 each.  At that price you could buy 5 of them and stay within your budget.