Help picking out a new Amp

carusoracer · « **on:** 21 Nov 2008, 07:06 pm »

AC Members looking for help picking out possibilities for a new Amp:
Here is link of my system: http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=570
Speakers Salk HT3's present a very tough load.

$$ Range 1200-2400 Pre Owned
Requirements; Textured and tube like midrange, low level detail, dynamic, fast transients,great bass with good control over woofer,seemingless highs and powerful. Prefer Amp to run in class A most of the time while maintaining Class A/B configuration. Surely not too much to ask

Amps I have not heard that intrigue:

Plinius P8 or P10, AKSA Lifeforce 55+ Soroya looks like it is out of my range, Moon W5, Pass 150 150.5,250, McIntosh 252, Manley

Any other choices appreciated. Would not mind powerful tube mono blocks.

Amps I have heard in my system, B&K 500, Bryston 3BSt, 4B, MF A3cr, Moscode 401HR,Odyssey Dual Mono, AVA 550 Ultra, McAlister PP150, Jolida mod 302b,Jolida 502b,Hafler mod 500, early Nuforce and others.

woodsyi · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 07:19 pm »

This is within the price range and does what what you ask on bass. Treble and mid range presentation is more debatable.

Good price though.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61497.0

Scott F. · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 08:38 pm »

Actually that Pass 250 might not be out of your range (by much). One of the local GAS guys recently posted one in the trading post.

Pass 250

Happy haggling

Tyson · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 09:09 pm »

Pass 250 seconded. I'll also add this to the mix:

http://www.audio-gd.com/enweb/pro/amp/c10.htm

mca · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 09:30 pm »

Red Dragon Leviathans aa

el-cee · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Nov 2008, 10:47 pm »

Parasound JC-1 monoblocks.

doug s. · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Nov 2008, 05:27 am »

electrocompaniet amps - either stereo or monoblocks; differing models awailable, depending on your power requirements... that is, if you have to have s/s.

if you want tubes, this is a great all-around amp - incredible that it got no bids at $1500, a steal at that price. i would query the seller to see what he'd sell it for:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140281877021

doug s.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Nov 2008, 12:16 pm »

I have 5 Wyred SX1000's in the house. I can send you a pair after Thanskgiving for you to try.

2gumby2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Nov 2008, 02:10 pm »

If that Ultra 550 did not impress you, I don't know what to recommend. I own three of Frank's Ultra amps and they are the finest amps I've ever had in my systems.

Delacroix · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Nov 2008, 02:17 pm »

You can find several used BAT VK500s in your price range -- I have one with BATPAK option and I keep using it despite hearing many other amps...it is just hard to beat at it's price point. Main downside is the weight. Other than that, it's a no fuss, music making amp that can drive anything.

mfsoa · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Nov 2008, 02:18 pm »

I suggest that you take advantage of Tommy (Ampdesigner333, Digitalamp.com) while he's bent over and try one of his amps, going for 33% of list. Full return policy, I believe.

This puts the top of the line at $2K. I just spent 3 weeks with it, driving SP Minis and VSR VR4JRs very admirably.

Although heard at different times with the same speakers/room, I feel that it far surpassed my CIA D200s (too smooth, owned for 1+ years) and a Rotel ICE amp (too silvery but overall very nice, few week loan).

Like always, system matching is needed to get the most from it - It really liked my tube preamp, Black Sand Silver Ref V PC and the Reality ICs and SC.

-Mike

zmanbands · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 12:52 pm »

Consider a Rotel RB 1090 380 WPCH, About $1300 used on audiogon. 89 pounds. Possibly the best amp Rotel ever made!!!

awe-d-o-file · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 04:45 pm »

How about a CJ MF-2500? Tubelike SS with bi-polar outs not MOSFET> Also one of a very few amps where the four and two ohm wattage levels double from the 8 ohm's 240/ch or 250/ch on the 2500A indication of a well built power supply. Mine never even gets warm.

ET

whubbard · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 05:37 pm »

You mentioned that the Soraya was out of your price range, but you could get a LifeForce 100 or 55. I'm not sure how into the whole DIY you are, but Hugh is abosutly wonderful in helping you through the entire process, and with the LFs, its not that hard. It might be worth a shot.

-West

zybar · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 05:41 pm »

Quote from: whubbard on 23 Nov 2008, 05:37 pm

You mentioned that the Soraya was out of your price range, but you could get a LifeForce 100 or 55. I'm not sure how into the whole DIY you are, but Hugh is abosutly wonderful in helping you through the entire process, and with the LFs, its not that hard. It might be worth a shot.G

-West

While the Soraya is out of range (it would be around $3500 shipped), I am confident that it is on par or better than many amps costing a lot more.

I think it could be worth the stretch.

George

Occam · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 06:09 pm »

I own a Soraya (MK I, not Hugh's improved new version) and really couldn't be happier. You're welcome to stop by in NYC for a listen. IMO, it is a world class amp. And your system -
http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=570
would seem to be an excellent match. Given your cost constraints (and your personal feelings and calculations regarding conservation) you might consider the excellent Korato poweramp available from Brian Pape -
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=48794.0

FWIW,
Paul

Philistine · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 06:24 pm »

Has anyone paired up the Soraya amp with a pair of HT3's? On paper the amp is at the bottom end of the power requirements, which would make me want to checked out for compatibility/synergy first of all.

Occam · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 06:45 pm »

Phillistine,

I drive my Alon IVs with most satisfying and authoritative results with my Soraya, in a very large room, although it falls far short of the recommended 300wpc. The Alons are a difficult load. And folks who know me will tell you I listen LOUD, but it has to be controlled and undistorted.
It has an iron grip (albeit wrapped in a silk glove) that is simply astounding for its nominal rating. Save for the similarly rated Korato, I've never encountered an amp that punches so far above its weight.

FWIW,
Paul

Thebiker · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 07:27 pm »

I lean toward the Manley products based on my own experiences, although I also own Cary and love it.

You might want to take a look at Quicksilver Audio. They are based in the NW, maybe Utah. I demo'ed a pair of their monoblocks a few years ago and liked them. I did prefer the Cary and that's the direction I went.

At the moment, there is a pair of 100 watt Cary monoblocks on Audiogon for $1595 and a pair of Quicksilver 100 watt monoblocks for $2500 obo.

Good luck.

Walt

CSI · « **Reply #19 on:** 23 Nov 2008, 07:50 pm »

Quote from: mfsoa on 22 Nov 2008, 02:18 pm

I suggest that you take advantage of Tommy (Ampdesigner333, Digitalamp.com) while he's bent over and try one of his amps, going for 33% of list. Full return policy, I believe.

This puts the top of the line at $2K. I just spent 3 weeks with it, driving SP Minis and VSR VR4JRs very admirably.

Although heard at different times with the same speakers/room, I feel that it far surpassed my CIA D200s (too smooth, owned for 1+ years) and a Rotel ICE amp (too silvery but overall very nice, few week loan).

Like always, system matching is needed to get the most from it - It really liked my tube preamp, Black Sand Silver Ref V PC and the Reality ICs and SC.

-Mike

I've been seriously thinking of taking a chance on the Cherry myself (does that sound impolite?) based on your experience and some of the posted reviews. The problem is, although I'm convinced that Tommy knows what he is doing amp-wise, he seems to have his shoelaces tied together in terms of marketing. For instance I've searched in vain to find the warranty, if any, on his amps. Is there one beyond the 30 days? Id like to jump in while the hot deal is still on but, so far, no reply from Digital Amplifier Company.
Bill (CSI)