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Best 200w power amp for around $400?

js bach

js bach

Active Member
I'm looking for the best 200wpc power amp for approx $400 or so. My speakers are Mirage M3si's. So far, I'm considering the following:

1. Adcom GFA-555 II
2. Adcom GFA-5500
3. Rotel RB-990BX
4. Denon POA-2200
5. Denon POA-2400
6. Denon POA-2800

My previous plan was to downsize, that has not worked out. I will be using the power amp with my Denon DRA-625 as a preamp with a Rotel RCD-855 cd player. I'm looking for the best power amp that will match the other gear and speakers.

As always, thanks for any and all input.
Jsb
 
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I have a B&K EX442 Sonata, they can be had for that price or less, and it's a very nice amp. 200/350wpc 8/4 ohms.
 
You are right, any of those amps would be excellent.
Didn't pick the Denon because I don't know much about them.
On the other hand, I'm familiar with the Rotel and the Adcom (the 5500) and they were very good at the time, but you bring up a good point, no protection circuit. This is something the OP will have to take note.




botrytis said:
Why - I have 2 Denon POA-2200's they are well designed and sound great. Denons from that time were well built. Anyone of those amps would serve him well.

I am not crazy about Adcom amps because there are no protection circuits - maybe it is just me.
Click to expand...
 
The Adcom 5500 is a very good amp; those Denons were never quite my cuppa; can't comment on the Rotel as I never had experience with it.
 
I'll add my NAD 218 THX to the mix. Good sound and I like the anti-clipping feature (although untested...).
 
Yeah, it's hard to clip an amp with as much power as being discussed here. I've never even driven my 150wpc AudioSource AMP Three into clipping, an amp often over looked because people assume AudioSource is second rate. They're wrong.:yes:
 
I'm partial to The B&Ks, but Bryston 3Bs can sometimes be found in that price range too, and they are an excellent choice. Keep an eye out for an Audire, they made a heck of an amp.
I'm ambivalent to the Adcoms... I don't think they have much over a Soundcraftsmen, or Crown in that price range.
 
89grand said:
Yeah, it's hard to clip an amp with as much power as being discussed here. I've never even driven my 150wpc AudioSource AMP Three into clipping, an amp often over looked because people assume AudioSource is second rate. They're wrong.:yes:
Click to expand...

Although I did ride it full throttle for a few seconds when I got the preamp and eq connectors mixed up. It sounded beautiful! Man, these Energy Ref Conns can sound good at high volume...
 
B&Ks are nice. And as far as Adcoms, the original GFA-555 is the "best" of that lot (the original Nelson Pass design before Adcom started messing with a classic). But, it is true, that there is NO protection circuitry on that for purist audio reasons. So you have to live with the possibility that it might go Nova on you!

If you keep it it good shape, and check it, refresh it as needed; NOTHING will probably ever happen. But you have to be aware of the possibility. I know a LOT of AK-ers turn pail white and almost faint when they hear something "does not have protection circuits". OMG!

cnh2
 
Crown XLS 1500. Meets your budget, more than meets your power needs and they come with a three year warranty. Something a used amp won't have. A Pro-Audio amp with SQ that beats many "home audio" amps. Besides, you can buy it, try it, and return it if you don't like it.
 
I had an Adcom GFA-5500 but prefer the Carver M-1.5t (still have it). They cost about the same on the used market.
 
The Sonographe SA-250 is a giant killer. Love love love this amp for the $350 that I paid. I see them go for a minimum of that, all the way up to $500. They're somewhat hard to come by, but they show up on the bay every couple of months or so.
 
Thanks everyone for all the input (no pun intended). I have found 2 amps locally and will be checking them out this weekend.

Adcom GFA-555II and the GFA-5500. The 555II is $300 and the 5500 is $400.

The 555II is from the original owner and supposedly took very good care of it. I'm checking that one out tonight. The 5500 is from a second owner. From the pics I've seen, they both look to be in excellent condition.

My next question is regarding sound characteristics. Has anyone owned both to know the sound differences between the two? I think at this point, I really cannot go wrong with either. Is the 5500 worth the extra $100? I could use the extra $100 to get better cables, a better cd player etc...

I guess if I had to ask, I would want the less harsh sounding (or bright) of the two?
 
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