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Recommend a new power amp, please...

BillTheCat said:
Looking for recommendations for an amp of 100-200WPC to replace my current setup.

Present system:
Dahlquist DQ10’s (recapped, mirrored)
Mcintosh C28 Preamp
SAE A202 Power amp

Budget is somewhat limited, I was hoping to keep it at $1500 or less if possible for something along the lines of a Bryston (4b), Krell (KST100), Mac (2205), Threshold or other reasonably ’high end’ amp. Perhaps some day in the future I might trade up to a pair of Logan CLS II’s (or other...) in which case the amp would be powering those, but that’s a long way off for now.

I used to have a Mac 2150 before I owned these speakers, and what it did to my friend’s set of Paradigms was amazing. I can only guess that there would be a dramatic improvement over the present SAE amp which is just ’alright’... it drives the speakers well enough but lacks soundstage. Looking for the next step up.

ETA: What would be most helpful for me is if those of you with experience could comment on the characteristics of the amps - i.e., we all know that some equipment can 'brighter' or 'warmer', some have a more expansive or compressed soundstage - that sort of description would be very interesting.

Thanks in advance for your input.
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I tell you what I would do.... I would spend the money for a completely rebuilt and overhauled Adcom GFA-555. You can get these beauties on Ebay for reputable electronics refurbishers for about $500 or a tad more. If your budget is $1500, I would purchase two of the Adcoms, and run them as mono-block amps. :D
 
Rex Aeterna said:
i know we can sense a form of upper-end harmonics above 20khz but, think it depends on speakers,source and person in most cases...but can argue most people wont hear it anyways since most people can't hear up to 20khz in the first place.
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Who said anything of "harmonics above 20k?" Specifically, I refer to the 5-15 kHz region.

Superampman said:
This requires more low level resolution which I believe Rex was alluding to.
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Yes, that's part of it - but that isn't directly related to an amp's S/N either. I've found that is determined more by it's topology.
 
WOPL1000 from Perry, lifetime guarantee $1900. Will stomp the hell out of amps costing 10 times more and does so regularly

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/phase-linear-700-series-ii.727086/

There is many member on this board that now own one of the Clair's or the 700B version as well as the 400 version and can attest to just how good they are. Distortion near non-existent and a noise floor that puts many TOTL amps and preamps to shame
 
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I think a Threshold amp would serve you well. I think you don´t have to go higher than a S200.
They are powerful, smooth and built to last.
 
E-Stat said:
Who said anything of "harmonics above 20k?" Specifically, I refer to the 5-15 kHz region.


Yes, that's part of it - but that isn't directly related to an amp's S/N either. I've found that is determined more by it's topology.
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From his post It seems his reference to S/N was inadvertant. Barring a spike in FR, I would say resolution is the only factor. However, maintaining a flat response in the upper range ime is by far the most important factor in achieving a transparent and therefore an incidentally full sound stage. Great low level resolution in addition just separates the winners from the also rans. This takes into account other important aspects such as the speed of the amp. You don't get great resolution without great transient response. Great S/N just adds to it.
 
Superampman said:
However, maintaining a flat response in the upper range ime is by far the most important factor in achieving a transparent and therefore an incidentally full sound stage.
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And yet, you can find two amps that exhibit essentially ruler flat response and vary widely in their ability to reproduce the envelope of upper harmonic "air" and a convincing soundstage.

I doubt that the Crown XLS-1500 is rolled off at the top. Other factors come into play. In this case, I suspect it is the massive amount of corrective feedback required by switching designs.
 
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E-Stat said:
And yet, you can find two amps that exhibit essentially ruler flat response and vary widely in their ability to reproduce the envelope of upper harmonic "air" and a convincing soundstage.

I doubt that the Crown XLS-1500 is rolled off at the top. Other factors come into play. In this case, I suspect it is the massive amount of corrective feedback required by switching designs.
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I have no experience with the Crown but the other aspects I mentioned are contributory. A good sounding amp is evidence they exist in good measure.
 
Here's what's on the radar so far:

MC2105
MC2125
MC2150
Krell KST100
Bryston 4B or 4BST
Parasound Halo A-21

Yes, I might consider replacing the C28 eventually, but for now it's all I've got.

I'm taking a huge leap buying an amp 'sight unseen'. My hope is to improve the performance of the DQ10's beyond what they're doing with the old SAE amp. My old MC2150 did wonders to the imaging and presence of a friend's Paradigm speakers over his 'high current' amp (the name of which escapes me), so I can only hope a better quality amp would offer similar improvements.

Not hung up on Mac, just have experience with it. I'm guessing anything would be a step up, but I want to be sure whatever I buy will keep me happy for at least a couple years.
 
BillTheCat said:
Looking for recommendations for an amp of 100-200WPC to replace my current setup.

Present system:
Dahlquist DQ10’s (recapped, mirrored)
Mcintosh C28 Preamp
SAE A202 Power amp

Budget is somewhat limited, I was hoping to keep it at $1500 or less if possible for something along the lines of a Bryston (4b), Krell (KST100), Mac (2205), Threshold or other reasonably ’high end’ amp. Perhaps some day in the future I might trade up to a pair of Logan CLS II’s (or other...) in which case the amp would be powering those, but that’s a long way off for now.

I used to have a Mac 2150 before I owned these speakers, and what it did to my friend’s set of Paradigms was amazing. I can only guess that there would be a dramatic improvement over the present SAE amp which is just ’alright’... it drives the speakers well enough but lacks soundstage. Looking for the next step up.

ETA: What would be most helpful for me is if those of you with experience could comment on the characteristics of the amps - i.e., we all know that some equipment can 'brighter' or 'warmer', some have a more expansive or compressed soundstage - that sort of description would be very interesting.

Thanks in advance for your input.
Click to expand...

You should find Bryston 4Bsst within your budget. Also look at Classe gear.
 
BillTheCat said:
Here's what's on the radar so far:

MC2105
MC2125
MC2150
Krell KST100
Bryston 4B or 4BST
Parasound Halo A-21

Yes, I might consider replacing the C28 eventually, but for now it's all I've got.

I'm taking a huge leap buying an amp 'sight unseen'. My hope is to improve the performance of the DQ10's beyond what they're doing with the old SAE amp. My old MC2150 did wonders to the imaging and presence of a friend's Paradigm speakers over his 'high current' amp (the name of which escapes me), so I can only hope a better quality amp would offer similar improvements.

Not hung up on Mac, just have experience with it. I'm guessing anything would be a step up, but I want to be sure whatever I buy will keep me happy for at least a couple years.
Click to expand...

I really hope the gamble pays off for you!! :)
 
Ruled out the Krell.

Down to:
Mac (3 choices: 120, 150, 200 WPC with or without meters - same design, only aesthetics involved)
4BST
Halo A-21

Hope someone can help me pick the best of the options.

For those who recommended replacing the C28, please share your thoughts on why, and what you'd suggest in its place.
 
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CKDC said:
Apologies for this late suggestion but have you looked at Odyssey products?
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Yes, I have heard that recommendation, but what's been missing is any comparison or commentary on the differences between the Odyssey and any of the three amps I've listed - particularly the 4BST. So I'm kind of at a loss.
 
Odyssey is nice but backed up a bit at the moment. He's had a friend's amp for about two months now; it was sent in for a repair and upgrade.
 
There is stuff out there on the internets but probably not the direct comparison one would like to see when spending this sort of money.

Prighello raises a point about service.

Both Bryston and Odyysey seem to have outstanding service. But, it is a group of people versus one guy when comparing Bryston versus Odyysey.

Another factor is the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar, possibly making the Bryston a better value.

On the other hand, you can get a brand new Odyssey for the cost of a used Bryston.

Of course these issues have some bearing but I guess there is only one way for you to find out what works for you.

I think you should try both. Send me the one you don't like. :biggrin:
 
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