Rotel vs Parasound vs (?): $/Watt

[HowlerMonkey]

Hi All,

I am looking for a stereo SS amp in the 100 W channel range, 4 ohm stable.
It will be used to power full range 3 way speakers or to power the lower range on a Bi-Amp setup.

In the past i have gravitated towards Rotel RB and Parasound HCA Amps because I think they are a good match for some of my other equipment. Also because their prices are reasonable between $.75 - $1.25 per Watt.

My budget is around $300 and my questions are :

• Is there a 3rd brand that I should consider in this pool?
• How comparable are the circuits of the RB 9xx from 80's vs the Parasound HCA models from the 90's?
  
• Is it worth looking at newer gear? are the newer circuits any better? I keep hearing positive comments on pro gear from Crown with comparable prices.

Thank you for any input.

 

[rickb119]

Some of the B&K and Soundcraftsmen amps can be found (sometimes) in your price range. Sweet sound too. I have a B&K EX-4420 that I like a lot. Paid a bit more than your budget, but it also has a few more watts.

 

[HowlerMonkey]

Some of the B&K and Soundcraftsmen amps can be found (sometimes) in your price range. Sweet sound too. I have a B&K EX-4420 that I like a lot. Paid a bit more than your budget, but it also has a few more watts.

Funny you mentioned a B&K 4420, I have a dead one in my garage with a bad power supply card. I bought it at the auction site thinking that I could repair it lol...It is an ongoing project

 

[rickb119]

I bought mine on that auction site as well, and had to have it repaired. Fortunately, the seller refunded my money. Between the 4 trips, back and forth between two different shops, and the cost of the repair, it cost me about the same. I am happy with it though.

Do you have a reputable shop in the area? Probably get the B&K fixed for what your budget is.

 

[RossW]

Do you have a reputable shop in the area? Probably get the B&K fixed for what your budget is.

This is a good suggestion.

I've had a Rotel RB-990BX and a Parasound A23, I never had a chance to listen to them back to back, but by my recollection the Parasound was a bit more refined (to be expected, it was a significantly newer amp). They were both solid amps with good build quality.

 

[HowlerMonkey]

I bought mine on that auction site as well, and had to have it repaired. Fortunately, the seller refunded my money. Between the 4 trips, back and forth between two different shops, and the cost of the repair, it cost me about the same. I am happy with it though.

Do you have a reputable shop in the area? Probably get the B&K fixed for what your budget is.

There is a shop near me, but I have not tried them. They charge $100 deposit to look at it. It might be worth the shot.
I do know the power supply on mine has damage ...

 

[RossW]

Mmm, smoky!

I do love the fact that B&K used that same amp module in EVERYTHING. I had an AV receiver that used them. Lower power rating on the surround channels? No problem, just only populate half the transistors.

If the $100 counts towards the repair it's probably worth having them take a look.

 

[HowlerMonkey]

Mmm, smoky!

I do love the fact that B&K used that same amp module in EVERYTHING. I had an AV receiver that used them. Lower power rating on the surround channels? No problem, just only populate half the transistors.

If the $100 counts towards the repair it's probably worth having them take a look.

Yes I have been searching for the board on ebay and other online places but no luck.
the part number of my board is: P/N 10611 REV C

The deposit does count towards the repair cost. I guess I should put the money there :/

 

[goodolpg]

I'm using a Rotel RB-990BX with my Infinity RS II's, which are said to drop down near 2 ohms at a couple points.
According to one magazine shootout from years ago, the 990BX is said to be a high current monster.
Bought it for $200 around 8 years ago and thought I got a good deal (not a SCORE).

 

[rickb119]

There is a shop near me, but I have not tried them. They charge $100 deposit to look at it. It might be worth the shot.
I do know the power supply on mine has damage ...
View attachment 2119424 View attachment 2119425 View attachment 2119427

Tough call, considering the condition of the board. Troubleshooting is what would take the time, and may take a lot of time. I don't think I'd spend $100 to find out that it may cost more than the amp is worth. $50, maybe, but not $100. (The shop I took mine to had a $50 look see fee.) Reminds me of a story.

I worked in the TV repair shop on board an aircraft carrier. (Decades ago.) One day, a sailor brought in a TV, set it on the counter and asked one of my shop mates (Paul) how long it would take to fix it. Paul said "probably about 30 minutes". The sailor said REALLY? Paul said, "Yea, about 30 minutes after I find out what needs to be fixed." Fixin's easy, finding's a lot harder.

 

[Lou G]

I am also a fan of the Parasound HCA and the B&K amps. They are both a good value but I have noticed that the asking price has been going up quite a bit lately. I would add the Acurus A100 or A200 to your list. They are sweet smooth sounding solid built amps that punch above their price point. I have 2 Acurus A200s and they are my favorite amps.