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What amp for RSIIIa?

M

mbeigh

Active Member
If you had $500 to spend for a preamp and amp to power these fine speakers, what would you do? I am currently using a Hafler dh-200 and 101 pre. I think there is more to be had with more power.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks,
M Beigh
 
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or step up to the dh-500. i like mine!

you could also look at adcoms such as a GFA-555, a yamaha like the M-80/85, and many others. those are all a bit cheaper than $500, which will leave you some to upgrade your preamp too. not that the 101 isn't good, but i think for $150 to $200, you can do better. if you want the absolute best amp for $500, you can likely find a deal on something great, but your system will probably be preamp-limited at that point. just my 2 cents.

chris
 
mbeigh said:
If you had $500 to spend for a preamp and amp to power these fine speakers, what would you do? I am currently using a Hafler dh-200 and 101 pre. I think there is more to be had with more power.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks,
M Beigh
Click to expand...

Theres a Sunfire Series 2 on e-bay now ...its only at $360.00 It is virtually unclipable and has two sets of outputs for each channel.... one set is said to have a tubelike sound quality and the other has the high current capability. Its rated at 325 wpc at 8 ohms and doubles down with the load it is 1 ohm stable on a time limited basis. I have one on my Kappa's and feel its perfect for the current demands of the larger infinity speakers. Oh yes..... it is not mine. Augy
 
The Adcom GFA-555 (and Mk II) works great with RS-IIIa's, sounds excellent, is nearly bulletproof, and would fit your budget quite nicely leaving some extra for music or cables...or the next piece of gear. I used a Mk II on my RS-IIIb's for many years, and it did an excellent job...smooth on top, with excellent bass control, punch, definition, and extension.

Or if you can be patient, look for a Forte Model 3 or Model 6. Forte was a 'budget' line made by Threshold, but there's nothing budget about the design, components or build of these amps. The Model 3 was designed by Nelson Pass, the Model 6 by Jon Soderburg (IIRC). I've got two Model 3's bi-amping my RS-IIb's, and a Model 6 driving a pair of RS-IIIb's.
 
I am now running my RSIIIa speakers with an Adcom GFA-555 amp and a PS Audio 4.6 preamp. I am hoping to stay satisfied thru the winter with this set-up and that the upgrade bug doesn't hit. Had a flu shot, but that probably won't help.
 
After listening and comparing the PS Audio to the Hafler, I think the PS has made the Infinitys softer. The tweeters are not so in your face and are much easier to listen to for prolonged time. It seems there is a better soundstage, and the phono stage is definitely better than the Hafler.

The PS has a switch to change it to a passive preamp, but I think I like it better with the amplification. All in all, quite satisfied with this preamp.

M Beigh
 
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