What amps should I look for?

[VBB]

Can anybody recommend and amp for me. I'm looking for a solid state (to reduce cost) and probably vintage amp in the 200 wpc @ 8 ohm range. I'll be using multiple pre amps: Dynaco pas3x tube, Model Squad Line Drive non-powered switcher, or the pre amps from Marantz, Sanusi or HK receivers. I just want the amp to power some B&W 802 speakers, or some Maggie's in the future.

Sound quality is my first concern, and being musical and warm is what I'm after.

Some that come to mind are:
Dynaco 410
Bryston 3B
Hafler
Adcom
Crown
etc

Or any others recommended? The cheaper the better as I won't be using this regularly.

 

[E-Stat]

Avoid vintage Crown unless you're just going to drive subwoofers. Been there, done that. I'd prefer Adcom (using schematic by Nelson Pass), Audire or Dynaco.

Frank Van Alstine did a number of mods to improve the sound of Dyna 400s. One in particular I adopted back in '76 for an Audire amp - upgrade the bridge rectifier and triple the power supply capacitance. That resulted in more transparency and more explosive dynamic range for me driving Magnepan MG-IIs.

 

[darkblue94]

Your B&Ws deserve more than just a "cheap" amplifier. Spend a little more on the frontside (quality amp) and there will be rewards on the backside (quality sound.)

 

[VBB]

I definitely want a quality amp, but maybe a vintage quality piece that can be had at a reasonable price now.

 

[VBB]

What about an Acurus A-200 ?

 

[johnda]

Your B&Ws deserve more than just a "cheap" amplifier. Spend a little more on the frontside (quality amp) and there will be rewards on the backside (quality sound.)

good point!

 

[teal'c]

NAD, Proton.

 

[toxcrusadr]

Sumo made some nice amps that are not well known. I bought a Polaris (100wpc/8 ohms) earlier this year and it's extremely detailed. MOSFET.

The Haflers are also MOSFET or so I've heard.

Lots of quality sound for your buck with moderately priced MOSFET amps, IMO.

 

[fill35u]

An unmodified PAS 3x wants an amp with an input impedance of 100k. That's not uncommonly high, but if you go much lower you might want to mod the 3x to match.