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I am looking for a newer power amp not new but of recent vintage. I am looking for a amp that sounds smooth and solid vs highly detailed and thin. The pre amp I am using is a Counterpoint 3.1 tube pre. The amp needs to be SS and about 100 watts a channel. The speakers are Wharfdale Denton 80th aniv. stand mounts, cable Kimber 8TC. I listen to all types of music but mostly to jazz. Price range about 500-600........Thanks for any suggestions
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I found a amp. It's not newer but it's not really old either. It's a Forte Model 3 (200 watts a side) I will see how it handle these diminutives little Dentons....
If you can stretch your budget to $995, you should check out the Odyssey Kartago. It is sold factory direct and the reviews are great. You will save in the long run buying new instead of something that the company has folded years ago. Check out their site Odysseyaudio.com. Made in USA and a great warranty.
The Quad 909, discontinued fairly recently, is very smooth and fatigue-free. Almost tube-like, it is never harsh, edgy, or thin. A listener who desires brass instruments that sizzle won't like the Quad, as it is a bit laid back in the upper mids and treble.
A used one might fall within your stated budget.
I love my Parasound A21. I think a used A23 would be in your budget. I also have been using an Acurus A150 out in my garage system for the last three years. With a tube preamp it sounds great. They are known be bright sounding with the wrong equipment but I am running a tube pre and I am very happy. That piece ran me $200. Also a used Aragón would probably fit the bill.
If this isn't older than you are looking for and holding to your budget I think an Adcom gfa-5500 at 200x2 would fit the bill. The 5400 is 125x2 but the 5500 sounds much better IMO. I had a 5500 and really wish I had kept it, it had what I can only describe as a dark earthy sound quality, nicely balanced with strong bottom end.
There's also some modernized or modded Hafler out there as well in your price.
I wish I could remember the model number but for just a bit more you could buy a brand new stereo Marantz power amp. They really are a great value. Not to the level of an A23 but not the cost either.
If you can find them used I was also impressed with the Rotel digital power amps. Their 200x2 was retailing at $1300.00, also a really good value.
I heard the parasounds and was impressed with their sound.
I'd go for it.
charles
Look into Parasound power amps.
The Goldmund Job 225 mos-fet sold direct from Switzerland 125 wpc , only $1695 best sounding small amplifier that I have auditioned at Home.I much prefer it to the Devialet- D Premier
The buyer's budget!
Took me illiterately! (Curley of the Stooges)
E
T
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-SS/Conrad-Johnson/Sonographe-A250/High-current-amplifier/122651
looks like a good deal, not affiliated
E
T
nt
I like Parasound amplifiers, but the one I would recommend exceeds your budget. It is the Halo A23 , which produces 125-wpc. I own the Halo A21 because I need more power and it sounds exceptionally nice in my system driving Thiel CS3.7 speakers. Parasound does make a smaller amplifier with 90-wpc that fits your budget. It's the Parasound 275v2 , but I have no idea how it sounds.
Anyway, I think Parasound represents good value for relatively economical components.
Happy Holidays,
John Elison
2x for the Parasound.
They almost double up into 4ohms and are very flexible with great features and connection options.
Balanced? Single ended? Loop over function, so you need only ONE single ended connection per amp, and a short jumper? Ground Lift? Channel level controls?
I have a PAIR of the A23 on my Maggies. ONE per panel! They run fairly cool, even when I decide to offend the neighbors.
Too much is never enough
Not sure, but I was also going to suggest this - but IIUC the Parasound amps are highly detailed, but still solid, and neutral.Smooth? is that a euphemism for warm and rolled off? this may not lean that way ...
Maybe a vintage SS McIntosh amp? I can't imagine them ever sounding harsh.
I guess ones that are 'inexpensive' are too old to consider, probably. THe 2505 is 50Wpc, can't imagine it not being able to drive your speakers properly, and the meters are way cool!
Edits: 12/20/14
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