|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
98.172.81.226
Hi all, and thanks in advance. I'm about to begin in starting up my stereo system. I'm a young civil engineer, so I'm not rolling in a lot of dough yet. I prefer to buy American made. I'm planing on getting the U-Turn Orbit Plus. But I'm debating on what Amp to get. I have someone offering me a mint Harman Kardon pm650 for $350, but I have also been recommend to get a brand new PS Audio Sprout, for about $460.The Harmon pm650 lacks bluetooth, but can handle 2 pairs of speakers. But I'm not sure if I can hook a subwoofer to it, if someone could clarify this I would appreciate it. Also, I kinda prefer the aesthetics to the pm650.
The Sprout is new and highly praised for the price, and has bluetooth, which would be nice for pandora purposes.
I hoping to buy very soon, so any input would be much appreciated.
Again, Thank you.P.S. I should add that I'm starting out with a pair of Bose mini doubles and sub, that I got for free in mint condition.
Edits: 02/04/16Follow Ups:
In January, I had to take in my main rig pre-amp after a thunderstorm and while at the local distributor, I spotted a PS Audio Sprout on demo driving a pair Sonus Faber Chameleons. The source was some digital streamer feeding mid-level MP3 audio. Despite this, the sound from the Sprout/Chameleon combo was enough to trigger a re-look at a second system which was reaching its sell-by date.
After some digging, I came up with a short-list of two candidate amps - Sprout and NAD D3020 - both had similar specs. Pricing was a bit high (the exchange rate between Dollar and SA Rand had gone to hell in a handbasket). As a result, I decided to re-think whether a dinky and compact system was actually worth it.
After checking some local classifieds, I decided that "pre-owned more traditional gear" was a more attractive proposition and wound up with the following:
a) Bryston BCD-1 CDP with remote
b) Electrocompaniet PI-2 integrated (100wpc)
c) A pair of Chario Syntar 516 bookshelf speakers
The total cost of these three items was less than the cost of Sprout & Chameleons - a no-brainer.
This system is now up and running and the combination really works - the PI-2 has enough oomph to drive the Syntars to decent levels without losing control and listening is a pleasure.
Looking back, I didn't need or want Bluetooth and - being a second system - I didn't need a phono stage. Also 30wpc (8ohm load) was a bit on the low side. And the Sprout here in S. Africa was still selling based on the US launch price of $799.
Anyway, I'm now busy building a rack for this system (see poor attempt at Powerpoint design):
I should have this finished by Monday - painting and varnishing take time - and will post an update with actual photographs if you're interested.
Dave
DevillEars
It has the the Hypex goodness of the ps audio without its fixed EQ shaping. And with Bluetooth I think.
Let me qualify my opinion as one who has no direct experience with either one of these components. I simply looked up descriptions online and drew my conclusions.
The Harmon Kardon is 30-yeas old. Personally, I like new components because extremely old components like the Harmon Kardon tend to break down. Electrolytic capacitors tend go bad after 25 or 30-years. Therefore, I would go for the PS Audio Sprout based on that reason alone. However, the Sprout also looks rather interesting to me and PS Audio is a respected brand. The Sprout seems to be quite versatile for its small size and reasonable price. It seems to incorporate all the connectivity you're looking for. Consequently, I would buy a new Sprout over a 30-year old antiquated Harmon Kardon.
Unfortunately, you're the one who is going to have to live with your decision and I have no direct experience with either one of these components.
Good luck,
John Elison
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: