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Some amplifier advice needed
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Posted on July 16, 2016 at 21:00:02 | ||
Posts: 6936
Location: America's Heartland Joined: May 27, 2001 |
OK, now that I have reappeared, allow me to pick your brains a little. The back story is that I have this basic insecurity and want a second set of electronics (I have plenty of speakers). I thought I had it worked out, using my NAD C350 integrated amp as the backup amp/preamp. However, it turns out the imaging is weak. Everything collapses into the center. I did a little research swapping amps and preamps with my Rotel gear, and found the C350's problem is in the power amp. The preamp is actually pretty good, and after adding a bunch of bypass caps across the polar electrolytic coupling caps it is close to the Rotel. So, the C350 won't do for a backup power amp. I also ordered an Adcom GTP-400 tuner preamp to swap out with the Rotel RTC-940 tuner-preamp. So, I'm halfway there. Now, I need to find a good basic power amp. I figure a solid 60 W/ch is enough; but it needs to be able to handle at least 4 ohm loads. I would prefer a dual mono amp (like my Rotel RB1050)for the better imaging. A few that would work well would be another RB1050, Adcom GFA535 II or GFA 5300. Some of those were around last week; but not today. I'd like to stay under $300. I did come across a couple of amps that look interesting; so I'd like advice on those. One was a Parasound M750a at 75 W/ch, dual mono and a solid low impedance rating. The other is a Kenwood MK X-1000. 125 w/ch into 4 ohms, dual mono, THX rated. I also found a Hafler DH-220. Not dual mono; but plenty of room in the chassis for two more caps and another bridge rectifier. It probably could use new filter caps anyway. I have several options - one being to just wait until one of my preferred amps shows up and hope nothing happens. Anyway, thanks in advance, and yes, I am open to suggestions. Jerry |
I heard HP's, posted on July 18, 2016 at 11:22:59 | |
Posts: 37580
Joined: May 12, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002 |
driving the IRS towers. The problem you mention about low level resolution was very apparent in the Premier one until you cranked it up. Yogi Berra couldn't have said it any better. :) |
Tight budget, posted on July 18, 2016 at 11:36:34 | |
Posts: 37580
Joined: May 12, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002 |
One nearly current sleeper that I use in the office system is an Emotiva mini-X A100 that can easily be found for around $200 and delivers 80W/channel into 4 ohms. It beat the pants of a Kenwood receiver the previous home owner provided. Has remote trigger and gain control. Mine lives tucked away in a cabinet. Manual |