Some amplifier advice needed

Vintage Asylum

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Posted by Bold Eagle (A) on July 16, 2016 at 21:00:02

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

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Topic - Some amplifier advice needed - Bold Eagle 21:00:02 07/16/16 (16)

RE: Consider Creek - Russ57 15:11:23 07/18/16 (0)

Tight budget - E-Stat 11:36:34 07/18/16 (0)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - HoosierAudio 08:44:59 07/18/16 (1)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - Eli Duttman 10:15:32 07/18/16 (0)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - geezerrocket 20:39:24 07/17/16 (1)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - Bold Eagle 14:57:43 07/18/16 (0)

Another direction - M3 lover 10:56:30 07/17/16 (0)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - Michael Samra 23:56:17 07/16/16 (8)

Sorry to be the contrarian, but - E-Stat 06:14:26 07/18/16 (5)

RE: Sorry to be the contrarian, but - Michael Samra 11:00:38 07/18/16 (4)

I heard HP's - E-Stat 11:22:59 07/18/16 (2)

RE: I heard HP's - Michael Samra 11:40:37 07/18/16 (1)

The 800A was a breakthrough product - E-Stat 15:11:42 07/18/16 (0)

These are the specs on the premier one - Michael Samra 11:02:58 07/18/16 (0)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - spindoctor 06:48:19 07/17/16 (1)

RE: Some amplifier advice needed - Michael Samra 12:49:35 07/17/16 (0)

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