Help deciding on an amp.

[zimmythegreek]

Hello all,

I could use some advice on choosing a new power amp. My current setup is:

McIntosh C504 pre
Mcintosh MC2105 Amp
Vandersteen 2CE speakers
Micro Seiki DDX1000 with Sumiko Premier MMT Tonearm/Linn Asak cart
Pioneer PD65 CD
California Audio Labs DAC

I'm looking at these amps and can spend up to $1000.00. They are the Bryston 4B, Classe DR-25, Threshold 400A, Hafler DH500, Hafler XL600, B&K 4420, Proceed Amp-2 and Nakamichi PA-5 and PA-7.

Thanks for any advice.

[RoadRunner6]

If you are not familiar with this company hold any negative presumptions until you understand their business model (designed in US, made in China and sold online direct to buyer) and have read the reviews, both pro and user. $799 new plus $25 shipping, 5 year warranty, 30 day satisfaction return guarantee.

http://emotiva.com/xpa2.shtm

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/a.../emotiva-xpa-2

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power...er-review.html

http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=xpa2

[Mr Peabody]

What is wrong with the Mac amp?

Looking at your gear my rec for an amp that would have synergy with your system would be a Conrad Johnson. They have both tube and solid state. If you are looking for used you can find some decent deals on Audiogon. Muscial Fidelity might be another to look at.

On the other hand a more analytical amp might be worth an audition to see what you think, you may like the leaning to a more neutral presentation.

[Hyfi]

For just over $1k, you can get an Odyssey Stratos. They kick ass.

[E-Stat]

What is wrong with the Mac amp?

No offense, but SS technology has advanced a bit since 1967. The 2105 is bland and flat, if not offensive.

I'm looking at these amps and can spend up to $1000.00. They are the Bryston 4B, Classe DR-25, Threshold 400A...

I can certainly vouch for the Threshold since I own the later generation of that model, the Stasis 3. It is a superb sounding amp that can drive most any load including electrostatics where mine spent most of its life. The power supply caps will likely need replacement if they have not already been - but fortunately that runs only about $80 to replace the two 75 volt 25000 uF Mallory caps.

It would be interesting to hear the Emotiva amps. My only concern is their long term reliability.

rw

[RoadRunner6]

My only concern is their long term reliability.

rw

I understand the initial concern about newer companies. My Emotiva amp (XPA-5) is 6 months old and no problems. The 5 year warranty helps. The price really helps.

On the other hand, concerning long term reliability, have you ever hear of these companies?

NAD, Onkyo, Samsung, Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Land Rover, Jeep, ..........

[E-Stat]

have you ever hear of these companies?...Mercedes Benz...

That's why I drive Hondas. My first one was an '81 - just like the Threshold amp.

rw

[RoadRunner6]

That's why I drive Hondas. My first one was an '81 - just like the Threshold amp.

rw

I'm with you 100%. I put over 200,000 on my 1990 Accord (sold it to a co-worker and now it has over 300,000, still running strong) and now we have 95,000 on our 2001 Accord with not a single problem. Honda understands the terms quality control and reliability.

I had 17 years on my Marantz 2270 until I dropped and broke it.

***** 1000 *****

http://www.waveevents.com/MyFilez/wa...n/thatsall.wav

[Mr Peabody]

Thanks, E-Stat, I only had a minute before leaving for work so didn't take time to check the Mac amp. I notice I also misspelled Musical

[LeRoy]

About a month ago I had the good fortune to audition the following set up: Belles VT-01 Preamplifier and SA-30 Stereo Amplifer together with Reference 3A Episode speakers and a Lector CDP-7T CD player. If you have a opportunity to check out this set up in your area then do yourself a huge favor and given it a listen.

The audio dealer quoted me price of $4500.00 for the VT-01 and $3500.00 for the SA-30.

Just so that you know...I have never liked amps from Belles before as I felt I was listening to the equipment and not the music. However, these new products from Belles are like nothing I have ever heard before...from Belles or any other manufacturer. The presentation is all music and I don't hear the equipment. Absolutely wonderful.

http://www.powermodules.com/power_modules/sa30_

http://www.reference3a.com/episode.htm

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue30/lector7t.h

[Mr Peabody]

LeRoy thanks for sharing, it's always good to hear about new gear. Those are lines not in my area so they are new to me.

[Mr Peabody]

I couldn't get the Positive Feedback link to work. Any one else have this?

[LeRoy]

You're welcome Mr. Peabody.

[basite]

I'm looking at these amps and can spend up to $1000.00. They are the Bryston 4B, Classe DR-25, Threshold 400A, Hafler DH500, Hafler XL600, B&K 4420, Proceed Amp-2 and Nakamichi PA-5 and PA-7.

Thanks for any advice.

You will find that most of these amps will have a really different sound than the vintage mac you have now (no offense, big fan myself, own one, but as E-Stat already stated, SS technology has advanced )

The bryston will be much more analytical and neutral than the Mac, but it's a great amp, and really reliable.

I've had good experiences with the Nakamichi's (the PA-7), and the Threshold. I don't know if the Threshold also uses Stasis technology, but the Nak certainly does. Great powerhouse, will never let you down, great sound!
if you can find one, definitely consider it

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[JoeE SP9]

I couldn't get the Positive Feedback link to work. Any one else have this?

No link!

[Kevio]

Looks like it was truncated. Try this - http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue30/lector7t.htm

[Mr Peabody]

Thanks, K

[LeRoy]

Guys, sorry for posting a truncated link. That escaped my notice when I copy and pasted it. I went back to check the other links and it seems my browser leaves does not have enough room to fully display the entire link in the search bar. Here are the complete home links.

http://www.powermodules.com/power_modules/Home.html

http://www.reference3a.com/

http://www.positive-feedback.com/

[CanMex]

I can offer advice based on my personal preference as I have owned or currently own some of the amps you are considering. Up until recently I had a Bryston 4BST in my system, nice clean amp, great low end extension and control but a tad "cold" or "analytical" for my taste but does an excellent job as a LF amp. I currently have the Classe CA-3200 and...well....enough said...excellent amplifier all around (IMHO). I have had older Thresholds and always enjoyed their sound although I found the low end a slight bit "loose" not as controlled as the others but a fabulous mid/high range trully a "sweet" sounding amp. Hafler...nice PA amp. Currently I have a Proceed AMP-2 running in my HT and for the price paid it is an excellent amp...all around a good contender. Nakamichi....past their prime and very harsh in general (IMHO).
Judging by the equipment you are using and replacing I would recomend the Classe or the Proceed as they are both very clean "warm" and "natural" amps don't add anything to music but both tend to tame the high end and keep it from sounding to edgy. If your budget is $1000 I would probably lean towards the Proceed or the Classe but again this is my humble opinion.

[E-Stat]

I don't know if the Threshold also uses Stasis technology, but the Nak certainly does. Great powerhouse, will never let you down, great sound!

The 400A was the immediate predecessor to the Stasis series. Internally, they looked identical, but the Stasis 3 used the newer, two amps-connected-together topology. Build quality on the Nakamichi was not in the same league as Threshold just like the Adcom licensed Pass designs.

rw

[nightflier]

Would you consider a Class-D switching amp? They tend to be both warmer sounding than many SS amps and at the same time more effortless and powerful sounding without giving up any clarity or focus. I have a Spectron amp that is simply amazing. Also have had many PS Audios, both SS and Class-D and can vouch for their power, control, and longevity. My PSA HCA-2 is going on 7 years now and I never had an issue or desire for more power. PS Audio makes a good product all around (I owned their 20-year old SS Classic 250 Monoblocks for years and those babies never needed service and never lacked power either). I now own their GCC-250 and it's also a fantastic integrated - absolutely no complaints.

Anyhow, just some other options.

[theebadone]

Hmm, since you dont like the mac 2105 is it up for sale?