Looking at SS Amp for Change of Pace

Besides the Marantz PM-15S1 that I mention at the end of Frenchie's Marantz post, I'm also looking at an Arcam FMJ A32 and a Krell 400Xi. I know Marantz and Krell have their banner wavers and their distractors here and Arcam doesn't have a big following. Just want to get some ideas on sound characteristics
( Bright, Warm, Neutral, etc) These are all used so it's kind of shooting blind and hope for a sonic match. Thanks

Looks like you are wanting to buy used. If you get a chance do give the Krell S-300i a listen. From my experience with the S-300i and the reviews I have read the S-300i is one of their best int. amps. I have no direct comparison with another Krell but going on reviews and how good it sounds in my system I would highly recommend it.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

Looks like you are wanting to buy used. If you get a chance do give the Krell S-300i a listen. From my experience with the S-300i and the reviews I have read the S-300i is one of their best int. amps. I have no direct comparison with another Krell but going on reviews and how good it sounds in my system I would highly recommend it.

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Thanks JM, I was eyeing a S-300i also, but they don't show up as often as the 400's. That tells you something of their quality.

I can't comment on any of those options (other than general negative thoughts on Arcam) as I've not heard the specific models... However, I am curious about why you chose just those 3 from the world of SS amps available...

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Originally Posted by Ajani

I can't comment on any of those options (other than general negative thoughts on Arcam) as I've not heard the specific models... However, I am curious about why you chose just those 3 from the world of SS amps available...

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I mentioned those three only because they were available on the used market, in my price range ($1000) and I had read some favorable reviews from owners. But I'm by no means limited to just those three.

Jack what sound do you prefer? Bright, warm, nutral....what is the character of your system?

If we can get Mr. Peabody to post on here again all the time and get his ISP working correctly then he could give you some insight. He has a Krell 400 setting in a closet not being used from a previous system and has a lot to say about Krell, Bryston, Adcom, among others since he either still owns them or have heard or owned them in the past. Heck you might talk to him about the Krell since he is not using it as far as I know and might let it go for a good price but I do know he is a big Krell fan when he is talking about SS stuff.

Pass Labs, Sugden, Heed Audio.

Personally, I would go with a different kind of SS design - those three are different than the usual. Whether they will be in your price range or available is another matter.

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Originally Posted by RGA

Pass Labs, Sugden, Heed Audio.

Personally, I would go with a different kind of SS design - those three are different than the usual. Whether they will be in your price range or available is another matter.

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Thanks Rich
The Pass Labs X150.5 looks nice but there is not much out there on the used market.

You may want to up your budget a little and go for a new Odessey Stratos Extreme, Plus or standard models. Nothing but good reviews anywhere you look. I still love my Stratos (standard with Cap upgrade when purchased years ago).

Odyssey Audio: Stratos Stereo amplifiers. Call us (317) 299 5578. IN, USA.

Stratos Stereo:
base model specifications:

$1,195 USD
2 x 150 Watts RMS @ 8 Ohms
2 Ohm load stable
Class A/AB
2 - 400,000 Hz frequency range
60,000µF memory
45 amps current delivery
<0.04% THD (not audible)
>500 continuous damping factor
Input impedance 22K ohms
DC offset <1 mV
RCA & XLR (bridged) inputs
400 VA Plitron transformer
Sanken Epitaxial Planar Transistors 2SA1216 & 2SC2922
Anti vibration dual thickness PCB
Power consumption when idle ±30Watts
4 internal fuses 250V/6.3A, 5x20mm, fast blow
Additional electrical protection fuse
54 lbs weight / 24.5 kg
Dimensions: 19 width x 18 deep x 7 height (in) /
48.3 width x 45.7 deep x 17.8 height (cm)

Stratos Stereo Plus:
improvements over base model:

$ 1,400 USD
Additional 60,000µF memory bank for 120,000µF total
55 lbs / 25 kg weight

Stratos Stereo Extreme:
improvements over Plus model:

$ 1,750 USD
Additional 60,000µF memory bank for 180,000µF total
>60 amps current delivery
Additional 400 VA Plitron transformer for 800VA total
Higher performance parts:
Nichicon Muse capacitors, Vishay/Dale resistors, extra WIMA metal film capacitors
Power consumption when idle ±35Watts
70 lbs / 32 kg weight

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

Besides the Marantz PM-15S1 that I mention at the end of Frenchie's Marantz post, I'm also looking at an Arcam FMJ A32 and a Krell 400Xi. I know Marantz and Krell have their banner wavers and their distractors here and Arcam doesn't have a big following. Just want to get some ideas on sound characteristics
( Bright, Warm, Neutral, etc) These are all used so it's kind of shooting blind and hope for a sonic match. Thanks

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I remembered something about the Krell 400Xi I read in Stereophile. John Atkinson had written that in his tests the amp ran hot due to insufficient heat sinking. Of course this was a problem when he ran the amp at 1/3 power. I do not know if it would matter unless you planned to play at loud volumes for extended times. My Krell S-300i runs warm but from the Class A preamp stage and not from the heat sinks on both sides of the amp.

This is an interior shot of the S-300i.

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Originally Posted by JohnMichael

I remembered something about the Krell 400Xi I read in Stereophile. John Atkinson had written that in his tests the amp ran hot due to insufficient heat sinking. Of course this was a problem when he ran the amp at 1/3 power. I do not know if it would matter unless you planned to play at loud volumes for extended times. My Krell S-300i runs warm but from the Class A preamp stage and not from the heat sinks on both sides of the amp.

This is an interior shot of the S-300i.

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Thanks JM, that's good to know. I'm used to warm running tube amps. My Anthem MCA 20 runs very cool and it's in a cabinet.

I will second the Pass labs Advice I have always liked his work with SS with his own Pass Labs branded stuff and also when he designed some stuff for Adcom among other brands, the stuff he designs seems to go a step further in refinement when compared to like priced pieces(in my opinion) or at least on the power amp side they do I have not heard any Pass labs preamps. And I have heard Krell's run hot by the nature of how they are built which I suppose one would think would hinder their ability to last for years but I have heard of people running Krells for years and years without breaking. One other point there probably isn't many Pass labs amps going on he used market because people that buy them seem to keep them.

Pass Labs certainly have a great rep, but I really doubt the OP will find many (if any) Pass amps with a $1K budget...

You are very true since there aren't many of his products under the 5 digit price tag to begin with. Maybe an older Aleph of something but I doubt he wants to go back that many years on something that expensive. I know I wouldn't unless it has been gone through with a fine tooth come and every component tested for working ability.

Take a look at some of the used AVA amps with factory warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.

avahifi - Used Equipment

For solid state amps the Dayens are untouchable. 6moons gave the Ampino amp, their product of year award. If I was forced to give up tubes I'd go with a Dayens.

Dayens - Integrated Amplifers - Menuetto

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Originally Posted by Poultrygeist

For solid state amps the Dayens are untouchable. 6moons gave the Ampino amp, their product of year award. If I was forced to give up tubes I'd go with a Dayens.

Dayens - Integrated Amplifers - Menuetto

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Nice, but I was looking for a little more juice for the Dyns.

More juice? The Dyns are 87db bass reflex so 60 real world watts per side into 4ohms should work except in a concert hall. My sealed Aerials were 84db but played loud as hell on 30 wpc.

You can easily reach 100db SPLs ( pain threshould ) with 3.5 watts and 93db horns.

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Originally Posted by Poultrygeist

More juice? The Dyns are 87db bass reflex so 60 real world watts per side into 4ohms should work except in a concert hall. My sealed Aerials were 84db but played loud as hell on 30 wpc.

You can easily reach 100db SPLs ( pain threshould ) with 3.5 watts and 93db horns.

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I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.

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I know what you mean it is nice to have the dynamic headroom and I really like how that power and damping factor controls the woofers. The RS6's along with the Krell can play very loud when I am in the mood to rock.

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.

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It is not just the watts, it's the current.

And yes, you are on the right track looking for more to drive the Audience speakers. They will sound so much better with more power.

Yes, 60 will drive them. Yes they will play loud. But they will be completely different animals with a killer amp.

I had a big difference when I switched from my old Hafler to the Stratos. Night and day difference.

And it's not just the power or current it's the quality of that all important first watt.

The Dayens amps have been favorably compared to Pass Labs amps. One reviewer called the Ampino, the Menuetto's little brother, an F5 Lite.

Here's a used Anthem amp-

FS: Anthem Statement A2 Amplifier

and a used AVA Hybrid amp-which is a steal at this price-

FS: Van Alstine Ultra 550+ Power Amplifier - REDUCED AGAIN!!

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Originally Posted by blackraven

Here's a used Anthem amp-

FS: Anthem Statement A2 Amplifier

and a used AVA Hybrid amp-which is a steal at this price-

FS: Van Alstine Ultra 550+ Power Amplifier - REDUCED AGAIN!!

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Thanks BR, but I'm actually looking for an integrated amp. I stopped by my local HiFi shop today and he has the Anthem 225 which sounded excellent driving a pair of Totem Winds. This is the first time I've gotten a chance to hear the Wind. My salesguy put on a jazz sampler and I was sitting down and listening very quickly. He also had an Arcam FMJ A28 that I could take home and keep for a week, but I think I want to take the Anthem home first.