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.

Why buy an integrated? Well, there are a couple of reasons, IMO.

1. Integrateds can cost significantly less that comparable separates, new or used
2. Integrateds will take up less space.

On the downside for a typical audiophile or enthusiast, an integrated offers less upgrade flexibility -- on each occassion that I've bought an integrated I've regretted it and it has ended up costing me as much as separates.


It's fun looking through Audiogon, (say), for integrateds; there are always of few of interest, e.g. these under $1500:

• Krell 400xi
• Krell 300i
• Musical Fidelity M3i
• Marantz AVR8003
• Arcam FMJ A38
• Bel Canto eVo2i -- I used to own one of these: very transparent, a tad cool; this is a bargain price.
• NAD C375BEE -- if you like NAD, ones I've heard sound overly warm in the mid-bass and not especially transparent
• Arcam FMJ A32 -- a good deal cheaper than the A38 above
• Cambridge Audio 840A -- this appeals to me in particular, esp. for the money

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

Well if it is any comfort I love my Dynaudio's with my SS amp and Nuforce Preamp. It seems to have the power to be able to allow theme to breathe and bring out the best in them. I hope it does the trick for you and prove that Tubes don't fix everything and there are speakers out there that sound better without tubes being involved.

If this does not help let me know because your speakers are not all that different from mine.

Thanks Harley. I have a 30 day trial on the amp. I figure that Peabody tried the Zu's, the JBL's and the Canton's before he found the Revels. I looked at reviews of my speakers just on the odd chance that it might give me a clue as to what might work. But as I thought, the reviewers used amps that were out of my league.

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

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Congrats Jack. I hope it all works out for you. That Anthem is a fine amp. That Intergrated amp is loaded! Man...You should be able to run the Jolida through the 225 and still get a little tube warmness with more power....great!

And for the Retail listed price..even at that price it seems like you are getting a deal! Kindly let us know what you think.....Please give brief review.

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

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Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

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I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

Are you giving up on the Jolida? I too have a similar set up to yours and was thinking of going SS from a quality company. I wanted more frequency extension and faster transients. Although I am pleased with my Jolida I have had a reoccuring hum from the preamp tubes that are starting to annoy me.

Can't wait to read what you think of the Anthem and congrats on your new toy!!!! Will you do a comparison with the Anthem and the Jolida?

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Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

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Have you tried the Dynaudio with your Anthem MCA20? If so, do you prefer the sound to the Jolida?

I suspect the Anthem integrated is basically the MCA 20 with a built in preamp...

I'm not familiar with many Anthem power amps, I did hear a multichannel of theirs and it didn't give Paradigm Studios much slam. The kav-300i is alright but it's the least of all the Krell integrated amps. I've yet to hear an entegrated with the brute force krell puts in theirs. With 310 watts though hopefully the Anthem will have the 1.8's dancing.

Enochrome, I haven't given up on the Jolida. I just don't feel I'm getting all the headroom and air that I should be getting, especially on some rock and full orchestral music. I will listen to some of my so called "audition" music on the Jolida before I bring the Anthem into the mix.

Ajani, I didn't try the MCA 20 with the Dyns. The speaker wires coming out of the MCA 20 are set up for bi-wire and the Dyns aren't a bi-wire speaker. I know I could have done it fairly easily, but I just got lazy. I know that's no excuse, it's not like I have anything to do all day.

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

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Originally Posted by texlle

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

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I was gonna ask how that Jolida drove the 42s. As good as they are, there is only so much they can do.

I can tell you that they really perform with both my Stratos or Counterpoint NPS400 via all tube preamp, VAC. But, you are only going to get so much bass out of them.

Definitely worth a shot though, cause I know how good the 42s can sound as mains. Add a little sub and they become very believable.

They make awesome rears, which is what I use them for.

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Originally Posted by texlle

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

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I know several members here have had excellent results with a tube pre and SS amp combo. Now your 42's will be an easier load on the 502 than my 1.8's were. A lot will depend on the type of music that you listen to. On accoustic music, jazz and some classical it will be a great match I would think.