Need amp suggestions for around $3000-3300

[Waxxiemann]

Hi again everyone,

I had a thread a few weeks ago about a Bryston amp that I was looking at getting but I have been looking around more and decided that this may not be the amp for me.

I am looking for a 2 channel amp that has between 200-300 wpc into 8ohm and I want to spend no more than $5000 Canadian (a little less if possible), I think thats about $3000-3300 American.

I don't want to buy off of the internet if at all possible.

I have looked at the Classe CA 201, Bryston 4BSST and the Musical Fidelity A308 (a little pricey)

I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas for amps I should be looking at. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a very modest Paradigm system right now with a Marantz reciever and this is my first plunge into "high fi". From here I plan to get some new mains and work from there. That is why I am looking for a powerful amp. I don't know what kind of speakers I will be upgrading to.

My room is about 30' wide and 18" deep.

Thanks,
Waxx

[topspeed]

Hmmm, if it were me I'd definitely have some idea as to what speakers I was going to get so I could match their demands and characteristics with the amp. For example, Martin Logan makes nice speakers and Krell makes good amps. However, put the two together and it's nails to chalkboard time (at least the ML Odyssey's in the system I heard was). The point is, try to think total system integration. There are soooo many choices in your price range besides the ones you mentioned. Why not add tubes to your list? There's the very well received ARC VS55 and if you can stretch a bit, a pair of ASL Hurricanes ($4K usd) that HP absolutely loved (if that's important to you). Now, say you buy the VS55 but later find out you love the sound of Quad ESL's. Brother, you're screwed and it's audiogon time for the amp.

See what I mean?

[spacedeckman]

Their 250 watt 2 channel amp is nothing shy of incredible. Had one at home, and it got this tube guy excited. I have never had a better solid state amp in my system, and I have had quite a few over the years.

You could spend a lot more money for a lot less amplifier.

[Waxxiemann]

For speakers, I was looking at a pair of the new Paradigm Signature S4s. They have 350 watts long term power handling and are rated at 92db sensitivity. I was also looking at something from the Monitor audio silver series. Somthing along those lines.

As for tubes, I can't be bothered with warm up time and tube biases and maintenence ect. I'm pretty sure I want solid state.

That Parasound A21 is a pretty sweet looking amp. What does it retail for?

[92135011]

I think it retails at about 2k (dont know what type currency)

If you live in canada, A&B sound carry parasound HALO stuff so go check it out.
Although A&B is pretty much a chain store, you can probably talk 20-30% off the sales people there.

Ever think about goin with 2 monoblocks? ...well i guess that might be expensive

[Jetsons]

For amps, I would seriously consider the used market. Audiophiles flip equipment often and you can save a bundle on relatively new gear.

For that kind of cash, you might audition the Pass Labs X-250 (plus everything else under the sun) which is an excellent component and a better match for your Paradigms than Bryston, in my view. They are within your budget second hand. BTW, they run class A so get ready for a boost in your electric bill.

Here's a look at it: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ran&1082887868

Jet

[topspeed]

For speakers, I was looking at a pair of the new Paradigm Signature S4s. They have 350 watts long term power handling and are rated at 92db sensitivity. I was also looking at something from the Monitor audio silver series. Somthing along those lines.

As for tubes, I can't be bothered with warm up time and tube biases and maintenence ect. I'm pretty sure I want solid state.

That Parasound A21 is a pretty sweet looking amp. What does it retail for?

From the Paradigm website regarding the S4:
Sensitivity – Room/Anechoic
91 dB / 88 dB
Suitable Amplifier Power Range
15 – 325 watts
Maximum Input Power†
180 watts

Are we talking about the same speaker?

[Mr Peabody]

Topspeed has a valid point with matching amp & speakers, preamp as well. So should have some direction of where you are going in mind. With that said my first choice would be a Krell amp, I think the KAV 250x2 runs about $4k MSRP. Levinson would be another option but probably out of price range. Bryston would be on my list. Why did you scratch them? The Arcam FMJ series would be in your price and very good. They don't have your high power rating requirement though. However, they have amazing drive. Their 100w FMJ drives my Dynaudio Contour center just fine. I've seen their integrated amps drive Martin Logans easily. Primare is another good amp, I have less experience with them though.

I've heard Parasound was supposed to be a good value. I haven't listen to them personally. I seem to remember the company having some problems awhile back, are they still in business? Under same management?

[No Cacophony Needed]

Contact Klaus Bunge of Odyssey Audio and talk w/him about his Extreme Monos. They're in your price range and supposedly are great amps. Good luck.

[bturk667]

Try McCormack, Marsh Sound Design, Sunfire (by Bob Carver), and Classe.

[E-Stat]

I am looking for a 2 channel amp that has between 200-300 wpc into 8ohm and I want to spend no more than $5000 Canadian (a little less if possible), I think thats about $3000-3300 American.

Here's another vote for RGA's suggestion: begin with the speaker choice first. The amplifier choice is then determined by what is needed to drive them.

rw