What amp for Epos M12.2s (8Ohm) monitors?
I'm joyfully assembling my first quality stereo system. Please excuse "newbie" question.
I had decided to get the Epos M5 speakers and possibly match them up with a Cambridge Audio 640A or 540A amp, based on great reviews for that combination.
But, I found and bought a pair of Epos M12.2s at a great price that I couldn't resist. Figured that the speaker which retails for $895 can only be better than the speaker which retails for $650.
The M12.2s specs (below) are different than those of the M5s, which are a '4Ohm' speaker.
Power Handling 120 Watt Max
Frequency Response 58 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance 8 Ohm nominal
Sensitivity 87dB/1W/1m
Amplifier Compatibility 50 - 150 Watt
(also listed as 25-150 Watts on the epos website)
So, would a CA 640A or 540A amp match up well with the 12.2s as well?
What alternatives may be better? As I said, I am new to this.
The 640A specs are:
Power Output: 65 watts into 8ohms
100 watts into 4ohms
Input Impedance: 47k ohms
Loudspeaker Impedance: 4ohms to 8ohms
The 540A specs are:
Power Output: 50 watts into 8ohms
80 watts into 4ohms
Input Impedance: 47k ohms
Loudspeaker Impedance: 4ohms to 8ohms
Budget in the $400-600 range, new or used. Simple is good. Don't necessarily need a remote. Ah, and it needs to have a phono stage. I picked up a Music Hall MMF-5 turntable, have a nice old analog NAD tuner, and will add some sort of CD player.
My listening preference is for detail, clarity, the elusive "warmth," with taste ranging from Neil Young's solos on the "Dead Man" soundtrack, through War's rhythms on "Life is a Ghetto," to modern electronic bliss, "Brazilian Girls," or "LCD Soundsystem." This is in a high-ceiling, hardwood floor apartment living room. I don't need the amp to be able to knock the windows out.
Thanks in advance -
Congrats on upgrading your system!
Quote:
Originally Posted by telescorpio
I'm joyfully assembling my first quality stereo system. Please excuse "newbie" question.
I had decided to get the Epos M5 speakers and possibly match them up with a Cambridge Audio 640A or 540A amp, based on great reviews for that combination.
But, I found and bought a pair of Epos M12.2s at a great price that I couldn't resist. Figured that the speaker which retails for $895 can only be better than the speaker which retails for $650.
Thanks in advance -
I've just recently heard these speakers, and was impressed. If you've saved yourself some coin on the speakers, then I would suggest investing it right back into a quality amp. Several Audioreview members use CA amps, and I'm sure you can get a testimonial for their quality. If it was me, I would go for the higher powred model, espeacially if it's not a budget breaker. The used market is also pretty good for SS amps, as they rarely break, and a lot of audiophiles are always flipping gear. Try Audiogon.com.
Good luck with whatever you get!