• 11-25-2005, 11:44 AM
    m500
    What Best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00?
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.
  • 11-25-2005, 12:51 PM
    Feanor
    Power amp or Integrated?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.

    We'll need to know this to make recommendations. Presumably you mean solid state vs. tube?
  • 11-25-2005, 01:00 PM
    m500
    Solid state. I don't think there is a tube that fit my budget and specs.
  • 11-25-2005, 03:11 PM
    Pat
    The portal Panache is 100 watts and I've thought about it for myself. If you don't mind used check out www.audiogoncom they have many to look at and may give you some ideas.

    Why would you specify exactly "110watts" and not 100 or 150?
  • 11-25-2005, 03:51 PM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Pat
    The portal Panache is 100 watts and I've thought about it for myself. If you don't mind used check out www.audiogoncom they have many to look at and may give you some ideas.

    Why would you specify exactly "110watts" and not 100 or 150?


    110 watts is just what my Speaker specifically need to drive it, anything over 110watts will do.
  • 11-25-2005, 03:53 PM
    Pat
    ..........so what brand of speakers are they?

    Over at AG there are a few new ones they sell too.....lot's of choices over there. I just find it odd that you think there is a minimum rating that would be required to drive a set of speakers. Now I can understand a person saying he wanted X amount of power just to have that on hand.

    My RF-7's are rated for a lot more than the 120 watts I'm feeding them, I just can't get real, real loud without clipping and distortion setting in.
  • 11-25-2005, 03:59 PM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Pat
    ..........so what brand of speakers are they?

    Over at AG there are a few new ones they sell too.....lot's of choices over there.


    The speaker I have is the MB Quart QLS830. They are rated 4 ohm. The required power is minimum of 110w to drive it.
  • 11-25-2005, 04:13 PM
    Pat
    sure...I've heard of that brand before. Let me know if you would like a Bluebook price on anything, I am a member over at AG and I can access prices.
  • 11-25-2005, 11:46 PM
    psonic
    For under a grand, Jolida and NAD come immediately to mind. Should be able to get these for around $600-800 new if you shop around, both put out well over 100wpc into 4ohm, can drive difficult speakers, and sound great...

    Jolida JD 1501RC hybrid integrated (tube preamp, with 100wpc amp) $750 list
    http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/models/jd1501rc.shtml
    http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/images/JD1501rc_big.jpg

    NAD C372 150wpc (340wpc 4ohm dynamic power) $899 list
    http://www.nadelectronics.com/hifi_a...72_framset.htm
    http://www.hifi.nl/gfx/C372TechHi-12-okt.jpg
  • 11-26-2005, 05:56 AM
    ECMJazz
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.

    I use a Jolida 1501 RC to drive Magnaplane MMGs (4 ohms). This is an awesome combination with plenty of power. The Jolida 1501 is rated at 100w/ch into 8 ohms, 150w/ch into 4 ohms. It has a massive toroidal transformer with plenty of current to drive demanding speakers.. The unit weighs 33 lbs! The Jolida is a hybrid integrated amp with a tubed preamp and MOSFET amplifier section. The advantage is that you can roll tubes to experiment with the sound.

    Recommended!
  • 11-26-2005, 06:12 AM
    Pat
    1 Attachment(s)
    www.audioadvisor.com They have a lot to choose from too. Check out the Parasound A-23...125 watts @ 8 ohms and 200 watts @ 4 ohms. Of course I would like to try tubes and anything like that might be fun.
  • 11-26-2005, 06:23 AM
    Pat
    1 Attachment(s)
    Wally has the previously mentioned Jolida #1501 on sale for $590.00 at www.underwoodhifi.com/specials.html

    This is fun shopping around :D
  • 11-27-2005, 08:32 PM
    m500
    psonic,
    Between the 2 brand which 1 has better reliability and sound quality? I had NAD but Jolida in Silver match well with all my other silver component.
  • 11-27-2005, 08:51 PM
    m500
    ECMJazz,
    How do you like your Jolida 1501 RC?
    How long as it be in operation?
    Pros & Cons?
  • 11-27-2005, 09:01 PM
    m500
    Pat,
    Parasound's spec is awesome but I'm trying to cut down the cost by just buying 1 integrated Amp instead of Pre-amp and an amp. But I'll keep my option open to see if there is a good pre-amp to work with parasound to be under $1000.
  • 11-28-2005, 01:47 AM
    psonic
    They are both powerful but with a slightly different presentation. The Jolida is more musical and liquid while the NAD is a little bit dry, but forceful and in your face, forward presentation that is great with rock or heavier music. Not that the Jolida cannot rock you with bass, it can and will; they just present music slightly different, probably due to the Tube preamp in it. I think the Jolida is the best high power integrated amp under $1000. You would have to be fine with no tone controls, the Jolida, like many HiFi amps, has none. Personally I'd would go with the Jolida as you can change tubes to get different sounds and it costs only $590. These sell used on Audiogon for 500+, so I dont see how you can go wrong. It's a wonderful amp, one of the best I've owned, as stated b4 its 32lbs and all metal, built more like a Musical Fidelity or Audio Refinement than NAD. It comes with an 18 month warranty also.

    Here's the internal's, you can see how beefy everything is -
    http://miarroba.com/foros/ver.php?foroid=357538&temaid=2213209

    a publication review:
    http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...26lr%3Dlang_en
  • 11-28-2005, 05:48 AM
    m500
    psonic,
    I sort of like to be able to keep the bass and treble control but the fact it has Tube pre-amp really send my andrelin pumping. I always wanted to get a Tube component for that added warmth to the sound in vocal.

    Since I'm going to try to route the speaker output into my Sub first and then to the speakers would I really need the bass control as I can tune the by pass and bass volume on my sub?

    Also, I can't find any reference to Jolida amp regarding its power in 4 ohm rating. Its only reference the 8 ohm rating. How do you come up with 200w pwc in 4 ohm? Thanks.
  • 11-28-2005, 01:09 PM
    ECMJazz
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    ECMJazz,
    How do you like your Jolida 1501 RC?
    How long as it be in operation?
    Pros & Cons?


    I love the Jolida! One caveot is that you must replace the stock Chinese tubes with something better. I used Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes. Some like EI tubes, some like the new GrooveTube. I was told by my dealer that the Jolida puts out 150 watts/ch into 4ohms but could find no reference other than that. You could call the Jolida factory and ask. I've only had my 1501RC for a week.

    BTW: There are no tone or balance controls. I ordered my 1501RC with a preamp out, called a "Variable" out (for a subwoofer), and a "Fixed" out. I have no Tape1, Tape 2 loop (don't need). Therefore, I have only 4 "Source" buttons, Tuner, CD, Video, and Aux, one "Standby" button, and a Volume control. There's an on-off switch on the back of the unit.

    One negative is that the plastic remote is cheesey, IMO.
  • 11-28-2005, 01:58 PM
    ECMJazz
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    ECMJazz,
    How do you like your Jolida 1501 RC?
    How long as it be in operation?
    Pros & Cons?


    I want to say one more thing about the configuration if you order. I find a preamp-out to be more usefull than 2 Tape loops, YMMV. If you need a bigger amp in the future, you could always use the Jolida as just a preamp. If you like the tube sound, a tube preamp never goes obsolete, something to think about.

    The presentation is really quite good. Soundstage and imaging is excellent. With the Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes, the highs are a little brighter and more forward than the stock Chinese tubes. I like that! The mid seems smoother and less grainy as well. The bass is really strong and punchy. The vocals are astoundingly real.

    One negative-positive, is that I have detected a little bloom on really strong vibes. I played an ECM recording of Gary Burton, the vibe player. The sound of the vibe notes resonate a long time and decay slowly. With the Jolida, the decay seems to last a really long time which is pleasing. But like I said, there is a little bloom on strong vibe notes that some listeners may not like. This is a characteristic of tubes, though, and may chane as those tubes are broken-in. There may be other blooming on other strong instruments but I haven't detected it yet. Overall, the unit gives the impression that it is well manufactured, heavily constructed and 100w/ch is too conservative.
  • 11-29-2005, 05:37 AM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ECMJazz
    I love the Jolida! One caveot is that you must replace the stock Chinese tubes with something better. I used Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes. Some like EI tubes, some like the new GrooveTube. I was told by my dealer that the Jolida puts out 150 watts/ch into 4ohms but could find no reference other than that. You could call the Jolida factory and ask. I've only had my 1501RC for a week.

    BTW: There are no tone or balance controls. I ordered my 1501RC with a preamp out, called a "Variable" out (for a subwoofer), and a "Fixed" out. I have no Tape1, Tape 2 loop (don't need). Therefore, I have only 4 "Source" buttons, Tuner, CD, Video, and Aux, one "Standby" button, and a Volume control. There's an on-off switch on the back of the unit.

    One negative is that the plastic remote is cheesey, IMO.


    I'm a bit confused here. Are you implying that 1501RC can be custom configure when I order them from JOLIDA direct?
  • 11-29-2005, 05:39 AM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ECMJazz
    I want to say one more thing about the configuration if you order. I find a preamp-out to be more usefull than 2 Tape loops, YMMV. If you need a bigger amp in the future, you could always use the Jolida as just a preamp. If you like the tube sound, a tube preamp never goes obsolete, something to think about.

    The presentation is really quite good. Soundstage and imaging is excellent. With the Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes, the highs are a little brighter and more forward than the stock Chinese tubes. I like that! The mid seems smoother and less grainy as well. The bass is really strong and punchy. The vocals are astoundingly real.

    One negative-positive, is that I have detected a little bloom on really strong vibes. I played an ECM recording of Gary Burton, the vibe player. The sound of the vibe notes resonate a long time and decay slowly. With the Jolida, the decay seems to last a really long time which is pleasing. But like I said, there is a little bloom on strong vibe notes that some listeners may not like. This is a characteristic of tubes, though, and may chane as those tubes are broken-in. There may be other blooming on other strong instruments but I haven't detected it yet. Overall, the unit gives the impression that it is well manufactured, heavily constructed and 100w/ch is too conservative.


    How hard is it to change out the tube? and how much it'll cost? I never own a tube product before, so I'm very curious to find out before I make any decision.
  • 11-29-2005, 07:55 AM
    ECMJazz
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    I'm a bit confused here. Are you implying that 1501RC can be custom configure when I order them from JOLIDA direct?


    Interesting question! It depends on the dealer, I think. I ordered from Underwood HiFi. Underwoodwally said the 1501RC comes with a subout. He didn't elaborate. When I recieved the unit, it came with 4 inputs, Tuner, CD, Video and Aux, plus a "Variable" and "Fixed" preamp out.

    The cheaper unit is the 1501A, which is not the remote controled version, can be ordered with a preamp out for and additional $100, which brings it to the same price as the 1501RC. Normally, the 1501A comes with the 4 inputs, plus 2 tape loops, Tape1 and Tape2 but no preamp out.

    I placed my order with Underwood HiFi but unit was shipped from DIRECTLY from the Jolida factory direct to me.
  • 11-29-2005, 08:04 AM
    ECMJazz
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    How hard is it to change out the tube? and how much it'll cost? I never own a tube product before, so I'm very curious to find out before I make any decision.

    It's easy to change tubes. Open the case by unscrewing 7 screws, twist and push each of the 2 tube shields, and gently rock out the old tubes. Line up the pins on the new tubes with the sockets and gently rock-in the new tubes.

    New tubes currently manufactured sell from $6 ea to $20 ea. I bought 4 Sovtek 12AX7LPS on ebay for $25 includ. shipping. These are better than the stock Chinese tubes.

    New old stock tubes (NOS) are collector items and can be very expensive, up to $100 or more. These are tubes manufactured in the '50's, '60's etc that were never used, "new". Only serious tube heads shell out big bucks for NOS tubes.

    Good luck!
  • 12-02-2005, 09:59 AM
    jygeqq
    buy a used Acurus A250
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.

    400 watts per/channel @4 ohms, Built like a battleship. Sounds amazing
  • 12-02-2005, 11:51 AM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jygeqq
    400 watts per/channel @4 ohms, Built like a battleship. Sounds amazing


    Got a URL for it? I like to check it out, thanks.
  • 12-02-2005, 12:24 PM
    BRANDONH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.

    I have heard good things about Arcam

    single channel 4Ω, 1khz 140w

    http://store.acousticsounds.com/imag...1JPG/S-P80.jpg

    LARGE

    SPECIFICATIONS
    $899.00
    BROCHURE
  • 12-02-2005, 09:47 PM
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Pat
    www.audioadvisor.com They have a lot to choose from too. Check out the Parasound A-23...125 watts @ 8 ohms and 200 watts @ 4 ohms. Of course I would like to try tubes and anything like that might be fun.

    FYI: GG is blowing these out (open box) for $425.

    Speaking of the MB Quart QLS830, that's the same speaker I have. I am currently driving them with a PS Audio HCA-2, but I have to say that they are really power-hungry speakers. I had a B&K ref3220 that was a better match to my ears. It was rated at 325 watts into 4 ohms and really made the Quarts come alive. If you have the time, see if you can find a B&K amp second hand. They are built like tanks and really don't shy away from difficult loads such as what the Quarts are asking for. The PS Audio is good too, but not like the B&K ref line.
  • 12-04-2005, 12:05 AM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by nightflier
    FYI: GG is blowing these out (open box) for $425.

    Speaking of the MB Quart QLS830, that's the same speaker I have. I am currently driving them with a PS Audio HCA-2, but I have to say that they are really power-hungry speakers. I had a B&K ref3220 that was a better match to my ears. It was rated at 325 watts into 4 ohms and really made the Quarts come alive. If you have the time, see if you can find a B&K amp second hand. They are built like tanks and really don't shy away from difficult loads such as what the Quarts are asking for. The PS Audio is good too, but not like the B&K ref line.


    Are you referring to GoodGuys? Which location? Thanks.
  • 12-05-2005, 01:45 PM
    BRANDONH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    Are you referring to GoodGuys? Which location? Thanks.

    I just looked up good Guys and they are closing all their stores in California:
    http://www.goodguys.com/default.htm
    List of stores:
    http://www.goodguys.com/canv.htm

    What did you think or the Arcam?
    Are your speakers bi-ampable?
    notice thet the Arcam is set up for bi-amping.
  • 12-05-2005, 05:38 PM
    The Grudge
    What is your listening style? Do you like to drive the speakers or are you more likely to chill and listen to refined detail? What about the styles of music you listen to, is there one or a few styles you listen to more often? How about the accoustics of the room itself, does it dampen bass or create boom areas where your speakers will be?

    I would think these are important things to decide on so that you can select the amp most likely to match your listening style?

    :)
  • 12-09-2005, 06:51 AM
    m500
    I listen to variety of musics but mostly Rock, R&B, Pop and vocals.



    Quote:

    Originally Posted by The Grudge
    What is your listening style? Do you like to drive the speakers or are you more likely to chill and listen to refined detail? What about the styles of music you listen to, is there one or a few styles you listen to more often? How about the accoustics of the room itself, does it dampen bass or create boom areas where your speakers will be?

    I would think these are important things to decide on so that you can select the amp most likely to match your listening style?

    :)

  • 12-22-2005, 07:03 AM
    46minaudio
    How about this one for $449 new.
  • 12-22-2005, 08:19 AM
    BRANDONH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 46minaudio

    The crown Ce1000 is a great unit but I think he would want one with RCA input jacks plus the fan on that unit can be a bit noisy for home environment.
    The Behringer A500 Reference Power Amp offers RCA input jacks and has 230 watts RMS @ 4 ohms stereo.
    and it is convection cooled so there will be no fan noise

    http://www.partsexpress.com/images/248-749m.jpg
    LARGE FRONT VIEW
    LARGE REAR VIEW

    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=248-749
    and for 179.99 is not a bad price.
    I like and use pro grade audio myself but do not think these audiophiles will even think of using pro equipment over audiophile grade.
  • 12-22-2005, 12:13 PM
    m500
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BRANDONH
    The crown Ce1000 is a great unit but I think he would want one with RCA input jacks plus the fan on that unit can be a bit noisy for home environment.
    The Behringer A500 Reference Power Amp offers RCA input jacks and has 230 watts RMS @ 4 ohms stereo.
    and it is convection cooled so there will be no fan noise

    http://www.partsexpress.com/images/248-749m.jpg
    LARGE FRONT VIEW
    LARGE REAR VIEW

    http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=248-749
    and for 179.99 is not a bad price.
    I like and use pro grade audio myself but do not think these audiophiles will even think of using pro equipment over audiophile grade.


    BRANDONH, the price is awesome but I need to find out hows the sound quality of it compare to NAD. Would this be a down grade in sound quality for power? Anyone used this unit, please provide comments, thank you.
  • 12-22-2005, 12:46 PM
    BRANDONH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    BRANDONH, the price is awesome but I need to find out hows the sound quality of it compare to NAD. Would this be a down grade in sound quality for power? Anyone used this unit, please provide comments, thank you.

    I do not think you will suffer any degradation in sound quality.
    I think you will be plesently satisfied with the sound.
    This is a studio reference quality amp. And studio amps add little to no coloration to the music.
    Thats why its called an ultra-linear power amplifier.
    you can down load the pdf manual here:
    http://www.behringerdownload.de/A500/A500_ENG_Rev_A.pdf

    here is their web site:
    http://www.behringer.com/A500/index.cfm?lang=ENG

    And parts express offers a 45 day money back guarantee if you do not like it send it back:

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Parts Express
    If for any reason you decide the part does not suit your application or just isn’t for you, simply return it in new, resalable condition within 45 days of the invoice date, postage paid, and we will immediately issue a credit or refund, whichever YOU prefer. Please read all Return FAQ's before returning products.

  • 12-22-2005, 04:56 PM
    Feanor
    Interesting: pro amps
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by BRANDONH
    The crown Ce1000 is a great unit but I think he would want one with RCA input jacks plus the fan on that unit can be a bit noisy for home environment.
    The Behringer A500 Reference Power Amp offers RCA input jacks and has 230 watts RMS @ 4 ohms stereo and it is convection cooled so there will be no fan noise
    ....
    I like and use pro grade audio myself but do not think these audiophiles will even think of using pro equipment over audiophile grade.

    I don't have personal experience with them, but I have little doubt that the better brands are at least the equal of entry level models from NAD, Rotel, Adcom, etc.. However they don't have enough snob appeal for high-end audiophiles!

    These types will tend to same that pro amps are solid state-sounding, (i.e. grainy or sharp), or don't have enough resolution, or don't have good dynamics despite very high power ratings. But I'm skeptical that the better pro amps have these problems in any significant degree.

    Nevertheless I'd be inclined to go with the Crown over the Behringer based on the formers long-established reputation. The lack of RCA inputs isn't a serious issue since there are XLR-RCA adaptors as well as hybrid cables. For these items, check out Markertek ...
  • 02-08-2006, 10:25 AM
    BRANDONH
    If your still interested
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by m500
    What's the best 4 ohm rated amp capable of 110 wpc Continuous Power for less then $1000.00? I don't believe I come across one yet. Anyone has any suggestion? I want one that is specifically rate to drive 4 ohm speaker not capable of, thanks.

    This is a serious amp and for a good price I have two of them but before I had two I had one and you will not believe the sound this amp will produce.:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/QSC-SRA-3622-STU...QQcmdZViewItem


    http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/0e/bb/46_1.JPG