Entry-Level Amplifier Options

[JJ]

Just as part of my ongoing research into the next part of possible upgrades, I'm looking primarily at 3-/5-channel amplifiers for my front stage, and was wondering what other manufacturers were out there that provided such amplifiers in the <$1,500 or less range, Class A,B,A/B preferred (suppose I 'could' do Class D), and at least 125w/ch (preferably more though).

((begins to go through all the ones he knows, those being very little))

-Emotiva XPA-3
-Rotel RMB-1075/1095
-Outlaw Model 7500
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(Is also going through Big Daddy's amplifier manufacturer's list)

[naturephoto1]

Hi JJ,

Here are some amps over at Audiogon to look at:

Aragon:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....er---Mint-Cond

Proceed (former lower cost Mark Levinson):

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....iple-monaural-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....AMP-5-reduced!

Sunfire:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....e-Cinema-Grand

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....-200-x-5---NEW

Krell:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....or-4-ch-100w-x

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....5-channel-phot

Rich

[kpkelley]

Also, check any local specialty audio/home theatre shops as they will probably have used equipment available for much less than their orignal retail price.

[JJ]

Ohhhh, Rich, I forgot Sunfire. Those Carver amps are beauts, I think zepherman here has them. Gorgeous, gorgeous.

::continues onward with research::

I forgot how good of a source Audiogon is for this sort of thing.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Ohhhh, Rich, I forgot Sunfire. Those Carver amps are beauts, I think zepherman here has them. Gorgeous, gorgeous.

::continues onward with research::

I forgot how good of a source Audiogon is for this sort of thing.

Hi JJ,

Though they are older and discontinued, I would suggest that you really look closely at and consider the Aragon, Proceed (again these were the less expensive Mark Levinson line), and Krell amps. These amps are real work horses, the makers are/were really best known for their amps, are probably better constructed and it is quite likely that they will sound better than the Sunfire, Emotiva, Outlaw, and even the Rotel amps that you are considering. The 3 manufacturers that I just mentioned have/had been in the high end part of the market for a long time and though these are not the most current of their products, they most certainly should meet your needs.

Rich

[SRTCraig]

I always suggest to shop carefully when it comes to power amps and to also allocate as much $$$ as you possibly can.

IMO a power amp is about the only piece in our Theaters that doesn't have to be replaced (potentially ever). Power will never be obsolete, unlike processors and dvd players.

[SammyG]

Look into Parasound, I prefer them over Rotel. I have an older Rotel 5ch that I used for comparison. There are definitely lots of great amps to choose from on Audiogon!

[JJ]

I will, Craig and Sammy...and Rich. This purchase most likely won't be until September/October (I make purchases either in early Fall or mid-winter) - so I have plenty of time to research. Just trying to get some bearings to go in the right direction!

[mdabb]

What do you want to ultimately achieve in your choice of an amplifier ??? Do you simply wish to add watts (power) and/or alter the the sound you presently have now ???

All amps are going to alter what you have now. Is this a consideration of yours ??? I only ask because I'm sure you want what sounds best to you, at a price you see fit. Sometimes just throwing an amplifier into the mix is not going to in reality be all that much better than what you have now.

All cars can go 60 MPH but not all cars are the same.

[Big Daddy]

JJ,

I am mad at you. You have reserved a spot in the Martin Logan Subwoofer thread, but haven't posted any pictures/comments yet.

[bluseminole]

How bout Bryston?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by bluseminole

How bout Bryston?

They are good amps.

Rich

[Josh]

Since I'm looking for sort of the same thing, let me throw this out there:

I want a 3 channel 100w/ch amp.

Not 5 channels or 7 channels. And not 200w or 250w. Space is at a premium and I need an amp that has overall depth of 16" or less.

Any suggestions?

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Josh

Since I'm looking for sort of the same thing, let me throw this out there:

I want a 3 channel 100w/ch amp.

Not 5 channels or 7 channels. And not 200w or 250w. Space is at a premium and I need an amp that has overall depth of 16" or less.

Any suggestions?

I know you said 3 channel, but here is a 5 channel amp that is only 16 inches deep.

http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/Pro...75&Tab=1&Pic=1

And this one is 15 13/16 deep

http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/Pro...=3&Tab=2&Pic=1

Most others are usually 18 or 19 inches deeper.

EDIT: I almost forgot the cute little Outlaw mono blocks. They are only 11.5 inches deep.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Josh

Since I'm looking for sort of the same thing, let me throw this out there:

I want a 3 channel 100w/ch amp.

Not 5 channels or 7 channels. And not 200w or 250w. Space is at a premium and I need an amp that has overall depth of 16" or less.

Any suggestions?

Though made in 1993, the Acurus amp on Audiogon with an asking price of only $375 (new retail was $949) is quite good. They were the less expensive line made by Mondial Designs, the maker of the more expensive Aragon line (I use their top of the line monoblock amps that have been upgraded [modified]); I have an older Acurus 2 channel amp in storage.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....100w--3ch-powe

Rich

[Josh]

Thanks for the links! I was looking at Acurus, but didn't recognize the name so I moved on. I'll do a little research on that one.

I've been reading good things about NAD, and there is a NAD 916 on Ebay for an okay price. Its six channels driven by three amps that can be easily bridged to about 90w/ch.

There is also a Parasound HCA-855A on Audiogon for not alot of money.

I've been talking to Ben about this stuff, and he warned me about the need to replace capcitors with older amps. Is there any one brand that would serve be better to look at if I'm trying to score an older amp on the cheap?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Josh

Thanks for the links! I was looking at Acurus, but didn't recognize the name so I moved on. I'll do a little research on that one.

I've been reading good things about NAD, and there is a NAD 916 on Ebay for an okay price. Its six channels driven by three amps that can be easily bridged to about 90w/ch.

There is also a Parasound HCA-855A on Audiogon for not alot of money.

I've been talking to Ben about this stuff, and he warned me about the need to replace capcitors with older amps. Is there any one brand that would serve be better to look at if I'm trying to score an older amp on the cheap?

Though I used my Acurus A-250 amp from about 1992 until 2008, I never had any problems with it and never had any repairs on this particular unit. They are fairly rugged and reliable, but I can not say whether the one that I posted has any issues including caps. The seller indicates that the unit looks almost new and sounds great with no issues. He has a very good to excellent rating of 52 positive and 2 neutral sales.

Rich

[bluseminole]

I saw mention of Sunfire here. Does Sunfire have a characteristic "sound", and if so, what is it like? I know Bob Carver has a great reputation. How does Sunfire compare to offerings by Anthem or Rotel? (Yes, I know, I have to hear it for myself. Still...)

Is it safe to assume that Sunfire stuff is mainly for HT use, not music?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by bluseminole

I saw mention of Sunfire here. Does Sunfire have a characteristic "sound", and if so, what is it like? I know Bob Carver has a great reputation. How does Sunfire compare to offerings by Anthem or Rotel? (Yes, I know, I have to hear it for myself. Still...)

Is it safe to assume that Sunfire stuff is mainly for HT use, not music?

I have heard good things about Sunfire, but unfortunately, I have not heard them, the Anthems, of the Rotels to make comments. I have heard at different times, Acurus, Aragon, Proceed, Krell, and a number of tube amps.

Rich

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by bluseminole

I saw mention of Sunfire here. Does Sunfire have a characteristic "sound", and if so, what is it like? I know Bob Carver has a great reputation. How does Sunfire compare to offerings by Anthem or Rotel? (Yes, I know, I have to hear it for myself. Still...)

Is it safe to assume that Sunfire stuff is mainly for HT use, not music?

My buddy here at work listens to a lot of 2channel music and also his system does double-duty for his HT, and he swears by Sunfire. Actually, he was just negotiating with someone today in trying to get another one.