Killer Amps Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mdabb]

Hey people I'm looking at two channel amps for the front L/R channels. Preferably around 400 W's x 2 @ 4 ohms.

Currently I am looking at the GamuT D200, Bryston and Krell. Would anyone else care to add to the list???

I was also checking out Red Dragon Leviathan amps but too bad they are too powerful for my Dali Helicon 800s.

So anyone mind helping me out with some thought. For right now I am only concerned with a two channel amp do to budget allowance at this time. The amp is going to have to blend in with music duty and HT. I have an Onkyo TX -SR875(used as preamp) and also will soon hopefully have a two channel tube preamp for music. My allowance is max 4K. Thank you!!!!!

[Clark Kent]

I know of no amps that have committed murder yet. Seriously I would look at Parasound amps.

[CAB]

Can I ask what you're driving that wants 400W? (corrected typo)

Edit: let me add that the max on on those 800s probably close to or at 400W.

[mdabb]

What do you like about Parasound??? Is this a brand you own or have experience with. Killer is more of a reference to sound just to clarify. Sonically must be beautiful.

Thanks!!!!!!!

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by CAB

Can I ask what you're driving that wants 400 amps?

400 W's = 400 watts

400 amps would be insane

[CAB]

Originally Posted by mdabb

400 W's = 400 watts

400 amps would be insane

sorry, typo.

I ask because I'm driving my Paradigm S8s with a single MC-2102 and I'd crack the foundation if I got serious.

Edit: You've considered the power requirements and conditioning?

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by CAB

sorry, typo.

I ask because I'm driving my Paradigm S8s with a single MC-2102 and I'd crack the foundation if I got serious.

Edit: You've considered the power requirements and conditioning?

Well it's not the extreme amount of power that concerns me but being Dali Helicon speakers are 4 ohm and most amps are 8 ohms.

Since the wattage increases under a 4 ohm load I really want an amp that can deliver an honest 200 or so watts x two without punishing the amp. Just like a high performance car that is capable of going 160 MPH I'll never take it to the max but at least the power is true.

As far as power requirements and such I got it covered. I need some thought on quality amps.

[CAB]

For the return on the $ go aftermarket/gently-used. If you like that kinda juice, maybe something like these MC-402s. They aren't tubes but they are solid state monoblocks and they'll deliver the W you want with the load you require. I'm fond of the tube versions because they are simple and I can test/upgrade on my own and keep spare parts handy.

[mdabb]

Solid-state is fine and is what I intended on getting. The Preamp I want is a tube pre.

Used also fine but must be mint. That is the route I was considering anyways unless I can find a wonderful highend amp brand new for around 4K. Most of the amps I like are $6000 and up brand new so I'm sure I can find them used and in mint condition for much less. Also the fact I live in a horrible location for selection and availability.

I guess I should clarify amount of wattage required. I want to run my speakers efficiently. Right now they are maybe seeing a true 100 watts each and I can tell. Distortion is slightly noticeable at this point and I don't want too ruin my equipment. So a good solid 200 watts x two or so will satisfy me I just want it done with ease and grace. Besides speakers come alive when properly powered.

I will check out your recommendation. How does your amp sound to you? If you had a redo would you?

[CAB]

I don't have any distortion and I'm well inside the power envelope. What are your interconnects and speaker wire?

If I could change something I'd go back to what I had - McIntosh MC-275s bi-amping my S8s. Your speakers support bi-amp'ing. Have you thought of that path and taking it in stages? I do have different requirements as my speakers are 8ohm load.

Add: What amps do you use now?

[red_5ive]

You said you're using the 875 as a preamp. So I'm curious, what are you using now to power those Dali Helicon 800s?

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by CAB

I don't have any distortion and I'm well inside the power envelope. What are your interconnects and speaker wire?

If I could change something I'd go back to what I had - McIntosh MC-275s bi-amping my S8s. Your speakers support bi-amp'ing. Have you thought of that path and taking it in stages? I do have different requirements as my speakers are 8ohm load.

Add: What amps do you use now?

Speaker wire = Canare 4S11 they are a biwire cable but I combined the ends into a one +/- lead. Monster brand analog interconnects. I will worry about the final required analog connections when I complete the setup since most cables are custom length I am not sure exactly what I'll need until I'm done.

As far as bi-wiring the speakers I would have to get external X-overs so I will have to experiment to see if the results are desirable.

As for powering the speakers right now sadly I'm limited to the receiver because I do have an older Carver amp that is going on 20 years old and is not functioning correctly. I have not used it in maybe 10 years and it sat in my closet for that time unused. It is a nice amp (Carver M4.0T) but is showing it's age.

I will be changing the Monster to ???? but haven't decided do to a lot of B.S. and gimmicks that I need to sort through.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

You said you're using the 875 as a preamp. So I'm curious, what are you using now to power those Dali Helicon 800s?

The 875 will be used for a pre for HT duty once I get the a tube pre-amp and Amp/s. I really haven't put much use on them do to the fact it's not what I want for music.

Right now I only have three channels L/C/R and might add 400s for rear channels. Sub still clueless. I kind of have to wait until I find the right deal.

Edit: I should also add that I will be wanting a nice CD/SACD player too...........

[Gremal]

The best decision I made was to go with the VAC Phi integrated amp. I didn't want to worry about matching separates and shelf space, but like you I wanted superior detail, speed, etc. This is the best amp I've ever experienced, by a significant margin. If you can find one, grab it. VAC does offer a Phi power amp, but I wonder if you could find a preamp that would complement it with results as good as the integrated.

[sokrman14]

I would have to go with Anthem Statement series. They should be powerful enough, and sound amazing. They are a paradigm company as well and should pair very well with those speakers

[prerich]

The Pass Labs amps would supply a generous amount of power and are stable into 2 ohm loads. Here's a site that sells new and gentlely used Pass gear with warranties http://www.marksammut.com/List.html The x350 is a stereo amp ($3595.00) right within your budget. Your beautiful Dali's would love this amp. Pass amps are sweet and look gorgeous IMHO.

The Pass amps use Class A power up to a certain point. I love the sound of Class A operation - (I've fallen in love with the Yamaha M-80 all over again and that thing can handle even a 1 ohm load)!

Krell, Bryston are excellent choices that you can't really go wrong with. I would like to add Aragon to the mix also.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Speaker wire = Canare 4S11 they are a biwire cable but I combined the ends into a one +/- lead. Monster brand analog interconnects. I will worry about the final required analog connections when I complete the setup since most cables are custom length I am not sure exactly what I'll need until I'm done.

As far as bi-wiring the speakers I would have to get external X-overs so I will have to experiment to see if the results are desirable.

As for powering the speakers right now sadly I'm limited to the receiver because I do have an older Carver amp that is going on 20 years old and is not functioning correctly. I have not used it in maybe 10 years and it sat in my closet for that time unused. It is a nice amp (Carver M4.0T) but is showing it's age.

I will be changing the Monster to ???? but haven't decided do to a lot of B.S. and gimmicks that I need to sort through.

Whats the problem with the Carver? What needs to be done to repair it?

[RUR]

Here's what's currently up on A-gon which I would recommend to you:

SS
Plinius SA 250 Mk IV - 250W Class A/AB (don't see an SA 103 right now, but that's a fantastic amp in this price range - "only" 125W)
Brystron 14B SST (900W @ 4 ohms, but that's ridiculous overkill)

Tube
Rogue Audio Zeus - 225W ultralinear, probably ~125 when switched to triode. Rogue makes fantastic amps for the money, which is why I own them You could run ultralinear for HT to get the slam, and triode for music.

Others I would look for: Pass Labs X250.5, Boulder (if you can find one at the right price), VAC (ditto).

If it were me looking for SS, I'd search out a Plinius SA 103 or Pass X250.5. Either may be had for $3,000-3,500. Tube-wise, in this price range, it will be hard to beat the Zeus. Don't forget, 200+W Class A SS amps (or the Zeus) will generate lots of heat so proper ventilation will be a must.

[Lucy Diamond]

Does Adcom or Rotel make amps for hometheater???

I've always been happy with them for Stereo and they make Vinyl sound AMAZING.

OH OH OH...The Mesa Tigris!!!

All tube...totally f'n AAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Google it or goto MesaBoogie.com and look at their audiophile line.

Sickest guitar amps on the planet and no doubt a great stereo integrated amp.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by RUR

Here's what's currently up on A-gon which I would recommend to you:

SS
Plinius SA 250 Mk IV - 250W Class A/AB (don't see an SA 103 right now, but that's a fantastic amp in this price range - "only" 125W)
Brystron 14B SST (900W @ 4 ohms, but that's ridiculous overkill)

Tube
Rogue Audio Zeus - 225W ultralinear, probably ~125 when switched to triode. Rogue makes fantastic amps for the money, which is why I own them You could run ultralinear for HT to get the slam, and triode for music.

Others I would look for: Pass Labs X250.5, Boulder (if you can find one at the right price), VAC (ditto).

If it were me looking for SS, I'd search out a Plinius SA 103 or Pass X250.5. Either may be had for $3,000-3,500. Tube-wise, in this price range, it will be hard to beat the Zeus. Don't forget, 200+W Class A SS amps (or the Zeus) will generate lots of heat so proper ventilation will be a must.

Did you see the Pass x350 for $3595.00 that I recommended?