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First System Amp . . .

evolving into Second System. My trusty Adcom 545mkII just died. It serviced Energy A5+2 speakers; an Adcom 500mkII serviced it. I won't describe the cdp source (embarassing); a remedy is in the works but not final. So where do I go from here? Any suggestions on a good replacement amp (there are SO many to choose from)? I'm looking for about the same power but perhaps a bit warmer sound. Thanks.
webnick
audioman4
174 posts
 
You probably mean a little more musical..
I have been thru alot of Adcom amps..
545 I and II, 555, 5800...
Liked the 545 the best out of those..
Use all Mirage speakers.. always did..
Bought an Aragon 8002... what an incredible difference!
Anything from the Aragon line is great with mirage, and energy.. same company.
The 8002 or 4004 can be had for 700 or so.
Not bad at all..
There are alot of nice choices..
But I wanted to stress that the Adcom and Aragon are not even in the same league at similar prices...
Same with any of the b and k amps that are newer...
imo, the Aragon is a best bang for the buck..
I now own 5 of them!!
Happy listening,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
My ADCOM 545 from 1989 was decommissioned this past December. I had it paired with an ADCOM 500 II preamp/tuner; SONY SCD 555ES SACD changer; and Acoustic Research 302 Classic Series speakers and was very pleased with the set-up. I replaced it with a Musical Fidelity A3 Integrated Amplifier. The sound is a little more detailed; more musical in a subtle way; and warmer. I can listen for longer periods. The Musical Fidelity took a long time to break in (is probably still breaking in). I am happy with the MF. The other integrated amp that I considered was the LFD Mistral. The deciding factor was the very good deal I received from Upscale Audio.
abex
322 posts
 
LeAmpII's are just coming online!I really look forward to hearing these babies.Everyhting is positive as far as the build and components used.
If they fail in the Mids\Highs to please me I will use them for th Bass in a vertical amping situation.I cannot see they will fail to please.
They are better than the orriginal LeAmps that got luke warm reviews and I see why ,but these dhould shine.
They are capabile of proving double the power with each halving of Impedance.
That in itself is incredible for a $400 set of Monos.

Will post a review after getting them and my new NEAR speakers which shall be the most advanced set of M50's in the world.Really jazzed about that!

BTW-The parts used in the new amps use the same trannies that Mark Levs use.This is a steal of a deal if the sonic attributes are stellar!

My present amp is a modded B&K ST-202 which has been better than any thing I have heard in my area.

Happy hunting!
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