Here ya go!
Looking for 200 watt Amp to drive Dynaudio Heritage speakers
Hi Everyone -
BACKGROUND
A few years ago, during Covid and after having worked for so many years without really treating myself to a sound system, I took the plunge and started purchasing audio equipment. Unfortunately, I was a terribly uninformed audio buyer and dove in with some purchases that were not terribly well considered. Oh well.
So here we are today... I have a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers that I was considering selling.
The Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers require power to open up. Driven at 100 watts, they sound a little anemic and the treble dominates at lower levels. So they ended up in the closet for the last year with plans to sell them. In retrospect, the dealer I purchased them suggested a lower wattage amp than was advisable.
For my primary system, I'm now running QLN Prestige Three speakers with a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 EL34 amp, LTA Microzotl preamp, Merason DAC1 and Innuos Zenith. The sound of this system is wonderful - ethereal, nuanced, great soundstage and imaging. Very relaxing combo.
I'm thinking of cycling the Dynaudio into circulation for a few months a year to change things up. I'm looking for a 200 Watt Solid State Amp. But here's the thing, I'm getting older and lugging heavy things around - especially when stairs are part of the equation - is terribly unappealing. 50-55 pounds is pretty much my limit right now.
I had some Pass Labs amps in for home demos and the thing was a back breaker. I think it was 80 pounds or so. My days of pseudo body building are over... so lugging that thing up and down stairs is something I NEVER want to do again.
QUESTION FOR THE FORUM
Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced solid state 200 watt SS amp - no more than 50-55 pounds - that I can use to enjoy these Dynaudio Heritage Speakers? Class AB or Class D, obviously. For weight considerations, I'm really open to a Class D amp, assuming it sounds good.
Budget is $5K or under - new or used.
In terms of what I'm looking for - and given my weight requirements - I'd say the primary thing I'm looking to avoid is overt brightness. Otherwise, I'm pretty open to what suggestions the forum might have. Thanks in advance!
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- 72 posts total
The AVA recommendation above is a good one. I’ll add this AGD Tempo di GaN amp that reportedly captures the majority of their lauded Audion monoblocks in a smaller stereo package and at a significantly lower price. I’d also note it’s upgradeable when a new and improved amp module comes out (and I believe already has been done once) — just unplug the old module and plug in the new and that’s it (pretty cool), and it only weighs 11 pounds. It’s rated at 100Wpc into 8 Ohms but doubles to 200Wpc into 4 Ohms, and GaN amps are generally stable into even 2 Ohm loads so I highly doubt power will be an issue. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb893e-agd-production-tempo-di-gan-solid-state Here’s a review just fyi, and best of luck. https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1221/AGD_Tempo_di_GaN_Stereo_Amplifier_Review.htm |
I know this might not be helpful based on you ask for a 200 watt amp, but I am a Dynaudio HS Special owner and I get terrific sound from them using a Pass XA25. The speakers are a 4 ohm nominal load as you probably know and they are current hungry. The Pass even at 25 watts is a current monster and also doubles down at lower impedances. I also use an LTA microZOTL pre with them. Again, just my mileage with these speakers, but not sure that a wattage number is absolutely going to deliver what you are looking for. |
- 72 posts total