Guys, remember he’s looking for to keep it under $2500. You aren’t going to find any of the newer (past 5 or so years) Pass Labs or Mark Levinson stuff for that price even on the used market. You can, however, find Nelson Pass designed First Watt amplifiers (his other amp company) used in that price range. For under $2500 I think your best amp options would be a used First Watt J2 or Parasound Halo A21. The J2 if you have efficient speakers (think >86dB) and the A21 if you don’t as it will have more output. The A21 stays in class A for the first 7.5 watts per channel and then goes to A/B up to 250wpc, but the J2 is pure class A putting out 25 watts per channel but that’s it so you can see why having efficient speakers with the J2 is key. The J2 will sound better, but the A21 is no slouch either.
Pass Labs vs Mark Levinson vs Parasound - best 2 channel amp used under $2,500?
I am in the market to to replace my dead Chapter Two ss amp. My system includes a SAS Audio tube preamp, Metronome tube CD player, Oppo Blue Ray, Talon Raven C speakers, Saturn dual 12" sub, Integra AV processor, Eastern Electric tube phono stage, and several turntables. The new amp will power the front channels (Talons) for HT and also for dedicated 2 channel listening. I haven't figured out how to run both preamps yet so likely the amp will reside in my HT system and when I want to platy records I'll have to switch cabling.
I would prefer an A/B amp over class D with at least 100 wpc. My last amp provided 300 wpc.
I listen mainly to jazz and vintage rock. My listening room is roughly 25' x 35' x 12' with rudimentary acoustical tweaks (will work on refining). I want a grain-free, natural sound with a deep soundstage. I am open to any amp but want to stay with established brands, as i have in the past purchased off brands that have performed well but don't hold their value or can't be repaired (like the Chapter Two).
I will eventually replace the preamp/processor and would love opinion son an appropriate pairing with the amp you suggest.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I would prefer an A/B amp over class D with at least 100 wpc. My last amp provided 300 wpc.
I listen mainly to jazz and vintage rock. My listening room is roughly 25' x 35' x 12' with rudimentary acoustical tweaks (will work on refining). I want a grain-free, natural sound with a deep soundstage. I am open to any amp but want to stay with established brands, as i have in the past purchased off brands that have performed well but don't hold their value or can't be repaired (like the Chapter Two).
I will eventually replace the preamp/processor and would love opinion son an appropriate pairing with the amp you suggest.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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- 37 posts total
Have you considered the Son of Ampzilla MK 2 by Spread Spectrum Technologies? Here is a listing from Underwood (whom I have no connection with). Very close to your budget new. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9068d-spread-spectrum-technologies-son-of-ampzilla-mk2-220wpc-b... |
I’ll 3rd the Bryston. You can pick up a used 4BSST for around $2,000.00 or a 4BSST2 for around $2,500.00. If you can find used from a dealer, either would still have the remainder of it’s 20 year warranty. Not only are the Brystons incredible sounding amps, that have no problem driving difficult loads, there is a reason Bryston can put a 20 year warranty on their products - they are very reliable and well built. I had a 10 year old Bryston 3B, that started having a problem with the switch. I sent it in for repairs and about 10 days later I received it back with a new switch installed, along with a few other internal parts upgraded, re-biased and brought back to new spec - all at no cost, except shipping. By comparison, I had a 3 year old Krell that had the rt. channel go out; when I called the service dept. at Krell, they said that they no longer serviced that model (I was not asking for warranty, just to get it fixed) as it was being replaced with a new model, but they would be most happy to sell me the new model for a mere $6,500.00 - how good of them. Both Pass and Parasound are very good amps, but, for the money, you would never be disappointed with the sound, performance or reliability of a Bryston. JMO...Jim |
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