2. amps-preamps
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So, again, a question concerning amps.

I may be young. I may not have $25000 invested in my system. But why is it that no one on this forum ever answers my questions. Ever. I feel totally ignored. It really is a downer, considering how much people seem to post about everything else and everyone else.
I have Infinity Kappa 600s and 400s, front and rear, respectively. THese are 6-ohm, biwireable speakers. My center is a slightly older and less fancy Entra by Infinity. Soon will be upgrading to a Martin Logan Cinema.
Am looking at amplifiers. WIll be using a Harman/Kardon AVR 430 as a processor.
Have quality power delivery and cabling. Am very serious about this whole thing.
Since I have only one room right now, I am concerned with Home Theater as well as peerless musical performance.
I have been looking at amplifiers from Sunfire, Aragon, B&K, Parasound, older Classe, Older Krells, etc.
What do you people think? Comments on amp performance? Negatives? Positives? Etc?
I do not have a dealer for any of these folks around.

HELP!
breitlingdj
lazarus28
339 posts
 
i wholeheartedly disagree with atmasphere, btw. getting tubes (depending on amp design) will likely make things sound more lush, but at the sacrifice of control and weight in the bottom end, which isn't what you want if using it for HT as well.

lets not make this into a tubes vs. transistors thread. both tubes and transistors have the potential to be top of the audio heap, depending on the implementation of the technology.
panny
99 posts
 
I would get rid of the HK Processor myself.

Look at Anthem as another option. Read users opinions at Audioreview.com and pay particulair attention to experienced users comments for your speaker to see what is said to work best. Then read reviews of your speakers to see what they used successfully. If the gear they used is to much $$ maybe there is a similar model for less in their line of amps.

I am using a Panasonic Digi Receiver at the moment for HT, but want something to use for reference 2 channel system.

Good luck ,as there is no simple answer to anything in audio because everyones taste is different.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,784 posts
 
Hi Lazarus28, I agree that both technologies have the *potential*, so far I have yet to hear a transistor amplifier that has been convincing to me. I've played string bass since 7th grade, even played with the Minnesota Orchestra, so I feel like I have been a bit difficult to convice when it comes to audio reproducers.

I would love it if a transistor amp would do the job for me! It hasn't happened, which is why I make amps. I find that, even on a budget, a used Stereo 70 or such can be much more convincing overall then transistors. That same budget usually does not allow for full bandwidth speakers either, so the deep bass issue is moot. However, I know of a few tube amps that are unchallenged by the best of transistors in that department...

So, not a tube vs transistor deal, just my 2 cents.
tomryan
796 posts
 
I also am a tube-aholic and the last S.S. amp I heard that was nice was a $5,000.00 25wt Accuphase. I haven't used solid state for amplification for over 18 years but have used four in my side DJ job (Muse, Supraphon, & Hafler). I've put them into my home system a few times for fun, quickly lost interest in music - now use SETs.

However, I've heard from reliable sources that McCormack amps are voiced to immitate tubes. Many people like them, maybe partially for that reason. If you want to stick with S.S., try McCormack. I've heard a number of older (5 yrs and back) Krell amps and never heard one that sounded like music. Damn impressive looking, though.
breitlingdj OP
23 posts
 
Well..
Been away from my computer all weekend.
I apologize.

Well, as far as the "peerless performance," that is, of course, relative! I just want the best I can find for the cash.

I know the h/k is pretty weak as far as processing goes, but she works, and I can build up the system before i put the finishing touch on it - a great processor.

I have looked at various amps here, and would like to find a good 5-ch Theta Dreadnaught I or Theta Intrepid, maybe, but really, i'm mostly limited by my budget. I will most likely get what I can find for my money at the time.

Love tube amps, absolutely, but am reserving space in a future dedicated 2-channel system.

Thanks all! McCormack seems to be pretty good too. Will study more!

Cheers.

JonB
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