2. amps-preamps
  3. 191434-23267

What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?

I am looking to increase my system power. I currently am using a Bryston 2.5B cubed, which is specified at 135 Watts/CH. I am using Revel f208 speakers crossed over at 120 Hz to a 15" HSU sub. The f208 speakers have 88.5 dB sensitivity (Amir measured 88-89dB SPL at 1W into 8 ohms). I sit about 7.5 feet away from the speakers and listen up to 92 dB SPL, but mostly stay between 80-90 dB SPL at my listenin g location.

I have not had power issues. I've never seen a clipping light. I just want more oomph. I've never had a power amp with more power than the 2.5B cubed.

My budget is about $5K. I have been looking at some used 4b cubed amps.

My preamp is a vintage ML No. 38s. Digital from Bryston BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. Analog using Koetsu RS and Shelter 901 cartridges into an SUT (20x) followed by a very vintage Paragon System E used as a phono preamp (I have fully repaired this preamp, particularly the power supply).

I like the sound of the 2.5B cubed. I had a Cary 120 tube amp for some time, but grew tired of the heat and the continuous maintenance, including the insane prices for tubes. I did not experince that great "tube sound" that others rave about. I sold the Cary and went back to the 2.5B cubed.

Will the 4B cubed disappoint?

What other amps should I consifder, new or used?

Thanks for your help!

 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xkevemaher
ghdprentice
6,957 posts
 

OP,

One caution. Investing in a different amp at roughly the same investment level is likely to be trading one set of strengths and weaknesses for a different set. Unless you have made a big mistake on the overall sound ( like you bought a solid state and really would enjoy a warmer more natural sounding tube amp). In this case a sideways move can be of value.

My rule of thumb to avoid disappointment is to research thoroughly and invest no less than 2x. This will result in a serious improvement in all aspects of sound quality. Unless I can afford the jump, I just enjoy my system until I can.

kevemaher's avatar
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kevemaher OP
86 posts
 

@ditusa Thanks for showing me an alternate path. Could you explain how a second sub improves the imaging and sound stage?

Perhaps I used the wrong word. By "oomph" I meant more power for transients. I wasn't indicating that I needed more bass. I believe I have enough bass.

Oh, by the way, I use REW to calibrate and integrate the components. I aim for 1.5 dB/octave roll-off above 1KHz and 1.5dB rise from 200 Hz to 20Hz. I use a graphic equalizer to achieve an FR that's close to this.

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hk_fan
460 posts
 

Preamp may be holding you back...

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soix
9,456 posts
 

All competently designed (low noise/distortion/output impedance) amps will be indistinguishable.

Well that’s just silly.  BTW, I agree adding a second sub is a good idea. 

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