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

Agree with YYZ I would not use the 2.5s in mono, but as I recommended in my post if you use them to vertically biamp your speakers (since they are biwirable) there are many advantages to that over a larger stereo amp.  

Get a second HSU sub no matter what. Get one before making an amp change because two-four subs is where you want to be.

I`ve heard the Revel 208`s many times used with 3 HSU subs.

Running the subs up to 120 Hz is only going to muffle/muddy the bass up.

Use 60-70 Hz and play with Q settings and volume level.

i have just the amp for you in your price range, recently retooled by jeff at conrad johnson, i dont play it anymore because i sold the preamp.  look under audiomart under conrad johnson, but its a mccormack dna 500...... 500w the 2nd best amp ever made.

Buckeye Purifi. Objectively one of the best amps on the market, and without the snake oil markup.

StringAmp d220 power amp ( same designer as for the Gamut d200 versions)

Michael has perfected the design all these years and his amps are built to last a very long time. He told me that the amps are even better sounding now, a lot of great reviews on the old Gamut amps on the net for people to investigate.

Hope to get one myself one day.