2. amps-preamps
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Is there a better amp than this...

Aerial 10T's, Citation 7.1, a 4 channel 150 x 4 @8 ohm, or 210 x 4 @4 ohm loads. High current amp, this workhorse kicks the Aerial 10T's into gear. Now, what makes this amp, IMHO, the best amp for the dollar is because it is 4 channel and allows a pair of speakers to be BIAMPED! This is a Madrigal product and the sound is VERY warm, much more musical than I ever gave it credit for. Granted, the 10T's aren't bad on their own, preamp is a Theta Casablanca, the source is the EAD TheaterVision (sorry CD owners, I know..)
with Tara labs all around. The amp at one point listed at $2,800, but was being sold on UBID for somewhere in the $1,000 range. Now, those "B" stock items are being sold for $1,095 elsewhere, but the real deal is a preowned "A" stock, roughly $850!

The challenge:

Can anyone identify a better valued amp that can push low impedance speakers at very loud levels with midrange warmth as well as bottom end slam for roughly $850?

Thanks, and look forward to your responses!

Dan
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beemer
444 posts
 
Read and weep, here's a recipe for 10t satisfaction:

BAT VK50SE preamp

Sony SCD777ES SACD player
Sonic Frontiers SFD2MKII tube dac

or swap in

BAT VKD5SE tube CD player

Levinson 33H monos

Nordost Quattro fil SE from Sony to BAT (w/adaptors)
Transparent Reference Balanced from VKD5SE to VK50SE
Transparent Reference Balanced from SFD2MKII to VK50SE
Transparent Reference Balanced from VK50SE to 33H
Transparent Reference from 33H to 10t.

Your cabling choices may differ, however it'll take you many thousands more to put up something that will sound noticeably better than the above. It took me 2 1/2 years to get the synergy. Read and weep, or read and learn, your choice!
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porschecab OP
336 posts
 
Gracie Beemer, gracie.

In no way, shape, or form am I saying the 7.1 is the best amp on the market, but feel it compares to amps MANY times its price. I have owner the 335, CA-400, BAT VK-500, VK-1000, McIntosh MC-1000 and one amp that I think sounds better than ALL is the Plinius 250IV. IMO, this is THE SS amp to have.

Any chance you have given this a chance? Your thoughts?

D
beemer
444 posts
 
Ahh, the Plinius! I've had it here for a short audition.
It did not unset the 33H's, however a great amp regardless.
Another I did not mention but feel is world class is the Gamut D200. This did not have enough control over the 10t woofers (not enough current) however did a rather splendid job of mid/high end. I only had one, I wonder how a biamp of Gamuts would do.

beemer!
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porschecab OP
336 posts
 
Beemer,

I love your experiences!! What does the 33Hs sell for in the preowned market? Also, any chance you have experience with the Classe CA-400 driving the 10Ts?

Dan
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