2. amps-preamps
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Amp recommendations: Wanted, Bass and Dynamics

I have a Music Hall CD Player running through a Channel Island passive preamp and ultimately out my Spendor FL9's.
Audioquest Diamondback ic's, Wireworld and MIT speaker wire.

Very musical, with extremely natural soundstage, but I'm lacking the dynamics, bass, and bit of articulation I've grown accustomed to in my previous system.

What used amp upto $1500 do you recommend to keep the musicality, but add a lot of punch, bass presence and articulation? Leaning toward a lot of power.

Marsh 400s
Musical Fidelity A3CR
Bel Canto EVO 200.2
PS Audio HCA-2
Krell KSA 150
Monarchy se100 monos
Rega exons

Others??? There are so many options, but I have a limited selection to audition. This is where your opinion comes in. All ideas welcomed.
hmbrewd
mwilson
430 posts
 
The MF A3CR is a great amp, but not a bass monster. I own one, and regardless of how much I love it would suggest something else if you want serious punch. As for the Monarchy amps, they sound lovely, but transformer hum can be very noticeable in these units, regardless of what C.C. claims. I've gone this route as well, and hated to part with them (they really did sound great), but they were just plain noisy.
hmbrewd OP
6 posts
 
I know that passive pre's have a reputation for lack of extremes, but without getting too deep into the philosophies of why on earth we should accept that an active "gain" stage is needed to primarily Reduce the signal, I would like to expect that the source components, amp and speakers should all work together as the cables and preamp become utterly invisible.

The Spendors and Music Hall pieces are smooth and musical. Now I need an amp with enough speed and punch to make them come alive.

I'm coming off of a multi-channel McIntosh to concentrate on my new 2-channel system.

Thanks for the help thus far!
winoguy17
1,189 posts
 
Check out a McCormack DNA
socrates
247 posts
 
Once I finish evaluating the Bel Canto evo200.2 I will be posting my thoughts (a review) of it in a shootout with the PS Audio HCA-2, Musical Fidelity A3cr and the Odyssey Stratos. I heard the Krell at a dealer, but don't feel qualified to involve it in the shootout. I could include a McCormack DNA1 and Classe Audio CA-201 monoblocks as it relates to the other amps above but as well, and aside from making the shootout longer then it is already, I would not doubt be stoned to death for my brutally honest impressions.... :)

If you can wait a week I might be able to help out! Feel free to drop me an email anytime.
imin2u
392 posts
 
I agree with Tok20000; 1) Do not expect low freq control with the Monarchy se100 monos and 2) That the Krell runs too hot.

I disagree with Winoguy17 about the McCormack DNA. I find the sound too similar to the sound of the Marsh 400s. (I just don't like it). You'd be better off with the Musical Fidelity A3CR.

I have owned Bel Canto EVO 200.2's and now have two PS Audio HCA-2's. I needed both Bel Canto's and I find I only need one HCA-2. The most low freq control and non-colouration of sound comes, hands-down, with the PS Audio HCA-2.

I have never heard the Rega exons.
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