2. amps-preamps
  3. 1049927368

Amplifier Dilemma

Hey guys I need some advice on which amp to buy.

I plan to spend up to $800, I prefer an integrated amp (which are very few in my price range) but if a raw power amp gives better sound then I will go with a power amp.

My aim is more for sound quality than quantity. The problem with my system is that it is way too dark, its like listening to music with a blanket over the speakers, I am pretty sure is the amplifiers fault. I am thinking of buying one of these:

Aragon 4004 or 8002
Classe CA 101
McCormack DNA 0.5
BELLES 150A HOTROD
Odyssey Stratos
Pathos Classic One
New Conrad Johnson Sonographe SA-250

There are so many to chose from, help me make a decision.
lawbadman
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Describe your other equipment, your speakers and your room - that way someone will have a better base for giving you some help.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
If your virtual system listed is the one you currently use, I would probably suggest a different amplifier and perhaps experiment with speaker placement. That can make a huge difference with maggies, especially distance from the back wall. One integrated I can tell you to stay away from (my opinion only, of course) is the Pathos classic one. It doesn't have enough power to drive your maggies unless you listen at very soft volumes. Second, I don't think it sounds that great. Again, just my opinion. Of the ones you listed above, I would be most tempted to try the Classe. However, if I were going to buy the 101, I would probably wait and save up for the 151. You can never have too much power. Hope this helps.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
My current speaker wires are cheap Acoustic Research. My next move will be some good speaker wires, then a better amplifier.
Before changing any equipment, I'd advise experimenting with cabling in order to find out what your existing setup can really do. Cables can make or break the rig.
Upgrade AC cords, interconnects, speaker cables, & the way that they synergise with your componentry are, I suspect, the remedy for your disatisfaction.
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