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Subwoofer Amp Recommendations

I've added a stereo pair of VBT Magellan passive subs (fantastic, BTW)to my 2-channel system. VBT recommends using their 200S amp, which I have---and it is good---and I could get another for stereo, but as I'm using a Tact 2.2x, I don't need the crossover/volume functions in their amp, and would rather not have to put the signal through another set of electronics.

My considerations have ranged from the new Carver Pro amps (but I'm not happy about their connections as I'd need new cables or adapters) to used Adcoms/NADs/Aragons. I've also considered PS Audio and Sunfire, but not sure if I need to spend that much just for a bass amp.

A friend suggested the new Panasonic 45 digital receiver which takes a digital input (saving me the expense of a DAC, but I already have an extra anyway).

Your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.
richards
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I don't understand why a Carver amp would be a problem with connections. Pls explain details.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I'm using one channel of an older 250wpc Bryston 4B to drive my 12" NHT subwoofer and it's much better than the NHT SA-3 amp/crossover made for it.

If your amp is like the Carver Pro PM700/1200 which use XLR and 1/4" TRS input jacks for PA and guitar set ups and you only have RCA cables, you could get XLR to RCA adapters for it and avoid buying new cables.

Something like the NAD 208 might good as well.
kana813
956 posts
 
The Crown CT series are great subwoofer amps.
ritteri
223 posts
 
If Aragon is in your list, dont even consider the others, I feel Carver and NAD are poor choices to even consider. Aragons are truely flat to 5hz with a great damping factor and excellent slew rate. Their design is also top notch and they are also a great amp to upgrade internally too if you ever felt the need. 8008BB or Palladium's would be the top 2 choices, both are balanced designs and accept xlr inputs. Palladium's are incredible amplifiers and excellent bass module amps being fully stable at any impedance load. And they actually put out more than their conservatively rated power fullbandwidth, both channels driven with very low THD and TIM.
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