Consider a Modwright 150SE, a very great sounding amp with some warmth and plenty of power to drive, most, speakers loads, without any strain.
Stereo power amp for $10k
Please help choosing a good stereo power amp to put between Marantz AV7702 and Morel Sopran speakers (4 ohm, sensitivity 91.5dB, nominal power 250W).
Main criteria: good audio quality, warm & deep sound, listening mostly to instrumental music and vocal in low-mid volume.
So far shortlisted to three options, all around $10k:
1) Pass Labs - either X150.8 or X250.8
2) Krell Duo 175 or 300
3) Burmester 956 mkII
Which one of the three would you recommend? Anything better with similar spec and in the same price range?
Thanks.
Main criteria: good audio quality, warm & deep sound, listening mostly to instrumental music and vocal in low-mid volume.
So far shortlisted to three options, all around $10k:
1) Pass Labs - either X150.8 or X250.8
2) Krell Duo 175 or 300
3) Burmester 956 mkII
Which one of the three would you recommend? Anything better with similar spec and in the same price range?
Thanks.
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- 22 posts total
There is one thing you need to be aware of. I have done thousend of tets in audio. In the past we connected many poweramps to Marantz, Denon, Rotel, NAD, Cambridge, Arcam receivers. But all these brands gave a 2 dimensional image because the stage of a pre amp creates the new outcomming stage. So connecting an amps which can create a deep and wide stage only keep their stage when the pre amp is also capable of giving a deep and wide stage. Even when a Pass Labs can create a lot of dept and width, cause of the Marantz the stage will be still 2 dimensional. When your speakers are easy to drive even a 30.8 can drive them. But the limitation of the set will be the Marantz. This mistake is made by many people who have audio as a hobby. The backside is that you cannot get the full potential out of the Pass even when you still use the Marantz as a pre amp> |
Raraavis, if buying new in your price range, i'd 2nd the lovely Modwright KWA-150SE, but if you're also prepared to consider good recent 2nd hand examples, there is a Vitus RI-100 in very good shape here on the 'Gon asking $7k. The RI-100 can be used as an integrated amp with 2 channel, or you can bypass the preamp section and use it as a power amp. You can also add a phono card & dac card later is you need those options. Australian Hifi Magazine wrote a fairly thorough review with labs testing last year. That said, if you only need a power amp, the Pass XA.8 series is very good as well, so it's a matter of taste. |
- 22 posts total