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B&k 200.2 , audio research 100.2 . Parasound a21 . Which one to buy?

I have a Marantz 7702mkii as a pre pro and want to get a two channel amp to drive my monitor audio silver 8 's . The B&k is the most affordable , but I am intrigued by the a21 and audio research 100.2 .Which one would best match up to my speakers , and if neither which route would you go ?
nesto719
nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
I really want that tube sound without having to go tubes , so sounds like the 100.2 wins over vs the parasound a21 . The intergrated halo interested me because I like the sabre Dac and always thought  that a intergrated would be better than using a AV prepro for music 
adg101
1,063 posts
 

The 100.2 isn't real tubey or do I think it will fool you being a tube amp but it doesn't sound like a lot of SS amps either; it has no edge to it. A lot of tube amps are starting to sound more like SS amps these days so maybe it is somewhat accurate to say it sounds like a very neutral tube amp.

I took home an ARC hybrid HD220 that I compared my 100.2 to and that amp retailed for around $9K! Maybe I can't hear but I preferred the 100.2. The HD220 was lifeless to me and didn't have the magic the 100.2 has. Be surprised if anyone on this site who has or has owned a 100.2 thinks that amp isn't a really nice amp. Yes the HD220 went back to the dealer and I eventually ended up with a Pass. I have owned tubes and still enjoy tube amps but I don't want to deal with the cost and maintenance of them. Tube preamps are a different story; tube life is much longer and cheaper to re-tube.

nesto719 OP
77 posts
 
Well I must ask,  is the 100.2 really worth 1700 ? Does it help make non cd music sound decent still or is it strictly an amp for high quality sources? I guess I'm stuck over the more is better mentality, with wanting a higher powered amp , thinking it will do a better job than a 100 watt amp. I really wish I could demo the amps I'm interested in instead of having to buy something , while crossing my fingers hoping that's it's the real deal !!
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