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Time for a new 2 channel amplifier - looking for suggestions

I’m currently running a pair of restored Klipsch Chorus II speakers on a Rotel RB-1080. I loved this amp when it was connected to my Vandersteen 2CE sigs, but it’s never felt right with the Chorus II’s. My plan is to move the Rotel back to the setup with my Vandersteens, so I need something for the Chorus II’s.

I’m not interested in going with tubes. I just want to throw that out there since it’s a common suggestion for these speakers. I’d like to stay around $1000, and I’m not against buying used. I’d like something around 100 watts/channel. I do play my Chorus II’s loud from time to time.

A couple things I’m currently considering.

1) Restored vintage Yamaha B-2 VFET amplifier
2) Parasound Halo A23
3) ??
4) ???

Thoughts on the above or alternate suggestions?



mustangjeff
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
425 posts
 
My parasound Halo 21 is a GREAT amplifier. I've been looking to get my system down to a bare bones but maximum bang for the buck system. The Parasound fills the spot for amplification. Used they go for maybe $1500.00 Does the smaller unit sound similar? Look into one. No hype; just good electronics by John Curl. Good luck. Joe
mr_hosehead
210 posts
 
I second/third/whatever what yogiboy said above.  I'd stumbled onto a Khartago deal years back and even today am still so pleasantly surprised with what it does and does for the price.  New or used it's a darned good bit of bang for the buck - highly recommended!
mustangjeff OP
30 posts
 
Great suggestions everyone.  I've crossed the Yamaha off my list.  As appealing as those sexy VU meters and the vintage/rarity factor, that thing is one mishap from being a door stop.
bondmanp
1,816 posts
 
I second the Khartago by Odyssey Audio. My Stratos HT3 (with cap upgrade) is now almost 10 years old. Every time I read about a hot new amp, I think about it for about 5 seconds, then conclude that I could not improve on the Odyssey amp without spending silly money.  FWIW, I compared the Stratos HT3 to AVA's entry level 3-channel amp and the Rotel 1066 (which I owned and ran as a 3 X150 watt amp) when I wanted a better sounding amp than the Rotel (and that was with Vandy 1Cs, too).  The AVA was brighter than either the Rotel or the Odyssey.  The Odyssey was by a wide margin the cleanest, smoothest sounding amp, and had the best soundstage presentation of all three amps as well.
213runnin
914 posts
 
I concur with the Parasound suggestion, but if the A21/23 are a little high, you could go with their Classic line. Used the 5250 would be under your limit, and new Audio Advisor still has some(no affiliation!)

Another option would be a Nad 275 used, they put out 150 wpc, which is plenty for your Klipsch.
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