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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
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 

The Chorus II's are efficient but do respond better on the low end with a bit more grunt.  My buddy had a pair of Chorus I's and drove them with a Cambridge Audio 540A(50w/ch)and though they did sound nice, they really opened up when he added an Acurus A200(200w/ch).  There was thump and punch that just was not in abundance with just the 540A.

Bill

timber77
39 posts
 
what do you like about the acurus sound?   Maybe an old Aragon might suit your bill nicely.   With Klipsch it's kinda hard to recommend anything but tube gear as they have a unique sonic signature.   I'm not a Klipsch fan but have had la Scala and the k horns . I never did find a ss amp that would not become fatiguing on the larger Klipsch . I tried my odyssey gear and way too bright and have tried nad which was more mellow but less punchy.  Klipsch just beg for set amplifiers 

mikapen
31 posts
 
Anthem integrated is worth a look. Discontinued now, but some stock may remain. It’s a quiet, capable and dynamic instrument.
If you have a preamp, an Edge is very nice. Drives difficult speakers easily. I might even sell mine(!).
And I like the Parasound.
All of those should make your Klipsch's happy.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
Another vote for Parasound.
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
"what do you like about the acurus sound?"

Just about everything.  Dead quiet, cool running, detailed, neutral, and oh yes I almost forgot, the bass drive.  Kind of like the suggested Anthem from the previous post.

Bill
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