Looking for suggestions on a used amp or new. $2000/ budget
Hello everyone, I've recently purchased a Emotiva XMC-1 Pre Amp, Paradigm S6's and the matching center (C5 v.3). I currently own a Emotiva LPA-1 amp. After getting my system set up, I feel that the LPA-1 isn't giving me the feed back and detail I want and might be lacking in power. So, that being said, I'm looking for suggestions on what amp would push these speakers and give me the sound quality I'm looking for. I'm a movie guy first and music second. But as I get older, I'm leaning more towards music. I'm currently looking at an older Aragon 4004 or 8008. I've heard great things about these amps and I'm considering purchasing one or both. I'm open to all suggestions, used or new. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Seeing that you have familiarity with Emotiva and already own an XMC-1, why change brands? I've read herein on this forum that unless you are confident in the impedance characteristics of an amp>preamp match and choose wisely, problems could crop up. So why not an Emotiva XPA Gen 3? http://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-gen3 Well within your budget. |
My system I own now is the first one I've built since the invention of the internet. And every single piece of it is used! I have saved a ton of money! (With the exception of my new Project VS-C record cleaner) I've even sold parts for more than I paid. If I had only bought new, I wouldn't have a system even a third as nice as this one. Audiophiles as a whole generally take fairly good care of their gear, it's not hard to find items 5 to 10 years old for less than half price. I wouldn't dream of buying new! I'm loving my all used system. Even the records and CD's I'm playing are used too! And quite often the manufacterers will still talk to you and help you with issues. |
I have used an Odyssey Audio HT3 for about 10 years. It is a 3 X 150 watt SS amplifier that works very well in my combo 2-channel / home theater system, powering the front three channels. The one word I would never use to describe this amp is bright. It is smooth, offers excellent extention, and a wonderful soundstage (for stereo). It is priced at $1650, but I would suggest the capacitor upgrade (which I got), for a few hundred extra. FWIW, I compared this, at the time, to amps from Rotel and Audio by Van Alstine, and the HT3 blew those amps out of the water. |
