2. amps-preamps
  3. 132731-106233

Amp upgrade advice

I am looking to upgrade the amplifiers in 2 of my systems and could really use some advice from experience audiophiles.  I’ve laid out the current systems in my office and kitchen below.   I am happy with the pre-amps and speakers in both rooms.  They are both augmented by subwoofers.  I am interested in upgrading the Amps.  I’ve listed the amps I currently have.  I’m planning to sell thee current Adcom’s to fund upgrades with a few extra dollars.  My research is pointing me to the B&K Reference 125.2 amp.  Both rooms are smaller with smaller speakers so I am thinking quality Amps rated at 125 W should be plenty.

I am asking for your advice:  Am I on the right track?


Office. (12’ x 12’   Closed room)
Pre-Amp. Emotiva BAS X PT-100
Speakers Definitive Tech SM350

Kitchen ( 10’ x 20’. With one open side)
Pre- Amp. Emotiva UMC-200
Speakers Paradigm Reference Millenia One

Amp’s to sell?
Adcom GFA-555 MKII
Adcom GFA-545 MKII

Looking at B&K Reference 125.2

Thank you for any advice.

tbarber20
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
The Nuforce is the deal of the year and it does not get very hot. The review of the Vidar seemed quite "unenthusiastic" over at Computer audiophile. I would stay away from the Emotiva stuff myself. For no particular reason. You'll basically have a paper weight when you go sell it down the road.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/optoma-nuforce-sta200-power-amplifier/

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/reviews/schiit-audio-reference-system-review-part-1-r676/
tbarber20 OP
6 posts
 
Thanks all for the great input.  Lots of new tech for me to research.  Last question to anyone reading this.  Is 100 or even 80 wpc enough to fully handle Def Tech 350’s or Paradigm Millenia One’s?  Both are rated at 8 Ohms and not really efficient even though they are small.  Im after the best possible sound quality on these speakers at a reasonable budget.  I don’t want to short change them.  Thanks.
tbarber20 OP
6 posts
 
One more thought for anyone interested in weighing in. What is the weakest point of my system:

Emotiva BASX PT-100 PreAmp
Def Tech SM350 Speakers
Schiit Vidar or NuForce STA-200. (tbd) Amp
wiring is quality interconnects and 12 gauge 99+% copper speaker cable with banana post connections.

Keep in mind this is a home office closed in at 12’ X 12’ space. Sources vary from Rega Turntable to Apple TV or Amazon Fire streaming HD digital content.

Greatly appreciate any experienced input.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Hi,

Look into Odyssey. Decent quality for not a lot of money. W4S maybe too. Butler. Paragon.

Everything matters. Its meaningless for me or anyone else to say to you, do this or do that. Unless, of course, you want someone to.

Everything matters. How much any one of your outfits matters to you will point you towards which rig needs more this or better that, first.

For myself, non irritating sounds in exterraneous casual rooms would be sufficient. But that’s just me.

Maybe consider adding a passive PLC onto the one rig you listen to most. Then perhaps try a new PC on the source or what ever amp arrives.

I think every rig begins with the source, but hold fast to the idea everything matters.

One does have to consider what if for later on too when calculating a new purchase.

Have fun.


randy-11
1,913 posts
 
a home office closed in at 12’ X 12’ space that is not carefully treated will clearly be the weak link

hope the ceiling is not 12 too...
More to discover