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Opinions requested

So here is my search for opinions. I'm in the  rabbit hole dilemma. In search for a more audiophile sound and would like to try a tube or Class D amplifier (or combination of both) to replace an aging Adcom 555II amp. The system consists of Lexicon MC12B Pre/pro using zone 2 for 2 channel listening, Adcom 555II amp, Musical Fidelity A3CD CD, Sony PS 4300 TT and B&W 803D2 speakers. I'm looking at many options but am leaning towards a Rogue Pharao Integrated amp which has the best of both worlds (supposedly) Tube pre and class D amp to replace the Adcom. Has anyone had any experience with the Rogue Pharao and the B&W 803 combination? Or other suggestions? Your replies both positive and negative will be appreciated.
128x128gillatgh
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Thanks georgehifi, In your opinion would the Rogue Pharaoh at 185 into 8ohms and 350 into 4 ohms be acceptable to drive the 803s at moderate listening levels say 85 t0 90 db?
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Wished I knew how to make heads or tails out of the graph.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
 In your opinion would the Rogue Pharaoh at 185 into 8ohms and 350 into 4 ohms be acceptable to drive the 803s

I'm not a Class-D lover yet for full range, in the future maybe when semiconductor technology allows it to do the things I'd like to see coming from it.

As for the Rogue it would be nice if they gave the 2ohm figure as well, but they hardly do with Class-D amps specs, as they tend not do the doubling act down that far. It should be ok, maybe not the best in my view.

Seeing you have a pre already, I'd prefer a medium size Krell or maybe even a John Curl Halo A21 or if you can afford Halo JC1 Monoblocks.

Cheers George     
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Georgehifi, Funny you should mention Krell. Yes they were previously driven via a KAV-2250 which gave up the ghost therefor the Adcom now. Way too expensive to fix the Krell. Im kind of gunshy with Krell products now. Ok unti was 10 years old but still at 6 grand it should have lasted longer. So I,m on the hunt now but what I,m salivating about is out of my league. Thats what budget living does to a guy.
I truly appreciate your wisdom and input. You do give most reasonable input not just to this post but many others.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
gillatgh ...

How attached are you to those B&W speakers? I know they can sound wonderful, but they're hard to drive and take a lot of (expensive) power, right?  Why not opt for a much more efficient speaker and drive them with 30 - 60 watts of really good tube power? How about a used pair of Legacy Signature III's, an ARC Classic 60 or Classic 30 (if you can find one) and a good tube preamp? 

A nice pair of Signature III's go for under 2k on the used market. An ARC Classic 60 goes for under 2k. Couple it with, say, an ARC REF-3 for @ $4500.  

I'm not using the Classic 60 anymore but have one as a spare. I hooked it up and wow, very musically involving. Not as articulate as the REF-75-se, but knocks your socks off from a musical standpoint.

Click on my icon, then double click on the lower picture to see what I'm talking about. 

Take care ...

Frank
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