2. amps-preamps
  3. 165107-86936

Hoping for a recommendation for stereo amp around $1500 or less ($2k max)

Powering ascend acoustics towers with RAAL ribbons and running a powered rhythmik 12" sub which is currently integrated with my onkyo tx8270 2.1 receiver crossed at 50hz.  I want to use my topping D90/A90 dac/amp stack and use it as a dac/preamp using the remote to control the volume on the dac while leaving the volume knob in place.  Will most likely run balanced out to the amp.  I need to have some way of integrating the sub with the main speakers so the amp would need to have rca full signal out so I can use the dial on the sub to adjust crossover.  If there's a better way to integrate the sub I'm open to it.  I want an amp with hopefully 200w or more and neutral clear but fun/powerful sound like my A90 does for my headphones.  I'm totally new to the world of separates and looking to let my speakers show their maximum potential.  So far I've come across outlaw audio mono blocks but they don't have rca out to go to the sub.  Also came across parasound classic which looked pretty nice but you guys probably know of something much better.  Thank you!
brandini
brandini OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for the advice.   Those look very nice but I would want a warranty at this price.  Also, I don't see a line out for my sub.
What about the NAD C 298? 
https://nadelectronics.com/product/c298-stereo-power-amplifier/It has those purifi modules I keep reading about like they're the next big thing.  Supposed to be efficient and just the right amount of power.  Also has gain control and line out.  Just testing the waters a bit.
mofojo
2,306 posts
 
Run XLR from your Topping to the amp and run your Topping RCA out to your sub. If you found an amp like that Nad with line out I believe that would be a full strength signal. In other words it would not control the volume of the sub. 
The setup I just described is what I am using with my RME dac and works great. 
Usually a lot of Parasound Halo A21s in that price range. I just scored a perfect 2 year old one for $1400. Warm detailed and dynamic. Just a great amp the money. 
brandini OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for the idea about xlr/rca out simultaneously. I wasn’t sure that would work. I’ll also read up on the A21 as well as the amps from the first post since it’s not necessary to have line out on the amps.  I wasn't sure it would work since I thought balanced out had more gain than rca and it might goof up the volume ratio between speakers and sub at different volume levels.
soix
9,784 posts
 
There’s a pair of Bel Canto 500M monos on US AudioMart for $1800 that’d be great.  Another excellent option would be a D-Sonic M3a-800S for $1475 new, and they offer a trial period, which is obviously a nice option.  D-Sonic flies under the radar, but if you read the reviews it makes you wonder why. 

Also, if you’re upgrading to amps of this caliber you really need to invest in a better preamp as well or a lot of your system’s performance potential will be unrealized.  Preamps matter as much or more than amps IME.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
brandini OP
13 posts
 
I should have mentioned in the title I want new with warranty. Sorry about that.
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