2. amps-preamps
  3. 166836-154942

Help choosing an power amplifier

Hello everybody

I starting my journey last fall, so far Ive been loving it, I need some suggestions on what power amplifier to get, to get the best out of the speakers that I have right now and maybe upgrade in the future, I was thinking on buying the emotiva 2 Channel amplifier but im not sure if that’s the best way to go any suggestions will be great.

my set up right now
Audio technica AT-LP120-USB
b&w 606 s2
emotiva integrated amplifier basx A300
Cambridge audio cxn v2
I’m using Qbouz with Roon thru a MacBook Pro I am streaming over Ethernet.
Thank you for all the help beforehand

edwincruz
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,779 posts
 
I ALWAYS suggest a BAT VK-300SE or the update VK-3000SE. The 3000SE is preferable only because it's hard to tell how old a 300SE might be. You can call BAT and give them the serial number to get date-of-manufacture.
These integrateds are designed by a Master and just sound "right" musically. You can usually find one between 2000-3000 dollars.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
As these drop below 4 Ohms I’d suggest something that is rated / measured between 60 and 240 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, depending on your room and desired volume levels..  B & W’s typically work best with s.s. amps. That B & W purchased Classe’ suggests they are a good pairing.
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
Depends on the size of your room, how loud you listen and how much power you want/need.  Given that B&W is a challenging load with a forward sound profile, a warmer amp that handles lower impedances would be ideal.

For lower power I would look at Naim, for higher power I would look at AVM.  These two brands match well with B&W, Focal, Magico, etc... where you have challenging loads in terms of impedance and need a warmer sound profile.  
yyzsantabarbara
4,720 posts
 
I am using a $1500 D-Sonic M3a 800s Class D amp to drive a very hard to drive Thiel CS3.7. It is not as crystal clear as my Benchmark AHB2 ($3000) but it is much better suited power wise for the hard to drive CS3.7. It is also a little warmer than the AHB2.

I was only planning to use this amp as a short term amp until I bought a more expensive amp ($6K - $16K range). However, I will keep my money in my pocket for a bit longer because this amp is growing on me.
More to discover