2. amps-preamps
  3. 168134-100109

I need help with an amp decision

Equipment: Tannoy xt 8 (91 dB/Watt sensitivity and 400 Watt peak power ), REl s/510, Black ice f360, and an audiobyte black dragon dac. 
Room size:17x21x10h
Music preference, everything but rap and pop, 
question: Can I get some suggestions regarding a solid-state amp choice for this system, please.
I can not use mono amps because of the sub and I really do not want to go the route of a tube amp. 
Two amps I have been thinking about are the benchmark AHb2 or a first watt ?, I will be trying to shop the used market. Any suggestions, would help. thank you

128x128gunmetalzin
bigkidz
3,335 posts
 
Harmon Kardon Citation 16 but no balanced connections.  One of the sounding SS amps for the money.  Older but so easy to upgrade for audio bliss.  Or look for the BEL amps  very musical and easy to upgrade again.


bobthenailer's avatar
bobthenailer
41 posts
 
 Crown
speakermaster
738 posts
 
Try to find a used parasound hca 3500 or a used parasound a21 amplifier with a good preamplifier like a tanberg 3002a or 3008a.
klh007
618 posts
 
VanAlstine SET 400 would be a great match.
soix
9,028 posts
 
I think First Watt is a great choice but don’t think they have balanced inputs.  There’s a McCormack DNA-125 on US AudioMart for $929 that’d also be great and can be sent to SMcAudio for further upgrades if desired, but that too has only single-ended inputs.  TMR has a Parasound A21 here, but I think they also have an A21+ for $2399 if you can stretch.  Personally I’d forgo the balanced inputs and go with First Watt or McCormack, but that’s me.  Best of luck. 
More to discover