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Looking for an Amp Replacement

I am in need of advice and direction on replacing my ML 23.5 amp. While replacing the power caps a cap on the output board was damaged and is no longer available. The most viable right now option is to start looking for a replacement amp and to complete repair down the road or scrap it... (was purchased used maybe 10 years ago)

It is for a second system that is mainly used for background and light listening to streamed/internet radio and the occasional CD and playback from NAS storage using JRiver.

Currently have pulled my Perreaux 3150 out of retirement and have been using that with acceptable results. Looking at a used amp for better bang for the buck return in the 150-200wpc and a budget of 2-3k+/-

Rest of system comprises of

ARC ls28, PSA DSD, Magnum Dynalab 801, Shahinian Acoustics Obelisk, Sony XA5400es CD  

I liked the sound I was able to get from this set up with the ML, but have a bad experience with a 333 in main system a while back and as such I do not have a lot of faith in their newer gear.

While not expecting someone to have identical components, would like to hear from tube/ss combos people as I am using this in three systems and really like the overall sound.

128x128stevea1298
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,131 posts
 

Audio Research https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649991404-audio-research-d300-stereo-amplifier/

Should pair well with your LS28 and not too expensive. 
 

From fresher and more expensive but easy to resell…

Parasound, McIntosh, Simaudio Moon 330A

pwerahera
122 posts
 

I have ML 23.5 in my main system. This was services by George Meyers AV, Los Angeles. They replaced the capacitors and some resistors (unmarked). I cannot say enough good things about this amp which is driving a pair of Thiel 3.6 speakers. My recommendation is that you contact George Meyers and find out if they can fix your ML 23.5.

mofojo
2,301 posts
 

Either way IMO you should get the ML fixed either for selling or for keeping. Doesn’t sound like it would take that much to get it in acceptable condition. Exact match or not. 

mazian's avatar
mazian
406 posts
 

I had Shahinian Obelisk speakers driven by an ME850 250wpc amp and the sound was thin and generally awful. I blamed the speakers and sold them. Later I heard the same speakers demonstrated with a 100wpc McCormack amp I think and the sound was sensational. The point I am making and the same point made by the salesman who demo'd the speakers is that the Shahinians are very sensitive to amplifier match and wpc can be meaningless. So I strongly recommend that you hear the Obelisks with an amplifier before buying. In hindsight I regret selling the Shahinians and should have sold the amp.

uncledemp
779 posts
 

What a nice thread. Person has an issue and an experienced person answered.

 

No debating, crying, insulting or mean mouthing.

 

Great job! What a breath of fresh air!

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