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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
mazian's avatar
mazian
416 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
789 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!

riie
227 posts
 

Mcintosh MC462

shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 

If you use the amp for second system and casual listeing.

 

I recommend Starkrimson monoblocks with opttional Gan supply.

 

Although I am tube guy, I enjoy its clarity and no heat during summer.

 

https://youtu.be/HDyGKOrOm8M

 

Thomas

soix
9,809 posts
 

If you can’t fix your current amp I’d listen to @mazian above who had your speakers and had good results with a 100Wpc McCormack amp.  Here’s a nice DNA225 that’s 225Wpc and 400 into 4 Ohms.  I’ve got a completely modified DNA 0.5 amp and its got guts and soul, which is probably why mazian liked it with your speakers.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649982529-mccormack-dna-225-power-amplifier-works-perfectly/
But I’d try to fix your amp first if you like its sound.  You could also contact @bigkidz here as he seems to be able to fix anything and may even improve your sound a bit.  Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

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