@kevemaher . I would buy a 2nd 2.5B and use them as a Monoblock for each channel.
What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?
I am looking to increase my system power. I currently am using a Bryston 2.5B cubed, which is specified at 135 Watts/CH. I am using Revel f208 speakers crossed over at 120 Hz to a 15" HSU sub. The f208 speakers have 88.5 dB sensitivity (Amir measured 88-89dB SPL at 1W into 8 ohms). I sit about 7.5 feet away from the speakers and listen up to 92 dB SPL, but mostly stay between 80-90 dB SPL at my listenin g location.
I have not had power issues. I've never seen a clipping light. I just want more oomph. I've never had a power amp with more power than the 2.5B cubed.
My budget is about $5K. I have been looking at some used 4b cubed amps.
My preamp is a vintage ML No. 38s. Digital from Bryston BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. Analog using Koetsu RS and Shelter 901 cartridges into an SUT (20x) followed by a very vintage Paragon System E used as a phono preamp (I have fully repaired this preamp, particularly the power supply).
I like the sound of the 2.5B cubed. I had a Cary 120 tube amp for some time, but grew tired of the heat and the continuous maintenance, including the insane prices for tubes. I did not experince that great "tube sound" that others rave about. I sold the Cary and went back to the 2.5B cubed.
Will the 4B cubed disappoint?
What other amps should I consifder, new or used?
Thanks for your help!
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My rec is to save some money by getting an old-stock Parasound A21. Parasound currently has some available direct from their factory store for a great price: https://parasound.com/products/vintage-a21?variant=49660977873215 I’ve owned a good number of power amps <$5K and the A21 is as good as any of them and better than most. Its distortion profile is 2nd-order dominant and it’s considerably quieter than the newer A21+ (and sounds better too). Once the A21 warms up for a couple hours it just sings. I prefer it to the $6K Coda No.8. I previously owned some F208s. The A21 amp paired with a low-distortion, low-noise preamp (Benchmark LA4, Bel Canto Pre5 for examples) makes for excellent synergy with the Revels.
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I never heard the A21, but I was very impressed with the A21+. For the cost it was an excellent amp. I sold that to get the CODA #8 and thought it was more detailed and as powerful as the A21+. I now have the CODA #16 which is better than the #8. The Benchmark LA4 with the Parsound is a great combo. The Holo Serene preamp is another similar option. Using a stereo amp as monos is not a good idea. Better to get dedicated monos. I would get the stereo 4B3 over 2 2.5’s. A lot of technical explanations on Audiogon about why this is the case. I am selling my Sanders Magtech amp (500 W) which I think is as good and maybe preferred over the 4B3. Definitely great on Maggies but I am not sure about the Revel and Sanders synergy. My Sanders was not as good as I expected on my Yamaha NS5000 but on my Magnepan LRS+ it was amazing.
The 4B3 should be good on Revel. I used to have the 4B-SST and then the 7B-SST on Revel Salon 1. It was not perfect but not too bad. The extra power of the 7B-SST was noticeable on the Salon 1. Such killer bass on that speaker.
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