2. amps-preamps
  3. 194087-203505

Picking a power amp

Hi folks,

I'am trying to pick a power amp for a modest system(15,000)

My listening area is 12x20.

I have a MX110z tuner preamp,and a Adcom 545 100wt per channel power amp now.

I just got a Auralic Vega g1 and it sounds great to me.

I'am using tidal to the the streamer and like it a lot.

It is time to pick a power amp or speakers.

I currently have 25 year old Polk m10's and since getting the auralic,I'am fairly surprised how much better they sound.

I don't know whether to get speakers or a amp next,to get to the next level.

Amps I'am considering are Mac 225,240,275 if tube or Mac 7270 or 2205 SS.

I'am also considering AR,and CJ if I could find something 2,000-5,000

For speakers I was thinking Klipsch for tube amp or Sonus Faber if SS,if I can find a model that can do rock and used under 5,000.

I listen to 40% rock 40% pop,blues,soul 20% classical,jazz.

Any thoughts on where to go next.

Thanks

 

twangy57
ghdprentice
7,852 posts
 

@jeffbij

 

+1

Speakers first. Audion extensively. Find speakers that you emotionally connect with. Spend a bit more on these than on other components. Then, once you have the speakers you want to optimize the electronics to give them the kind of signal they need. 

I recommend dynamic box speakers... not anything exotic... why, best sound for the money... least finicky. With your budget you don’t want something difficult to power that makes other costs to increase, or only works with special amps.

Go listen, dealers, find local high end audio friends. Don’t be afraid to listen to very  expensive systems to find your sound. Once you identify "the sound" you will be able to assemble a system that sound like that with just a little less detail and bass... on a day to day basis, it will not be that obvious. Put in the work and you can get assemble a tremendous system for the budget. But you have to know what you want. 

twangy57 OP
220 posts
 

Thanks,

I’am trying to keep the cost of the power amp and speakers under 10,000.

The reason I was thinking of getting the power amp first is that to me it will be a factor in which speaker I get.

I heard some Klipsh chorus 2’s once with a Mcintosh tube set up(don’t remember which power amp,but the pre was a c-22) and it sounded really good to me for rock.

I also really like what I have heard of the Sonus Faber’s,is there a model under 5,000 used that would be suited to cover rock as well as other genre’s

jeffbij
214 posts
 

Also, don't under estimate the effect of the room will have on your choices.  You mentioned that it is 12x20.  Will you be putting the speakers on the short or long wall?  What else is in the room?  Carpeted?  Lots of windows?  Any acoustic room treatments? How far away from the walls can you place the speakers?  etc.

Can you post any pictures of your room in your Audiogon profile?

All of this can have a big effect.  For example, if the speakers must be right up against the wall, that is going to limit your choices.  (No electrostatics or Magnepans for you. smiley)  

twangy57 OP
220 posts
 

Thank,I will try and post a picture of the room.

soix
10,186 posts
 

The reason I was thinking of getting the power amp first is that to me it will be a factor in which speaker I get.

No.  As others have said find the speakers that really “do it” for you first and then find an amp that synergizes sonically and can drive them properly.  You should share what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you and you’ll get much better recommendations here.  And are you looking for new or used?  Do you want to keep your current preamp?  Not enough to go on as it stands. 

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