Get ready for heresy. I recommend the Onkyo M504 with 165wpc into 8 ohms, and lots more into 4 or 2 ohms. It is an incredible amp at an incredible price: around $450 at jandr discounted. The catch is this. It is plain, old-fashion stereo without the gaggle.
Power Amp Suggestions
I'm in the process of selecting a used power amplifier to fit into my system. Currently, I have a Curcio-mod ST-70 which sounds wonderful within its 35W/channel limits. Unfortunately, it is trying to drive the less than 83dB/1W Eminent-Technology LFT-VIIIs which I love. Bruce Thigpen at E-T recommends an amp capable of 75-200 watts into 8 ohms for his babies. I thought the NYAL Moscode 300 (150w/channel) I have would be a good match, but wasn't. The preamp is an all-tube Cary SLP-30. The three components just did not sing well together. The E-Ts are very warm and while the bass was great, the midrange wasn't as good as the Curcio provides. So waht are my choices? I might be able to get away with a little less than the recommended power, given the size and liveliness of my room plus the levels I listen at. Some candidates I've considered: - ARC Classic 60 - Cary SLA-70 Signature - Sonic Frontiers SFA-75 (another Curcio design) - Sumo Andromeda III - Aragon 4004 II Has anyone had any experiences with these units that could be indicative of what I might expect in my system? Thanks in advance for any help! Steve Albers
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- 7 posts total
- 7 posts total