2. amps-preamps
  3. 980616052

Looking for advice

Looking for some advice on amps and preamps. Last week I purchased a set of speakers I lusted over for many years, B&W 802 series 3. This was a substantial upgrade over my Bose 902s series 4 from my college days many years ago. So now I have the B&W's running through my Adcom 555II and Adcom 565 in the bypass circuit. From my observations (granted only 1 week) the sound appears raspy and harsh, although perfectly clear. Last year was a good year financially, so I do have some $$ to upgrade. I was thinking about replacing the adcom units with something better. This is where I'm at and would like advice. Did some research on the Krell units and am thinking a used Ksa-200s would be a nice fit. Have really never heard the unit but have read a lot abount it and seems like a real tank that would last me for years. Any thoughts about how it would sound with the B&W's? Would it be a magnitute above the adcoms? Then what preamp would match the set-up? I could afford new, but would like to purchase used in excellent shape. What is the best way of purchasing used? I live in Orlando, Fl and theres nothing down here from what I've investigated so I was thinking about purchasing from someone on this site if it became available. Any insights on the best way of doing it? Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but it scares me to think of sending somebody 3 or 4 K and hoping for the best. All advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
stvr
sheadlee
29 posts
 
Here's some food for thought. Check out odysseyaudio.com. Odyssey makes the Stratos amp a 150W/ch that sells for $995 direct. I took a chance and gave it a try, and it is the best sounding amp I've ever had in my system (previously Audio Research). I was amazed with how much more information I was hearing. They also make the Tempest pre-amp also $995. I haven't heard it yet, but it is supposed to be very comparable to the Stratos in sound quality. So, here's an amp/pre-amp combo for around $2k that will make your music sing. Plus and added bonus of being new, and they carry a 20yr warranty (no misprint). Give Klaus Bunge a call at (317)299-5578 you won't be sorry.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I recommend the Bryston 3B-ST (120 wpc) or 4B-ST (250 wpc). Superb amps with a 20-year unconditional guarantee. You can get the 3B-ST for about $1250, and the 4B-ST for about $1650 (contact Danny Oovlin at "Bestofdeal" - bestofdeal@aol.com for more info). There is also a Marsh 400 amp listed right now on Audigon. Marsh is a great new amplifier line designed by one of the most respected guys in high-end audio, and the one listed on Audiogon is $1600.
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Stvr, I understand your position. I too am in central Fla. and find the lack of quality equipment resources pitiful. There is indeed an element of risk buying used, but some common sense measures can make things less risky. First, I write the seller and ask some questions: where will you ship from, can you use Fed Ex, can you double box, and (or) any other unanswered questions the ad didn't cover. Pay attention to the general tone of the response. Are they prompt, business-like, and intelligent sounding? I've found the general tone and manner of correspondence is often indicative of their ability to conduct a transaction. I admit that I also like to see positive feedback, but this isn't an absolute if it's a new seller. Of the several items I've bought from ads on the web, only one has been less than satisfactory. The preamp I bought was advertised to be in perfect order, but arrived DOA. When the manufacturer repaired it, I was told it could have easily been damage by UPS dropping the box. So that will forever be an unknown. I also have had my purchases shipped cod. Pay with a US Postal Service money order. If fraud is perpetrated, they have commited a federal offense. If we want relative certainty, we have to buy new. But with the huge savings that used offers, you can get more for your money used.
timperry
41 posts
 
B&W`s are cool sounding speakers and so is Krell gear.Had 801mklll`s myself with ksa200s combo and little to cool sounding for myself,had to go with tubed preamp myself or a warm sounding front end.Hope this helps
superkrell
17 posts
 
I'm using a pair of 802's series 3 powered by a Proceed HPA3 and the Proceed AVP as the preamp cabled with JPS Labs SC+'s. The combination is a very detailed but not with the "in your face' sound. I'm also using the JPS Labs Golden Flutes bass alighnment filter. Hope this is of some help to ya!
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