2. amps-preamps
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Upgade... Amp choices???

After auditioning the B&W naut 805's with my system and hearing very little difference a discussion with my local dealer indicated that I need an external amp for my mains. Present system consist of Denon avr2800, Onkyo Integra dvd, and Polk bookshelf (can't remember no. but tweeter and 2 5.5inch mids) that sound very good for their age, Velodyne 10 inch sub. The biggest disappointment with the system is having to play at high spl in order to obtain feel for the music. Low levels everything looses focus and seems to blur. No soundstage and very flat. The search is on and I have found these amps that interest me but there is no dealer local for me to demo any of them.

ATI 1502 150wx2, Belles 150A 2x100 (?),McCormack DNA 0.5 100x2, Rotel RB 1080-2x200.

For the immediate time will be using the Denon pre outs to the amp but I will, in near future, be adding a pre amp and am leaning to Magnepan mmg's or aci saphire III le for speakers. Want to get an amp that will provide speaker flexibility and have the ability to maintain dynamics at lower volume. Price wise will be buying used and all of these fit within the budget(around $600-800). All suggestions appreciated.
Thanks
Steve
scoly
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Hi Scoly; I can highly recomment the McCormack DNA-0.5. It has great bass and is definitely stable into 4 Ohm loads. It was Stereophile Class B for years. I saw one here on Agon for (I think) $750. yesterday. It's definitely worth tracking one down, and it's an excellent sounding amp. Cheers. Craig
ton1313
272 posts
 
Odysseyaudio.com
Check out the Stratos from Odyssey. This is one killer amp for a very reasonable price. This amp received great reviews from all of the Stereo Mags. I noticed a huge improvement over my Carver amp.
fpeel
455 posts
 
While Belles has a good reputation, I, too, cast a vote for the McCormack amp. Admittedly that's coming from a big fan of their products. In any case, the 0.5 is a tough act to beat for the money and an upgrade path is avalable via SMcAudio (www.smcaudio.com), a company started by Steve McCormack. See the Web site for more info.
jim
418 posts
 
I also think you'll be happy with the McCormack. I had a DNA1 Deluxe and was very happy with it (driving difficult loads... Apogees and ML CLS's. The .5 has a similar sound and almost as much real world juice. I have heard the upgrades that Steve does and they are fantastic. You won't go wrong.
p_mmk
70 posts
 
I'm surprised you heard NO difference between a B&W N805 and Polks. Even with a receiver I would think the B&W would sound different. Perhaps you meant the B&W did not sound better. I own the N805's which I'm selling on ebay (shameless plug) and I think they would sound better than Polks even with a Receiver. However, we all have different ears and perhaps the B&W are not for you. Try another high end set like the Dynaudio 1.3SE', ProAC 1SC, or even Soliloquy 5.0's.
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