2. amps-preamps
  3. 1401480731

Musical, high powered Amp under $1k

I'm looking for a new (used..?) amp around $1,000. So far I've liked the anthem HCA 20 amp the best between my modded Acurus a100, and a Mcintosh MC 2105 (first taste of Mac and I was very unimpressed).

Anyways, it seems both myself and my Paradigm Signature 2's V.3 like a more powerful amp, like the Anthem, so with that in mind, what amps should I be looking at? I'm thinking I can get something as powerful as the Anthem with a touch more air and sweetness to it, for the same $ the anthem would cost me $1100 (ouch).

Usually I can find a few amps in the $1k range that look tempting but I'm stumped right now...
128x128b_limo
pgawan2b
122 posts
 
I'm interested to hear your experience with the Classe/Paradigm combination. Specifically, I'm curious about your thoughts on the Signature tweeter and the Classe amp. For some reason, I think I've read on these forums that the tweeter in the Paradigms can sound a little bright, but I can't remember if it was the studios or the signatures they were discussing.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
The Classe should do a fine job for you...
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,274 posts
 
Ahh, and it is doing a fine job :)

Pgawan2b, i have had studio 10's, 20's, 60's, all V.4, and I also had Studio 40's V.3. I couldn't live with them because they were way to bright for me. I think they are built well, and look beautiful but too hot. I ran all those in the same set-up I have currently, except I had a Classe CA-150 at that time.

Sooo, these Signature 2's with the berrylium tweeters are so much better. They do have a similar house sound, just much more refined, and the highs aren't in your face like the Studio series. Great extension on both ends, and the highs are detailed, nuanced and airy. I love these Sigs, and I don't know that I'll ever sell them, unless it's to move up to the S6's. I also really like this Classe CA-200. It sounds like the CA-150 but with more headroom.

It's strange, but to me the studio's sound dark and too bright, if ghat makes any sense.
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