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Amplifier suggestions to drive a pair of NHT 3.3

Hello Audiogoners.

I recently aquired a pair of used NHT 3.3 and I'm pretty happy about it. I intend to build my 2 channels system around them. So, the rest of my gear will probably be all upgraded at one point or another.

For the moment (this fall-winter)I want to upgrade the power amp. I got a Rotel RB-956AX, I bi-amp, bi-cable with 50w/c. No need to tell me how much I miss with this amp, it's pretty obvious to me...

So, I want decent power (200-300w/c) in a 2 channels unit (monoblocks while tempting will be avoided for the moment). I want deep thight bass, warm mids and sweet highs (don't we all).

I'm considering:

Mark Levinson 23.5
McIntosh MC300-MC352
Pass Labs X250-X350
Krell KSA200S-FPB200
Classe CA300
Bryston 4B-SST

So in the range of $2000 to $3000 used.

Any comments on these amps (or others) with the NHT 3.3 mostly appreciated.
jolan
aroc
760 posts
 
Classe, based on the fact that User510 at the Analog Dept runs their small integrated with his NHT 2.9s.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Bi-amp them with an active crossover on the bottom it really opens up the NHT's. On the high end of your range I used an EAD Powermaster 2000 5 channel (400watts x5) to biamp the NHT through an active crossover (actually my EAD Signature processor) and used the spare channel for the center Aerial Center Channel! Amazing results and a more liquid top end then the Aragon suggested above (Aragon would work nice for the bottom since they are a real workhorse).

If I remember correctly the bottom was crossed over at 100hz.
Chris
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
Corey Greenberg formerly of Stereophile and Michael Fremer formerly of the Absolute Sound used the 3.3's as their reference speakers for a time when with these respective magazines ... I believe both used the Aragon 4004mk II as the partnering amp
matti
114 posts
 
Corey was great. Wonder what he's up to these days?
jolan OP
3 posts
 
Thank you all for your comments and sugestions.

Anyone else with some experience with the 3.3 and the amps I'm considering or any other(s), feel free to post your comments.

Thank you.
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