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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
jolan OP
3 posts
 
Thank you all for your imputs.

Well, because of some changes in my life I had to reduce the budget available for my amp (for the moment).

I opted for less power but a lot of music and finesse (and a decent bass!).

I bought a used KRELL KSA-50S .

I Gotta say that I'm amazed each time I listen to some music! :)

Jolan.
cotinus0
1 posts
 
Gonzalo,

When you suggest to replace the crossover network, do you mean to replace all the caps ? If so, did you replace them by film caps or electrolitycs ?

Thanks
tblewy
17 posts
 
I use a B&K ST-202+ (300watts at 4 ohms) FET output transistors provide a warm tube-like sound. When I was a kid I heard Ginger Baker play several drum solos in a small club. When I play his Cream rendition of his Toad solo I am still floored by it on the 3.3's. They are great all-rounders but the bass is magnificent. As for the rough highs I replaced the tweeters with superior Seas Excel t25cf001's and they made the top end softer and more life-like to my ears. Electronically they are pretty close to a drop in so I didn't change the XO but a little Dremel tool work was needed and the flange overlaps a little but still looks good. I like them a lot better now.
tblewy
17 posts
 
Just bought a Crown xls2500 because of good net reports on it and others in various blogs on their drivecore series. I used it to replace an excellent B&K 202+.

Cost new under $600 from local Guitar Center with a free return policy. Less on Ebay.

Result fantastic sound. Can hardly believe it isn't a $12000 Class A amplifier. No white noise even with my ears next to the tweeters and I can't hear the fan even when it comes on and I'm next to it.

I have never before heard such well controlled bass and sweet highs coming in combination from a solid state amplifier into none set speakers. The sound is neutral and flat with no coloration. I loved my B&K's but I have to believe my ears more than my prejudice against pro-audio gear. Check them out, they drive over 400wrms per channel into 8 ohms and almost twice that into 4 or 2
spinster2k
1 posts
 
I just stumbled on your post, I LOVE CROWN amps I am Bi-amping a pair of NHT 2.9s with a 350wpc Crown K1 on bottom and Parasound 220Wpc on top, super clean an lots of headroom. An audio engineer buddy of mine swears by Crown and says they are the cleanest of all the pro stuff for the money ( he also has perfect pitch) Enjoy!
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