2. amps-preamps
  3. 1133014877

Help me pick an amp for under $5,000

So I finally have the scratch for an amp and I'm looking for some help. My system consists of a Sony SCD-1, Music Hall MMF-7 (new table in the works), Aesthetix Janus Preamp, and Totem Forests. I posted a thread a couple of days ago but only got one taker (I think I posted it too late at night, or it was too specific).

When I initially heard the aesthetix it was with a Bat VK-250SE and JM LAB 926BEs. I loved the BAT's sound (although find the look of it to be questionable, but I could get over that) but I'm wondering what else I should be looking at in this price range (slightly over is okay too) that would mate well with what I have, and with any possible speaker upgrades, since the Totem's aren't the last word for me (new listening room is 17x20 with high ceilings, so I worry about them dissapearing).

I'd like to stay with SS, and realistically think 150wpc into 8 ohms and above, just to cover myself incase my next speakers are power hungry. So what else would mate well? Parasound JC-1s have been mentioned, but can't get a ton of input on the match with the rest of the gear. Pass X250.5? Something from Simaudio? I feel a bit at a loss since I've not been able to hear the aesthetix with my speakers or other amps, so help is much needed.

FWIW I listen to everything, but concentrate on Jazz, folk/acoustic, Indie rock, soul. and classic rock, with some avante-garde classical thrown in.

Thanks a ton!
mimberman
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
Stew: you are correct, however, if you go to the store they actually have little Rowland in stock, compared to the other brands they push (Mc, Meridian, etc.).

So no votes for the Bat VK-250. Any VK-250 owners care to chime in? I mean, I'll be using my ears after all, but I'm always curious of other people's impressions.
mdhoover
695 posts
 
Odyssey Sratos Extreme monoblocks have been very good to me, driving first a pair of Paradigm Studio 100 V 3's and now a pair of Intuitive Design Summit PSL 624 loudspeakers. This is a well regarded yet still underrated amplifier, in my opinion. New retail is about $2700. I wrote a review on the Odysseys and the Summits, if you're interested. The Odyssey review is the shorter of the two and can actually be read in a single day.......OK, the Summit review isn't THAT long either, but it's pretty...um.....lengthy.
jp1208
502 posts
 
Mimberman, I received the Nuforce 9.02's with the extended bass version and they sound great with my JM Lab 936's. The Proceed HPA-3 I was using is not in the same league as these. I dont know if you have made a decision yet but I would give them a try. Let them break in before any critical listening. At least 20-30 hours. They are very underated at 160w. You can go as hard as you want with these and they will not break up. Find the right combination with wires and speaker placement and I think you would be done. After listening you would think they would cost a whole lot more than they do. What I am hearing regarding there pre/amp is about the same.
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