2. amps-preamps
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High end amp recommendation in China

I need some help.

I am in the process of upgrading my amplification. My current system consists of Egglestonworks Rosa loudspeakers being fed by an Electrocompaniet EMC1-UP CD player through a Mark Levinson 383 integrated. Analysis Plus silver cables all around.

Overall, nice sound - very nice actually, but the 383 doesn't drive my Rosa's with the authority I want.

But here is the wrinkle - I live in Shanghai, China. High end options are limited. I have a very good dealer here who is very knowlegable and helpful, but limited in their selection. My choices are Krell, Mark Levinson, and Halcro (and Graaf if I want to head down the tube path - I don't).

I am demo-ing a 320S pre / 436 power set-up in my home now. First impression - wow - talk about authority! Sucks me WAY MORE into the music than my integrated. Bass, imaging, width, and depth. I have heard the Halcro stereo amp (the 38?)demonstrated in the store - double wow - though I think it is out of my price range. I have yet to listen to the Krell's, but my previous experience with them back in the States is that they are not the sound I am looking for (Lyle Lovett, Eddie From Ohio, Diana Krall, etc)

So give me your opinions / experience.

Yes, yes, yes. I know - I intend to listen to my ears. I am just looking for some help to guide my ears into the right general direction.

No, no, no, don't tell me that these all are horrible and non-musical and that I really need to listen to Brand X - its just not an option for me.

In advance, thanks for your help!

ChinaBrad
bradleypeacockba28
bgrazman
226 posts
 
I am using a Dared 300B with (chinese) Shugang tubes for my headphones (not quite enough power for my mains) and very happy. This may not help if you are interested in the high power ss amps you mention.

There are a number of companies manufacturing in the Shenzhen area, but that's far enough from Shanghai that I usually fly...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
porschecab
336 posts
 
Brad -
Levinson and Krell are both great. Levinson, imo, tend to be slightly more laid back than some of the Krell FPB monos. I like both for certain things. I personally run Cello Duet 350s which, to me, is a hybrid of the two!!
The perfect amp!

Can you get Cello over there?

Dan
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
unless you are going to be there for years, just get a good head amp and phones
bemopti123
303 posts
 
Look into Opera Audio, their Forbidden Line, with a great, great looking Calaf amplifier. It might be right up your alley and I bet, it might be attractively priced instead of the $3200.... Even at that price, might be a steal. As always, an audition is at hand. For the looks, it is a killer.

http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/calaf.htm
bradleypeacockba28 OP
7 posts
 
Dan (porschecab),

Thanks for your response - this generally confirms my ears as well.

Re: Cello - I don't know specifically about Cello, I will look - but in China things are "complex". In theory, I can also get Pass, Gryphon, Meridian, Musical Fidelity, and several others. I say in theory because I can walk into a shop in a loud crazy cyber mall, see one piece from a mfrs line blasting away in competition with the din all around. If I like it, I can special order and buy the other peice from the line that I really am interested in (fully pre-paid, of course!) Obviously not a real audition process - and I am not going to drop this kind of money without a proper audition - first in a quiet shop, and second in my home. There is one "true" high-end shop where I can do both of these things. As I mentioned above, their staff and service are great - even better than my old shop in the US. It's just that their selection is limited.

I did receive good news last night - my annual bonus now potentially puts Halcro in the list of opportunities. I plan to bring home and listen. Any experience with the line? I would be looking at the DM38 stereo amp - not the big monoblocks.

Thanks!

ChinaBrad
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