2. amps-preamps
  3. 1144202248

Neat cheap amp suggestions . Help me have fun.

I have a system in a spare bedroom and would appreciate some advice on a neat power amp. Budget is less than $200.00. There are the obvious overseas contenders from NAD/Parasound/Adcom/Rotel. But I had hoped to get something a little more off the beaten path. I don't know, Musical Concepts modded Hafler, Sumo, perhaps even something weird. Ultimate power output will not be an issue, but it will need to have a bit of slam and not sound rolled off, a little bright would not be bad. I am just looking to have a bit of fun! Any suggestions? Any thoughts?
128x128viridian
prpixel
876 posts
 
How about this?

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1147741634
Post removed 
jimjenjr
50 posts
 
Since you are looking to have fun, I suggest you look for an old Harman Kardon 430 or 730 receiver and use the amp portion only by removing the pre out to amp in plug and using the power amps only. These amps are dual mono with separate power supplies. The reviews of these receivers by High Fidelity Magazine showed that these amplifier sections were exemplary and displayed almost perfect square waves on both the high and low frequencies. You will be surprised at how good these amplifiers are. They can compare with very expensive equipment in performance. If you find these in a thrift store or in the flea market, if the fuse is intact, the unit is probably playable. Note also that the amps are individually fused internally. You should be able to find a good conditoned example for $20-$30. This is surprisingly fun. Keep us informed if you go this route. An alternate to this is to look for a built like a tank Harman Kardon Citation XII amp. Even Nelson Pass spoke highly of this amp in one of his early articles. He spoke of its durability due to build quality as well as the sonic performance of this HK-12.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I think Jimjenr is on to something. I've owned a couple of HK amps, both power amps and integrated and thought they were way better than expected. Just be sure the amp is early 90s or older. Well built and well reviewed amps from this era. Good luck and keep us updated.
bdgregory
1,716 posts
 
A really fun one that's also hard to find is the PS Audio Model 1. They can be spotted now and then on ebay for $140 or much less depending on condition. I had one a couple of years ago and regret selling it.

You may also be able to find a good B&P St140 for right around $200.
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