Personal amp evolution

Sansui model 400 receiver
Marantz model 1120 int. amp
Pioneer Spec 2 amp
Marantz 2330 receiver
Marantz 1250 int. amp
Phase Linear 700 Series II amp
Pass Labs X250

Used the 1250 as a preamp with the Phase Linear. For some odd reason I decided to get a nice preamp (Classe DR-5) to use with the Phase Linear. I wasn't prepared for the drastic improvement! Then I had to see how it sounded with a nicer amp (Pass Labs X250), so then I had to.... you know the rest....

Musting be getting a bit senile. I'd have to do research for some of the model numbers. Anyhoo here's the list (integrated where indicated)

1977-78 Sansui Model ? (little integrated guy)
1978-85 Onkyo A-10 (integrated)
1985-86 Harmon Kardon (SS)
1987-90 Denon (SS)
1999-92 Dynaco ST70i (Van Alstine Mod)
1993 harmon Kardon HK II
1994-2007 Van Alstine Omega 230 (SS)
12/07- present BAT VK-60

Gosh, I went from:

Pioneer silver face reciever to:

Adcom GFA-5500 to:

Kinergetics Chiro C200 to:

McIntosh Mc 250 to:

Musical Design D75 in stereo and then monoblocked to:

Lazarus H-1A hyrid to:

Altec/Dynaco trannied 6550 OT monoblocks to:

Berning EA-230 in stereo then mono to:

Berning EA-2101 to:

McIntosh Mc40 monoblocks to:

Bottlhead Paramour 2A3 monoblocks to:

vintage Ampex and Gott monoblocks to:

McIntosh Mc275 MKIV to:

Bel Canto SET40 monoblocks "Orpheos"

McIntosh Mc240 to

Red Wine Audio chimp amp to:

Moscode 300 in stereo and them in mon to:

Pilot 246B el84, Pilot 245-A and 240

i know I dont remember some, !

Wow some great collections there.

I started with a Pioneer amp when I was about 15, it was about 20wpc from memory.

Followed this with a Technics 40wpc amp with needle power meters on the front.

Can't remember model numbers for either of these.

Moved up a bit and bought a Luxman L215 over 20 years ago.

The Luxman blew after many years of service so I replaced it with a Rotel RA980BX bought at a reasonable price off EBay.

However, the bug had bitten and while all the above were second hand I decided it was time for a new amp.

Last year I replaced my ancient Rectilinear speakers and a week ago I bought my first valve amp: a Melody I34 which is the new model with a remote.

Must say I'm very happy with the new amp, a definite step up, but it has been quite a ride for many years.

DS

I posted in 2002 and updated in 2004 and it is time for another update.

2002 post:

Technics integrated -- approx. 1986
Denon PMA 300V int. -- late 80's
Heath amp -- late 80's or 1990
Forte Model 6 -- 1991
Meridian 557 -- 1997
Mark Levinson No.383 int. -- 2000
Moscode 300 (modified) -- 2001
Mark Levinson No.383 int. -- 3/2002

2004 post:

Innersound ESL -- 2/2003
Bat Vk-200 -- 2/2003
Jeff Rowland Concentra II -- 6/2003
Pass X150.5 -- 12/2003

Since then:

Classe CA2200 -- 8/2004
Musical Fidelity kW500 (integrated) -- 4/2005
McIntosh MA2275 (integrated) -- 1/2006
McIntosh MC402 -- 5/2006
* Tried a Jeff Rowland Concentra II again in 11/2006, but much prefered the MC402, which I still use.