2. amps-preamps
  3. 1256935961

New power amp for Quad 11Ls

My current setup:

Music Hall cd25.2
Music Hall a25.2
Quad 11L
Onkyo T-9 tuner
Audioquest Alpha-Snake interconnects
No-name 12-gauge speaker wire

I'm looking to upgrade and am thinking that I could get more out of my system by adding a power amp (I'd use the MH a25.2 as a preamp for the time being). So I'm wondering whether something like a PS Audio A100 would be a good match for my Quad 11Ls (which I really like). Any other ideas around $1000?

I'm working on new cables, too ...

Thanks.
afranta
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
Yeah a Class D 100 watt would rock.I have the Quad 11L but they are self powered.I wish I had the 12L amped version though and w have heard that some prefer passive ones.A small sub would be good to fast and music not HT oriented (Aperion 8S or HSU VTF etc).But that small speaker in that sized room could use more current.
Chazz
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Currently using two PS Audio A-100s in my system. The A-100 uses the same ICE module as the Bel Canto S-300, Cary CAD-1, Rotel and probably many others. The PS Audio anCary amps seem to go for a bit less than the Bel Canto used. If you crack them open and peek at the input board, which is where main the difference is, the Cary and PS Audios look a bit more substantial, IMO. I like the size of the PS Audio units, and they sound good also.
seattle_mike's avatar
seattle_mike
43 posts
 
I ran a pair of 12L's with the little Kingrex amp. It sounded wonderful, but obviously not much power, as it was a 10wpc t-amp.

Kingrex has a new 50wpc t-amp power amp for $799. 30 day trial from AudioMagus. I'd look into it.

http://www.audio-magus.com/product_p/109117.htm

Or, B&K still makes stereo amps. Upgraded versions of the old classic ST140's and ST202's. If you google you can find them pretty cheap, too.
afranta OP
180 posts
 
Thanks for the ideas. The A100 looks like a good bet: a lot of flexibility (sub, new preamp, bi-amping), and, if I get a good deal and it doesn't work out, I can probably sell it pretty easily and try something else!
afranta OP
180 posts
 
I've been reading up on the PS Audio A100 and think I'll go with it. I also think I have a better sense of what I'm looking for and wonder whether adding a power amp will help. With my current setup, the sound really opens up at higher volumes. Will a power amp give me this effect--a more open sound and better speed and dynamics--across the full volume range?
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