2. amps-preamps
  3. 1366244743

Want to replace RED Dragon amps with stereo amp

I have a pair of Red Dragon M-500 digital monoblock amps. They are 250 RMS. They sound very good but I am downsizing, and want to get rid some of the boxes. I was considering going to a quality integrated amp, but I love the BelCanto PRe3 pre-amp I have. So now I am leaning toward a very good basic stereo amp of 100-150RMS. I don't want a monster amp because I have serious back problems and can't lift a monster amp. So looking for suggestions and advice.

Would prefer a quality SS stereo amps, but would consider a tube amp. (Please no Wyred4Sound products). Would seriously consider the Odyssey Khartago, but am not sure I am not dropping to a lower quality sounding amp and performance Thanks.
sunnyjim
tonyjack
102 posts
 
To Sunnyjim: Just wanted to say that I have the RD M-500 amps as well. Very good sounding amps, that are powerful,lightweight and efficient. The Cardas speaker terminals have no problem with banana plugs. I have had mine for 3 years or so and have used them with banana plugs with Audioquest regular banana and now Kimber 12TC with the WBT banana connectors. Just put the ends straight in from the top of the connectors or the bottom.
Have you spoken with the folks at Red Dragon or Cardas? They may be able to assist you with a diagram or some other instructions. Good luck with whatever your outcome is.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Tony, How will it work with bare wires? Any issues? In fact I don't like any other terminations except lockable speakon(neutrik beats them all including WBT).
tonyjack
102 posts
 
I've never tried bare wire with the connection on the back of the Red Dragon Amps. I'm sure the folks at Red Dragon or perhaps Cardas can let you know if that would work. Maybe if the wire was solid core or stranded, it would make a difference?

I really like these amps. They are powering Vandersteen 3A Signature loudspeakers with wonderful results. I understand the new version of the amps are now updated to be more compatible with tube preamps with a higher input impedance.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Tonyjack, Thank you for the suggestion. I just find these connectors very difficult to work with. Hard to believe that the plastic plate and knunkled knob can hold down a banana jacks and keep it in place. I think I am looking to either upgrade the amp or downsize to an integrated amp.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Why not upgrading terminals to neutrik or WBT? It's piece of cake job.
More to discover