WTB: Amp that can handle 4 ohms

toucanet

Pycroft wrote: »

I am about to (Hoping not to jinx it) purchase some sony SS-M9's which are 4 ohms and VERY power hungry.
James

Well... did you get them? I no longer see the listing for them.

I hope they are now in your home waiting to be powered up.

Post pictures or they don't exist!:biggrin:

Pycroft

I just got home after picking them up. I don't think I will be setting them up with my current amp, cause I don't want any explosions. They are more scratched than I remember, but I'm sure I will get used to it once I hear them making some sweet music Pictures to come tonight or tomorrow

James

cnh

Congrats! Those are some nice ''vintage" Sonys--not many around. No onto the amplification. Personally I think those speakers need a nice TUBE-amp with decent power?

There are lot of 'tube' guys here so have at it.

cnh

Pycroft

I am t hinking a tube amp for those would have to be on the lines of a three thousand dollar BAT VK75 or something like that...Not sure I can afford that now, or anytime in the near future I wish though...I wish.

James

toucanet

cnh wrote: »

Congrats! Those are some nice ''vintage" Sonys--not many around. No onto the amplification. Personally I think those speakers need a nice TUBE-amp with decent power?

There are lot of 'tube' guys here so have at it.

cnh

Tubes Rule! Especially with those SS-M9s

toucanet

James,

Here's some miscellaneous literature that I have for the SS-M9s. Let me know if any of this is of use to you and I will scan/email to you.

Also, I don't know what your opinion of the Carver amps (TFM-55 & A760x) are. However, I've powered my SS-M9s with them in the past and they satisfied my ears with no problems. Both of these amps have a rated output of 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms. However (as you can see in photo), I have relegated my amps to a shelf in my basement since I've gone tubes.

Congratulations and Good luck!

If for some strange reason, you decide to sell them, I want first refusal:biggrin:

billbillw

toucanet wrote: »

James,

Here's some miscellaneous literature that I have for the SS-M9s. Let me know if any of this is of use to you and I will scan/email to you.

I would love a copy of that service manual if you could scan it to PDF. I am assuming it has a schematic of the x-overs? I already have the Stereophile article.


James,
Did you get the McCormack along with the M9?

Pycroft

BillBillW -

He wanted 1,000 for the McCormack, which is not a good deal at all (Well, for him it would hvae been) so no

Got the speakers though, and just carried them in the house. You should have seen my 116 lb wife carrying the 150lb speakers with me...comical. She's on the couch now huffing her asthma medicine

James

billbillw

Pycroft wrote: »

BillBillW -

He wanted 1,000 for the McCormack, which is not a good deal at all (Well, for him it would hvae been) so no

Got the speakers though, and just carried them in the house. You should have seen my 116 lb wife carrying the 150lb speakers with me...comical. She's on the couch now huffing her asthma medicine

James

I should have told you a dolly would be a big help

That's a bummer about the McCormack. He will have it for a long time at that price. Unless he has SMC mods performed, it is not worth more than $750.

Pycroft

PS -

Thanks all for the suggestions as of now. I have kept my eyes out for something, haven't haven't found anything close to price range (Obviously). I've narrowed out the selections I thought wouldn't fit, and have been looking at the Parasound A23, Sunfire, Sunfire Stereo 300, McCormack DNA 250 - also looking at Krell's, Belles, etc. but those seem to be more used. The 600 dollars was a ballpark - can possibly up it if something killer comes my way. Someone on the forum offered an NAD 218. From what I've read, it's 225wpc (Or maybe 250) into 8 ohms, but haven't seen ratings for 4 or 2 ohms, so I'm assuming that it may not be able to power speakers with that impedence. Anyone know anything more detailed about that amp? Also, is there any SS amp that is in the ballpark of the ones above that I left out that I should look for? Thanks bunches.

James

Pycroft

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1295586218&/McIntosh-MC7270

Comments on this? It is 'relatively' local, and seems like the price is right, and can try to offer partial trade. Would this be a 'good' (Not adequate, or decent) choice to power the SS-M9's?

James

sm88

If you're going to be spending that much, i'm "relatively local" and have a McIntosh MC7106 that bridges to 3 channels of 300w per channel.. @ 8 ohms. Very well in excess of that at 4.

But otherwise, the Anthem MCA20 I have is below your budget and runs 300w @ 4 ohms, 200 @ 8 ohms. Just something to consider. You could always come on up to my place, I have quite a few options you might be interested in

Pycroft

SM88 and all,

Would it be fair to say that since that Mcintosh is a 6 channel amp, it is more suited to home theatre use, and not two channel? I'm not sure if an "amp is an amp" or there are other considerations. Also, I'm not sure if it can handle 4 or 2 ohms. I know my 6 channel Parasound Amp, that was bridgable to 3, when I bridged, it said do not use anythign below 8 ohms.

BTW, where are you located, and what else might you have? You can PM if better

Thanks,

James

sm88

PM'd with details; the Mac would "see" 2 ohms when bridged with those speakers so it might be a tough load for it, but I have some other options as well, and you probably don't need to spend over a grand on an amp.

billbillw

Pycroft wrote: »

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1295586218&/McIntosh-MC7270

Comments on this? It is 'relatively' local, and seems like the price is right, and can try to offer partial trade. Would this be a 'good' (Not adequate, or decent) choice to power the SS-M9's?

James

Macs are well built and have a loyal following, but I don't really care for their sound. For that money, I would snag a McCormack DNA-225, a Parasound Halo A21 or similar.

Face

sm88 wrote: »

If you're going to be spending that much, i'm "relatively local" and have a McIntosh MC7106 that bridges to 3 channels of 300w per channel.. @ 8 ohms. Very well in excess of that at 4.

That amp is not recommended for 4ohm use when bridged.

Pycroft

Face -

You've got a PM

Any comments on this amp? http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1295715168&/Diy-first-watt-F3-Monoblocks

I've seen do it yourself amps and preamps. How does one know if it's great quality? Based on the parts and build? I already posted a question asking if the amp can handle low ohm loads, but not even sure what to ask? WOuld you avoid at all costs? I've heard people say very good things about do it yourself amps.

James

sm88

If everything is proper I am sure it is a good amplifier but i'd personally be hesitant to put my money behind a piece of electronic equipment that does not have a company to back it up.

From an investment standpoint I think it is a poor choice. Keep in mind that you might want to sell the amp you buy in a few years, you might want to sell it in a few months should you suddenly need the money. A brand name provides a reputation and helps insure a future sale, I wouldn't be in this hobby if I didn't know I could get most of my money back in relatively short order.

billbillw

Pycroft wrote: »

Face -

You've got a PM

Any comments on this amp? http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1295715168&/Diy-first-watt-F3-Monoblocks

I've seen do it yourself amps and preamps. How does one know if it's great quality? Based on the parts and build? I already posted a question asking if the amp can handle low ohm loads, but not even sure what to ask? WOuld you avoid at all costs? I've heard people say very good things about do it yourself amps.

James

Firstwatt amps are designed for VERY efficient speakers. Definitely not a good match for the SS-M9. They are pure class A, low wattage amps, designed to give you the best out of those first 5 watts or so.

Nhpm510

I can offer you a mint Onix H34 w/i budget

Pycroft

Nhpm -

I'll do some research on that.

To all -

What about the B&K Ref 200.2 SS amp to power my SS-M9's? Any comments?

225 wpc 8 ohms, 375 wpc 4 ohms - powerful enough, but how will it make the Sony's sound? Any experience listening to it push demanding speakers?

james

Earthy

Hey James, I can send your Adcom 555II back if your having sellers remorse. I have a brand new Parasound A21 (still in the box) waiting on me to finish my new stand. Sounds like you could use one too.

lakesailor

If your looking for a good amp in the $ 600-700 range that can drive a 4ohm load the Nakamichi PA-7 is a nice performer and also Aragon had a dual transformer (I think it was the BB version with balanced inputs) that is a great performer as well. Another great amp for the money is the Adcom 5802. I have not kept track of prices on them used, but it is NOT your father’s Adcom that is for sure.

Pycroft

Earthy, I will pass on the Adcom - congrats on the A21!

Lake - I have already looked at Aragon - I believe the 8008BB, and it would be perfect. I saw one recently for like 1100. I would have ot wait for it to come down a bit. I have a beat on another amp and hopefully it works out!

James

Earthy

Your in the territory of the A21 at that dollar figure. I have a place for the Adcom, just poking fun.

Nhpm510

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue15/onix.htm