200 wpc amplifiers

jmwest1970
jmwest1970 Posts: 846
edited January 2011 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
I'm looking for something in the 200 wpc plus range. Adcom GFA-555, NAD 218THX, or Parasound 218THX is what I've been looking at.

Thanks,
Michael
Post edited by jmwest1970 on
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Comments

  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited January 2011
    What will be the other associated components used with the amp?
    Are you set on those 3 amps?
    Someone will probably also ask what your budget is.
    Any specific reason for 200wpc?


    In a vacuum, I would choose the GFA-555
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited January 2011
    newrival wrote: »
    What will be the other associated components used with the amp?

    The amp will go into my 2 channel rig and I'll be using the Cambridge integrated as a pre.
    newrival wrote: »
    Are you set on those 3 amps?

    No. Those are examples of the amps I've seen that fit the bill.
    newrival wrote: »
    Someone will probably also ask what your budget is. Any specific reason for 200wpc?

    My budget is $400 or less and I want 200wpc to provide maximum headroom for the Rainmakers. I'll eventually move to another speaker in my 2 channel rig and I want to have power available no matter what I choose. The Adcom is a great amp, but I'm impressed with the NAD and Parasound HCA-1200II as well. I'd love to have the high end Cambridge, but that's way out of my price range.
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited January 2011
    I like B&K. Older series like the 2220, 4420, EX442 would fit the bill.
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited January 2011
    I have a BK ST202+ which isn't doing anything. If you're interested, I'll check on it's current condition and let you know.
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  • starkiller
    starkiller Posts: 2,723
    edited January 2011
    Does this need to have high WAF? I have a professional series Crest 4000 that is stable down to 2 ohms if you are interested....
    Computer room Hegeman 1 SpeakersM&K VX-80 subKenwood DP-7010Cambridge Audio CXC Transport Rega DACPrimaLuna Prologue Four AmpAric Audio Tube PreampGarage Jennings Research SquareCustom tube preampCrown XLS-1000Denon DCD-1500II Modded MSB Link DAC
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited January 2011
    I have a couple of NAD 218thx available.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited January 2011
    I really like B&K too in the $400 range. Sometimes you can find the reference 200.2 for around that price. Maybe a little more.

    I have a Parasound HCA-1200 mkII that I really like that can be found for that price.

    Also, theres someone on the forum who really likes this HCA-1500 amp.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • thebluemonkey
    thebluemonkey Posts: 190
    edited January 2011
    I have a gfa 555 II
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited January 2011
    Are you interested in class D for the amp?
    Jake
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  • Timothy Smith
    Timothy Smith Posts: 764
    edited January 2011
    Consider a 200 wpc Rotel RB-1080 if you can find one.

    I had both an Adcom GFA-555 and the Rotel and kept going back and forth between them, I eventually chose the Rotel and sold the Adcom.

    Did a lot of blind testing with different music types between the amps with a musician friend whose ears I trust. We consistently picked the Rotel.

    It could be that the Rotel was newer (fresher caps etc.). An older Adcom would likely be cheaper to buy, but if it needs a refresh, it might end up to be be the same or more than the Rotel.
    Norh ACA-2B tube pre, Sumo Andromeda SS amp. Magneplanar MMG speakers, M&K MX1250 Subwoofer, Pro-Ject RM1.3 Genie TT with Sumiko Pearl MM cart., Keces DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c CD player
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited January 2011
    Carver is good stuff too and they have multiple high power designs that are well priced on the used market.
    Jake
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  • inson71
    inson71 Posts: 90
    edited January 2011
    jmwest1970 wrote: »
    I'm looking for something in the 200 wpc plus range. Adcom GFA-555, NAD 218THX, or Parasound 218THX is what I've been looking at.

    Thanks,
    Michael

    Hi Michael,
    I have an Adcom GFA 555 II in near mint (9/10 due to age) condition, no visible flaws, performs excellently, and has original box and packing. I would sell for $400 shipped. Good luck with your hunt!!!
    James
    Onkyo Pr-sc 5509
    Parasound 2250/Parasound 5125
    SVS PB 12 Plus
    Denon DBP-2012 Bluray
    Polk RTI 8, CSI 3, 4 FXI 3
    Sony 55" LCD
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  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited January 2011
    starkiller wrote: »
    Does this need to have high WAF? I have a professional series Crest 4000 that is stable down to 2 ohms if you are interested....

    WAF is not an issue, but I'm not interested in professional series amps. The fans drive me nuts!
    ESavinon wrote: »
    I have a couple of NAD 218thx available.

    PM sent.
    zingo wrote: »
    Are you interested in class D for the amp?

    I won't rule one out. What did you have in mind.
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2011
    There is a Parasound HCA 1000A near me for $150 (Craigslist).
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited January 2011
    I have the gfa555 w/ what I call the industrial stye w/ the handles. I've run the thing all
    day and has never got hot or even to warm. Got it w/ shipping for $300 at Audio Classics
    who are pretty good to deal w/ .....LW
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
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