B&K or Adcom or Emotiva or Carver

2»

Comments

  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited February 2011
    The Bottom line is, to listen for your self,and you be the judge.don't let anyone color your thought. My carver Mono blocks Rocks,and still going strong after 20 years,with no mod.
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2011
    PolkClyde wrote: »
    The Bottom line is, to listen for your self,and you be the judge.don't let anyone color your thought. My carver Mono blocks Rocks,and still going strong after 20 years,with no mod.

    Amen. Synergy is a **** too. I am not insulting anyone who actually prefers Carver, or any other gear, but some Adcom's for a relatively cheap amp sounds good to me. Like Madmax said "Everything matters" Tubes can sound stellar, but for me a tube amp is out of the question. A tube pre can set the flavor very nicely. I have still yet had the opportunity to get my ears on an Adcom GFP-750. I do see some amp changes in my future. SQ is taking a higher priority than shear power.
    Ben

    PC you think you may be able to meet us in April?
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited February 2011
    PolkClyde wrote: »
    The Bottom line is, to listen for your self,and you be the judge.don't let anyone color your thought. My carver Mono blocks Rocks,and still going strong after 20 years,with no mod.
    The chance of listening to an amp before I buy is slim to none and because of that my main intentions are to avoid the Kraco's of the Home Audio world. I'm going to grab the best amp I can find for my budget and hope it pleases ears :smile:
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited February 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Amen. Synergy is a **** too. I am not insulting anyone who actually prefers Carver, or any other gear, but some Adcom's for a relatively cheap amp sounds good to me. Like Madmax said "Everything matters" Tubes can sound stellar, but for me a tube amp is out of the question. A tube pre can set the flavor very nicely. I have still yet had the opportunity to get my ears on an Adcom GFP-750. I do see some amp changes in my future. SQ is taking a higher priority than shear power.
    Ben

    PC you think you may be able to meet us in April?

    April,I'm lost.Polk fest? I thought that was in October,in Orlando Fla. Help me somebody? :)
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2011
    Just a little get together hopefully. I am not sure about it yet either.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited February 2011
    stangjason wrote: »
    The chance of listening to an amp before I buy is slim to none and because of that my main intentions are to avoid the Kraco's of the Home Audio world. I'm going to grab the best amp I can find for my budget and hope it pleases ears :smile:

    The place where I used to buy audio gear,always allowed me to Audition before I buy. Sound Advice, Jacksonville Fla. The home of the Krell Power Amps.well, in my area,anyway.
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited February 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Just a little get together hopefully. I am not sure about it yet either.

    I would love to come and take in all that knowledge from all of you. You guys convince me on the MIT shotgun Cables.Now, I'm converted.but,I'm not sold on Tube Amps yet, Still a fan of SS,sorry. I would love to own a pair of the Original Carver Silver 7 mono blocks,though.
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited February 2011
    Jason, did i miss it, or have you stated a budget?

    I've owned a bunch of amps over the years. Currently I have a couple B&K amps that I like, and also a Carver which is currently in my rig (until I can replace it with a nice tube amp). I found the B&K amps to be warm, but a bit soft in the low end (although I haven't listened to them in a while, so maybe I'd feel different now). My Carver is an M4.0T, which I like a lot. I get a nice sound stage, ample but not overpowering bass at even low listening levels, and clear highs. But, none of these compare to higher quality amps.

    It's hard to give good advice on an amp without knowing your budget, listening preferences and music genres, room details, and other equipment, especially what speakers you plan to drive. Are you looking to use mostly digital sources, or analog? Do you already have most of the other gear assembled, or are you starting fresh?

    The best advice I can give is to look around for good quality low cost (not cheap!) used gear and start listening. Buy a couple different amps and keep the one you like better. Sell the other amp (you'll get at least most of your money back if you buy well).

    Decide what it was that you liked about the one amp more than the other. Listen to as many different rigs as you can, and build an image in your mind of your ideal "sound." For some, that sound is a bass-heavy chest-thumping sound. For most audiophiles, it is an attempt to approach the natural recreation of the music as intended by the musicians and engineers. For you, it should be what makes you happy.

    Then, buy and sell gear as needed, combining trial and error with good research, as you attempt to achieve your own musical nirvana.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited February 2011
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    Jason, did i miss it, or have you stated a budget?

    Well my budget is kind of embarrassing. I'd like to keep it around $200-$250 (thanks Pampers and Enfamil) and I want a 3 or 5 channel amp and I'm finding that the 3 channel amps are more expensive for some reason so I'll probably go with a 5 channel amp. Just yesterday someone outbid me for an Adcom gfa-5000 amp for $167+shipping :( but I'm kind of holding out on jumping into something with too much money in hopes of selling my car and in which case my budget will probably go up to around $1k.

    I used to own an H/K 635 and I loved it for music but I found it lacking in the HDMI and HT area. It was just too laid back when it came to surround sound in movies as my Pioneer makes everything jump out at me. I really want the Pioneer sound with more power and if it's possible I want more mid-bass and a bit more imaging (if possible though I'm pleased with what I got I'll take more) that I think the extra power may create. Oh and I'll be working around the system in my sig.
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited March 2011
    newrival wrote: »
    I only have experience with the first three and have to say they all have their own "sound." In general, this is how I would describe them in regards to the mean experience:

    B&K:
    Clean, detailed, ever so slightly rolled off highs, and the warm side of neutral in presentation. It's been my experience that with my friends who are sensitive to bright presentations, they prefer B&K. I've enjoyed them most on speakers with a more forward sounding presentation.

    Carver (SS, not tubes):
    Very forceful amps, generally speaking. Typically, I've experienced very present bass and mid bass. Sometimes a bit of a midbass hump, depending on the model - the problem could've been caused somewhere else, too - would creep in, but generally very dynamic. But, in my experience, the sound signatures vary greatly from different model lines. In my system I found them a bit cold on the upper end, lively mids, and stout bottom end. The main issue I've had is with clarity and accuracy. They just felt loose, if that makes sense to you. There was a great deal of quantity of sound , it just was blurred into eachother slightly. Could be a result of needing new caps, etc, but it was my experience with a number of models.

    Adcom:
    For the money, they may be as precise an amp (second hand) as you can get, however i've owned a couple that came off as cold, or anemic in the bass/midbass area. Also, in demoing some at my house, some friends found a couple of the Adcoms (namely, my GFA-2535 and GFA-5300) slightly strident, and overly bright. The best amp I've owned of these three brands, happens to be an Adcom, the GFA-555 original. I owned two, as well as A 555 mkII which was good, but not as good, in my opinion. EDIT: it must be noted that I feel the bass response of Adcoms is less than what you will notice in the other two. Most of the time I feel this is due to the precise nature of it rather than being bloated or "flubby"

    As far as consistency through a brand, B&K, in my experience, wins out. Every one I've heard was very good and exhibited very similar characteristics. But that is not to dicredit the other two, they've both produced some great amps, but they've both produced a few that I wouldn't care t hear again as well. This is just my opinion based on my experience, and there are some here that will agree and disagree.

    B&K,Wins out,in price,right? expensive! Carver,Rules!. just having fun,with you.to each his own.
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited March 2011
    I've narrowed my choices down to an older B&K 5 channel 100 channel amp and a Parasound HCA-855 85w x 5 amp. Should I go with the B&K 5 channel since it has more power? Or does the Parasound make a better quality amp?
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,225
    edited March 2011
    I don't know if you have seen my posts in the other threads but I just purchased a B&K ST-202+ (2 channels, I know you want 5) and I have to say I am very pleased. The reviews posted in this thread and elsewhere are quite accurate. The B&K is a very powerful, pleasant, well built amplifier that is very easy on the ears for extended listening. I am sure you would be happy with one. One thing I did which helped was to use an upgraded power cord which helped as well. I paid $350 for mine with shipping and it was worth every penny. I hope this helps you. Cheers. :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited March 2011
    I'm possibly going to pickup a Parasound HCA-855 tomorrow. I can also buy a B&K Components Video 5 Sonata 5 x 100 wpc that needs to be shipped for $250 which is about the same price.

    Anyone have a strong opinion on which one of these two is a better amp? I'm leaning towards the Parasound because it's newer and I can go listen to it before I buy it but on the other hand I keep reading how good these B&K amps sound and I think the seller of the B&K amp seems to be trustworthy because he does a lot of business with good reviews.
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkClyde
    PolkClyde Posts: 662
    edited March 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Amen. Synergy is a **** too. I am not insulting anyone who actually prefers Carver, or any other gear, but some Adcom's for a relatively cheap amp sounds good to me. Like Madmax said "Everything matters" Tubes can sound stellar, but for me a tube amp is out of the question. A tube pre can set the flavor very nicely. I have still yet had the opportunity to get my ears on an Adcom GFP-750. I do see some amp changes in my future. SQ is taking a higher priority than shear power.
    Ben

    PC you think you may be able to meet us in April?

    Adcom GFP-750 is an awesome Amp,it has an active and passive mode switch.I listen,mostly, in the Passive mode.Although,there's a decrease of db in that mode.The Active mode is good for speakers with very low Impedance.This the best pre-amp,I ever had. Now,back to the music.
    PolkAudioClyde
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2011
    Time to **** or get off the pot...:biggrin:

    B&K

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kingtut
    kingtut Posts: 813
    edited March 2011
    stangjason wrote: »
    I'm possibly going to pickup a Parasound HCA-855 tomorrow. I can also buy a B&K Components Video 5 Sonata 5 x 100 wpc that needs to be shipped for $250 which is about the same price.

    Anyone have a strong opinion on which one of these two is a better amp? I'm leaning towards the Parasound because it's newer and I can go listen to it before I buy it but on the other hand I keep reading how good these B&K amps sound and I think the seller of the B&K amp seems to be trustworthy because he does a lot of business with good reviews.

    B&K, I like its warm/natural sound.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,225
    edited March 2011
    stangjason wrote: »
    I'm possibly going to pickup a Parasound HCA-855 tomorrow. I can also buy a B&K Components Video 5 Sonata 5 x 100 wpc that needs to be shipped for $250 which is about the same price.

    Anyone have a strong opinion on which one of these two is a better amp? I'm leaning towards the Parasound because it's newer and I can go listen to it before I buy it but on the other hand I keep reading how good these B&K amps sound and I think the seller of the B&K amp seems to be trustworthy because he does a lot of business with good reviews.

    Before I bought the B&K I almost bought a Rotel. In fact I went back to buy it but thought about it too long and someone beat me to it. I probably would have bought both the Rotel and B&K. My thought was that I could road test both amps and use the one I didn't like as much in another rig or resell it. That's the beauty of the hobby let yours ears decide (as many others have said previously in this thread). Pick one and try it out, I'd lean to the B&K no disrespect to the Parasound. Buy one already. Cheers. :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited March 2011
    Umm I'm starting to balk on the Parasound now...I'm just not sure it's going to have enough power and the sound I want. If I can pick up the Parasound semi-local would it be better than buying the B&K that's a 1991 model via AudiogoN? I'm so confused...If I had money to blow I would buy a couple and resell them but I have diapers and Enfamil to buy and I'm just lucky I got a bonus at work my wife is ok with me using for an amp.
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited March 2011
    stangjason wrote: »
    Umm I'm starting to balk on the Parasound now...I'm just not sure it's going to have enough power and the sound I want. If I can pick up the Parasound semi-local would it be better than buying the B&K that's a 1991 model via AudiogoN? I'm so confused...If I had money to blow I would buy a couple and resell them but I have diapers and Enfamil to buy and I'm just lucky I got a bonus at work my wife is ok with me using for an amp.

    It's not like you are going to be 'stuck' with whatever amp you choose for life...it ain't a marriage. :wink:

    The amps you are considering could be turned around and sold with little/no loss to you and you gain first hand experience with the amp.

    I've done that with several components bought used from audiogon. So, I'm out maybe some shipping charges. I've got to put my ears on gear, some I've kept, some I've resold....that's the nature of this hobby.

    None of us can tell you what to buy - that is your decision....seems like you've gotten some good advice on what to 'try'.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stangjason
    stangjason Posts: 341
    edited March 2011
    What are your opinions on NAD 925? Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse or whatever but I found a pretty good deal I believe.
    Pioneer vsx-1120k, B&K Sonata series video-5 amplifier, Polk Rti8, Fxi3, Csi5, and HSU VTF-1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter