Opinions on Power Amplifiers

Beerce

Hey all,

I'm new to Club Polk, I just recently picked up a pair of used Lsi15's and I'm now shopping for a used amp.

I have a few options on the go right now, and I'm fairly inexperienced with all this so I figured I'd try to get some general opinions on my options. I know no one can tell you what sounds better, you have to listen yourself, etc. etc. but I'd like to see what you guys think about the general price/performance value of my current options. So build quality, reputation, if one if just in a way higher league, or getting more for the money, etc. That doesn't mean you can't tell me what you think if they have particular sounds to each. Keep in mind that I'll be running 2 channel LSI15's and 50/50 music/general tv/movie usage. Ignore aesthetics and curb appeal, I'll decide that once I narrow it down in terms of quality.

Here are my choices, specs for all of these can be found online pretty easily:

1. Yamaha M-60 for $250
2. Onkyo M-504 for $500
3. Bryston 3B for $520
4. Acurus A200 for $450
5. B&K EX-4420 for $550

Here are my initial thoughts, which could be way off so correct me if I'm way out:

Out of 2, 3 and 5 which are ~$500, I'm thinking the Oinker is at a lower level than the Bryston and the B&K.
The A200 might be somewhere in the middle ground in terms of reputation and build quality, but it's also slightly less money than the Bryston and B&K.
The Yamaha M-60 is probably at the lower end, but it seems to be a decent price for that unit, I'm not sure what they would otherwise go for.

As of now, I'm leaning towards the B&K. It has lots of power and looks sexy, as well as B&K having pretty favourable reviews in general on the web. Bryston of course has good reviews as well and it's giving me a tough decision. Also if the M-60 is still decent and that happens to be a really good price, I could just cheap out and choose it as well...

Appreciate your input, thanks all.

Beerce

megasat16

B&K EX-4420 is a good amp. But at this price, you have to look at Parasound HCA-2200 as well.

The Onkyo M-504 is a pretty solid amp and I don't think it's inferior to Bryston and B&K by all means.

There is Denon POA-2400 that you can have it around $200-300 and a good performer.

If you are on a budget, The Yammy M-60 or Denon POA-2400 are nice amps with globs of power. M-60 usually found for about 200-300 depending on the condition.

I don't think there will be much difference in sound quality between the amps you are looking at. It's more important what kind of preamp you are using or will be using. You need to get the amp based on what you have.

And there are Carver Amps (TFM-35, M1.0, etc.)

Beerce

**Couldn't edit my original post for some reason, but I forgot to mention that I don't currently have a preamp so that is totally open to anything**

Thanks mega, good info.

I would absolutely consider the HCA-2200 and the Denon, the only thing is that the ones on my list are available right now and I'd have to wait to see if either of those come up if I want them. I'm also in Canada and so I have to take into account shipping costs (which I included in the above prices) and availability. If the items come up for sale on AudioGon, I usually have to add a fair amount to the asking price for shipping, which makes it a much better deal for locals, and people prefer selling local as well for simplicity.

Basically it's hard to come across a deal that can be shipped to Ontario and still be competitive in price with the locals that are fighting for it.

Keep the thoughts coming!

megasat16

Oh..i c. You are a Canadian.

You are right that shipping from U.S to Canada would be a killer.

But don't worry, you have Canauk market there too.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/


It's important to know what preamp you are going to use with. Choose an amp based on the preamp you already have or you will be buying another preamp later down the line.


By the way, Welcome to Club Polk! We strive to help you spend your money!

Dawgfish

My vote would be for the B&K and Bryston. Personally for my ears I would probably opt for the B&K over the Bryston with most speakers, but with the LSIs being a little laid back and the B&K being on the warm side, the Bryston with its more neutral tone would probably be a better match.

Beerce

Thanks dawg.

I should mention now that I also have the opportunity to pick up a NAD C275 BEE for $620. Not sure if that's even a good price, but I've seen them as high as $800 so... I don't normally like the look of the NADs (lol) but this one seems to have a much nicer finish than the old gray plastic looking ones.

outlander

Don't rule out a tube amp.

slammin86

I can say the acurus is a solid amp. It seems to be left out most of the time but from what I have read they are built great and built to last.

aboroth00

Check out ATI. I'd take an USA built ATI over almost any Japanese brand. Basically SAE became ATI over the years. I had a couple Acurus' and I preferred the ATI over it in both build quality and sound quality.

Beerce

What about the Hafler 9505 Transnova?

Any experience with this guy?

lanchile

my vote goes to Bryston!

Beerce

megasat16 wrote: »

Choose an amp based on the preamp you already have or you will be buying another preamp later down the line.

I currently have no preamp so I'm open to anything there, but what exactly do you mean by this? I mean, what characteristics/specifications do I use to determine a good preamp? I guess what I'm asking is: what defines a good match between amp and preamp.


Also, I think as it stands right now I may be getting the following:
B&K EX-4420 power amp
B&K Reference 5 S2 preamp

Thoughts on that combo? I think the combined price will be about $950. That preamp might be a bit overkill for me and I could probably save money by cheaping out a bit on the preamp.. Plus it doesn't have phono input, so I would need a separate phono amp - even more money.

Yes, I'm clearly on a budget

Thanks

TrashyTrucker

Beerce wrote: »

What about the Hafler 9505 Transnova?

Any experience with this guy?

That in my opinion is a great amp... Some here on the forum claim they are a bit too bright. But what you really need is a chance to audition different amps if one is not sure.
good luck.

amulford

I think they would sound good. I have a EX442. I like it.

Beerce

TrashyTrucker wrote: »

That in my opinion is a great amp... Some here on the forum claim they are a bit too bright. But what you really need is a chance to audition different amps if one is not sure.
good luck.

I would audition the crap out of everything if I could. North Bay, Ontario, Canada doesn't have A SINGLE audio store above the level of Futureshop, so I'm pretty screwed there.

This is why I'm hoping to do as much research as possible online before making a purchase... It's the best I can do, aside from making visits to bigger cities, which takes time and money and I'd really like to just get something lol.

FTGV

Do you know the vintage of the Bryston as in pre or post ST series?

Beerce

Not sure about the age of the Bryston.

No one has any comments on the Acurus A200?

FTGV

Beerce wrote: »

Not sure about the age of the Bryston.

If less than 20yrs.old it will have some warranty remaining so finding out the age would be an advantage.

Beerce

Pretty sure the seller said it's out of warranty

FTGV

Beerce wrote: »

Pretty sure the seller said it's out of warranty

Then that would make it pre ST series.Be aware that at that age it things like electrolytic filter and feedback capacitors are nearing the end of there useful.

Beerce

FTGV wrote: »

Then that would make it pre ST series.Be aware that at that age it things like electrolytic filter and feedback capacitors are nearing the end of there useful.

Noted for sure. Thanks.

lakesailor

Unless I missed it, nobody has suggested and Adcom GFA 555 Mark II. Pretty bomb proof, work well with Polk, great power and good $$$.

Beerce

Is the GFA-555 the one with the fans, or is that the 5800? I heard the one with the fans is pretty loud, not a huge deal though.

To me, the Adcoms don't look as nice as others either. That's purely subjective and obviously performance comes before looks when I'm choosing, but if I had to choose between an equal amp in performance, I'd choose a nicer looking one

erniejade

the 555 is a darn good amp for the $. although if i had to choose between the ones you have listed, bryston, ( depending on what version it is, The M504, then a 555 original would be my choices. The 555 can usually be had for around 300 usd.


On the tube side for the same money, http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/220466-antique_sound_lab_aq1002_50wx2_power_amplifier/

erniejade

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/220087-rare_hybrid_luxman_integrated_amp_lv107u_with_mmmc/


THis one also looks interesting.

rchiwawa

In that price range I'd certainly recommend the Yamaha M-85 amp. I own a couple of m-70s and an m-85 and to date I can say that, generally speaking, your brick wall to fidelity will be the speakers reproducing the sound for a good long while before you start having issues with the amp and its quality of reproduction.

A friend of mine has an Adcom GFA 555 original edition suggested somewhere before me and it is a solid amp, no fans that I can remember. He griped about recapping it being sort of a pain in comparison to typical circuit board quality but it wasn't anything his relatively novice hand could eventually overcome...I prefer my m-85 to the Adcom as (to me) it seems a smidge cold in reproduction. On that note I can attest that every Yamaha M (35, 40, 50, 70, 85, m2, and m4) series amp I have heard are the most neutral in reproduction... its why I personally prefer them to anything else.

Beerce

Crap. Unfortunately the M-60 isn't for sale anymore. I waited too long and someone else bought it.

Oh well, that's what you get when buying used. Gotta wait for that hot deal

leftwinger57

I have the Adcom gfa 555 200wpc amp. I call it the industrial model because it has handles .The amp itself has never even gotten warm and I do push it on occasion.I got mine at AUDIO CLASSICS for $300 even w/ no shipping. ..LW

heiney9

Beerce wrote: »

Crap. Unfortunately the M-60 isn't for sale anymore. I waited too long and someone else bought it.

Oh well, that's what you get when buying used. Gotta wait for that hot deal

No loss there........Yamaha amps of that generation are pretty unspectacular. I still don't understand why they have such a following. But to each their own.

Back in the day I sold most of the Yamaha M series models and never did run across a model that was any good. "M" stands for mediocre in my mind. They are not neutral unless anemic bass, recessed midrange and rolled off highs are considered neutral.

But again if these are the things you like in an amp then it might be for you. Just one person's opinion and we all have one. There is nothing like getting your own ears in your own rig with your own music to make the best decision

H9

chandler9a

I am pretty pleased with my Adcom GFA-555. Tons of good power and very reasonably priced IMO.

I have also used the M-504 and love that as well. I'll admit that the M-504 is a better amp than the Adcom, very smooth and sexy as well. But as mentioned by others, it all depends on you what you like. I have never heard any of the others except for NAD, great sound there too.

Good luck

DON73

Beerce wrote: »

Is the GFA-555 the one with the fans, or is that the 5800? I heard the one with the fans is pretty loud, not a huge deal though.

To me, the Adcoms don't look as nice as others either. That's purely subjective and obviously performance comes before looks when I'm choosing, but if I had to choose between an equal amp in performance, I'd choose a nicer looking one

The 5800 is the one with the fans. They are not too noisy to me playing music but they can be heard in a HT system. Fine amp. As are the 555 and 555ll. Some might say the 555 is better than the 555ll but I doubt even the most golden eared audio geek here could reliably walk into a room and tell which one is playing.