SS Power Amp for 2 Channel- want to do it right

CCNJ

I just bought Totem Hawk speakers and a Benchmark HDR (Preamp/Dac). I currently have an Emotiva XP3 but want to replace it. I want to buy a power amp that will keep me happy for a long time. I understand swapping out speakers every one in a while but I hope to keep my electronics for awhile.

Is something like the Parasound A21 or Cambridge 840W enough of an upgrade?

Another option is to buy a higher quality amp used on Audiogon either a Pass or Bryston. I could probably stretch my budget to 3K or so if the difference over the Parasound and Cambridge is significant enough.

Your thoughts?

BlueFox

I have two CA 840W amps configured in mono. In mono mode they are rated as 500W/ch @ 8 ohm, and 800W/ch at 4 ohm. My speakers (PSB Synchrony One) are 4 ohm. Some part of this is in Class A, and then switches to Class B. Do some Google and you will not find a bad review. These amps sound great, and appear to be solid. I have had mine between 3-4 years, and they run for hours every day. On the weekends they get turned on Friday night, and stay on until bedtime Sunday night. Did I say they sound great?

Their biggest drawback is they are hotter than Hades. I had to get my central air fixed for spring/summer use. On the other hand, they help with the heating in the winter.

Audio Advisor has these at closeout prices so hurry. I strongly urge you to get two. I started with one but soon added the second since the first worked so good.

"For those seeking a capable stereo amp for general purposes one 840W will suffice. However, those looking for high quality solid-state amplification will want to move to the “Mono Bridged” mode, that is, obtain two of these units. The performance elevation is such that it is easily merited. "

https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=840w+cambridge&pbx=1&oq=840w&aq=2v&aqi=g1g-v3&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=2218l5655l0l9483l4l4l0l0l0l0l188l438l3.1l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=cb7bafc2953ef2b8&biw=1243&bih=839

CCNJ

Thanks BlueFox. Do you feel that one will leave me wanting? I don't really have the space for two.

CCNJ

Hi Sal - I am replacing everything in Rig 1. It will be posted in the flea market soon. I am going just two channel for music and TV in my family room. I get the Hawks and the Benchmark HDR this week. I can run it with the Emotiva XPA-3 until I decide on a better amp. Any suggestions?

BlueFox

CCNJ wrote: »

Thanks BlueFox. Do you feel that one will leave me wanting? I don't really have the space for two.

One is great, but two are better. They do did some space for airflow.

Also, I forgot to mention in 2009 the absolute sound had them listed as one of the bargins in high-end audio.

CCNJ

Thanks for the offer Sal. Is that an integrated amp? I am just looking for a power amp as I will be using the Benchmark as my pre.

Chris

BlueFox

CCNJ wrote: »

I am just looking for a power amp as I will be using the Benchmark as my pre.

That is what I did at first with my Benchmark Pre. However, it didn't take to long before I got tired of getting up and down to adjust the volume, so I bought the companion 840E pre-amp.

CCNJ

I bought the new Benchmark HDR which has a remote control. It is $300 more than the pre but well worth it IMHO

NewHTguy

CCNJ wrote: »

Hi Sal - I am replacing everything in Rig 1. It will be posted in the flea market soon. I am going just two channel for music and TV in my family room. I get the Hawks and the Benchmark HDR this week. I can run it with the Emotiva XPA-3 until I decide on a better amp. Any suggestions?

Bluefox,
Don't mean to thread jack but I am also looking at the 840w. My concern is the heat. Would it be dangerous to put it in a entertainment cabinet that is open in the back and six inches of space above it?