Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature or Cinema 7 Signature
BeefJerky
Posts: 1,320
I'm looking to consolidate my amps and get a single multi-channel one. After doing some research, I think that I want to give these Sunfire amps a try. However, from a my reading here and elsewhere, it seems that the signature version is a big step up in sound quality from the non-signature version, so that's the route I'd like to go.
Either the 400/800w or 425/850w (Series II) version is fine. I would prefer one of the 17" versions (Architect's Choice), but I will also consider the 19" versions. I can be fairly forgiving when it comes to the cosmetics, so I can deal with some scratches and reasonable dents and dings. I don't want to it look like it was dropped off of a 10 story building, but it certainly doesn't need to be pristine. However, I do want one that is in fully functioning condition; that means no hum, no abnormal noises, no overheating, no leaking caps, etc. In other words, it should function the way Bob designed it to.
I suspect that I will be mostly interested in one of the 5 channel versions simply due to budget constraints, but if you have a 7 channel version, let's talk. I may also have some things to trade if you are interesting in going that route.
Shoot me a PM or respond here and let me know what you have. Thanks!
Either the 400/800w or 425/850w (Series II) version is fine. I would prefer one of the 17" versions (Architect's Choice), but I will also consider the 19" versions. I can be fairly forgiving when it comes to the cosmetics, so I can deal with some scratches and reasonable dents and dings. I don't want to it look like it was dropped off of a 10 story building, but it certainly doesn't need to be pristine. However, I do want one that is in fully functioning condition; that means no hum, no abnormal noises, no overheating, no leaking caps, etc. In other words, it should function the way Bob designed it to.
I suspect that I will be mostly interested in one of the 5 channel versions simply due to budget constraints, but if you have a 7 channel version, let's talk. I may also have some things to trade if you are interesting in going that route.
Shoot me a PM or respond here and let me know what you have. Thanks!
Post edited by BeefJerky on
Comments
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The Parasound Halo A-52(I think that's the one Doug has) would be my first choice, given that the Cinema Sigs are coming up on 20+ years old now and will need to be re-capped to make them what they used to be. With Sunfire bowing out of making amps, and some parts needed to restore these amps running scarce, I think it would be a smarter play to go with the Parasound. Sonically, these two amps are VERY similar.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Yeah, I think I will be looking at other options. Sunfire getting out of the amp business and no longer supporting any sort of repairs is a bit unnerving. According to my source, the Cinema Grand Signatures are only about 12 years old; the original Cinema Grand Signature was supposedly introduced in 2003 according to the info on carversite.com. However, that is still not a good thing without any support.
I think it is actually the Parasound Halo A51 you are referring to. This one is far out of my price range, with used ones going for $2500+. I have seen some suggestions to look at the HCA-2205, which is the predecessor to the A51. It seems that most of the changes were cosmetic, with only some fairly minor changes internally. They are both John Curl designs which is a great thing. They are around the same age as the Cinema Grand Signatures, but it it doesn't seem like Parasound is planning on abandoning their amplifier business, so support/repairs might not be a problem in the future.
There are also some other options that I am considering based on my budget, wants and needs. These include the ATI AT2505 and Rotel RMB-1095.
I would love to hear some comments on these amps, and I am open to suggestions for other amps. The amp will be driving my LSi setup (2xLSi15, LSiC, 2xLSiFX, 2xLSi9), so I would like an amp that can deliver at least 300w RMS at 4 ohms. I suspect I will be primarily looking at 5 channels since 7 channels may be out of my budget. In that case, I will simply run the two surround rear speakers (LSi9) off of my Onkyo's built-in amp for the time being. I need to keep the cost of the amp below $1500, and if possible, $1200 or less. -
I will be purchasing John's Sunfire Signature Grand in short order. Thanks John!
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With Rolland at high tech and many other places still around that are able to fix the regualr amps ( not the preamps) i wouldnt be afraid to buy one. I actually just sent my sig II to rolland last week for the VU and to give it a quick once over. Just like the old marantz or Pioneer or Sansui receivers and amps that a lot of people like, the manufactures don't support them but, many other places or individuals keep them going.Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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I should clairify about the preamps, the HT pre's some of the chips are hard to get and some cannot be fixed. the amps however, a qualified tech can keep them going for years and years.
I have a local place where I took my 300x2 and they had no problem fixing the hum on it but for the sig, since i would like to keep the sig II i wanted rolland to look at it.
sorry to chime in like that but i have been seeing a lot of people saying they are afraid to get a sunfire amp because the manufacture doesnt support it. Just like the carver amps, carver doesn't suppport them but, many of repair shops do. ( unless you know bob lol )Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's. -
Ernie, there is absolutely no need to apologize. I appreciate the information. Thanks!I should clairify about the preamps, the HT pre's some of the chips are hard to get and some cannot be fixed. the amps however, a qualified tech can keep them going for years and years.
I have a local place where I took my 300x2 and they had no problem fixing the hum on it but for the sig, since i would like to keep the sig II i wanted rolland to look at it.
sorry to chime in like that but i have been seeing a lot of people saying they are afraid to get a sunfire amp because the manufacture doesnt support it. Just like the carver amps, carver doesn't suppport them but, many of repair shops do. ( unless you know bob lol ) -
I will be purchasing John's Sunfire Signature Grand in short order. Thanks John!
Congrats man. Give it a good home!"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
I intend to! And, trust me, you don't have to worry about broken banana jacks...or it getting smashed up because I was too lazy to use a flashlight in the dark...or any other PFB-style incidents.EndersShadow wrote: »Congrats man. Give it a good home!
