Amplifier for SDA-2BTLs

TennMan
TennMan Posts: 1,266
edited July 2013 in Vintage Speakers
Now that I have the caps replaced on my 2Bs I'm very happy with them. I currently drive them with an 80 watt AVR and they sound good but I want to go with a separate amp and preamp to drive them. I want to start by getting the amp first.

For the amp I'm thinking an Adcom is what I want in my price range. A Parasound would be my next choice. Would the Adcom 545 provide enough power for the 2Bs? I know the 555 would be even better but I'm on a limited budget so I don't want to buy more power than is needed to drive the 2Bs. Comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
  • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
  • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
  • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
  • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
  • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
  • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
Post edited by TennMan on
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Comments

  • michaeljhsda2
    michaeljhsda2 Posts: 2,184
    edited June 2013
    Yaqin MC-30L. You won't regret it.

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-yaqin-mc-30l-latest-model-tube-integrated-amp-2013-06-05-integrateds-60048
    SDA SRS 2.3TL's
    Silk Audio MS-90-BT integrated tube amp
    Yaqin MS-20L integrated tube amp
    SDA 2B TL's
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited June 2013
    The tube recommendation is a good one. But if you want to stick with SS, then I would go with the Parasound. I ran a 555 with my 2Bs and it was pretty nice, but a little bright. The Parasound has great synergy with 2Bs.
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited June 2013
    michaeljhsda2 wrote: »
    Yaqin MC-30L. You won't regret it.

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-yaqin-mc-30l-latest-model-tube-integrated-amp-2013-06-05-integrateds-60048
    Thanks for the link. I've never heard a tube amp but I've read that they are really nice. Quite a bit out of my price range.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited June 2013
    deronb1 wrote: »
    The tube recommendation is a good one. But if you want to stick with SS, then I would go with the Parasound. I ran a 555 with my 2Bs and it was pretty nice, but a little bright. The Parasound has great synergy with 2Bs.
    I see you have the 1500a do you think that would be a minimum amount of power needed to properly feed a pair of 2Bs? The 1000a is a little easier to find used.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2013
    Anthem Amp 1
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited June 2013
    DSkip wrote: »
    How about a baby Marantz? It will give you the tube sound without the tubes, and be a lot cheaper in the end. Its not a separates route, but again, its cheaper and a very safe investment as far as resale.
    Which of the Marantz were the baby Marantz? I know the vintage Marantz receivers were great.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited June 2013
    TennMan wrote: »
    I see you have the 1500a do you think that would be a minimum amount of power needed to properly feed a pair of 2Bs? The 1000a is a little easier to find used.

    I wouldn't say minimum. I thought there were some Parasound amps for sale on the for sale thread here.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2013
    Get a 40 watt tube amp-- that all you will need-- I run my 1C's with a Quicksilver GLA
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,101
    edited June 2013
    TennMan wrote: »
    I want to start by getting the amp first.

    For the amp I'm thinking an Adcom is what I want in my price range. A Parasound would be my next choice.
    There a pile of suitable amplifiers, many of which should be available on the used market at any given time.
    Adcom and Parasound you already know about. Other brand names that come to mind quickly:
    Acurus
    Carver
    B&K
    Soundcraftsmen
    Bryston
    Hafler
    along with select items from
    dbx
    Rockford
    and others.

    Like all other used equipment--including your speakers--stuffing fresh caps and a general cleaning/tune-up is recommended for any older amp pretty much regardless of brand. Some of these--dbx, Rockford, Hafler and Soundcraftsmen, for example--haven't been made for decades and would certainly be due for some service work. On the other hand, a soldering iron and some sweat equity could dramatically reduce the monetary crunch--and provide superb sound quality.

    Based on my experiences, I'd look to Acurus first, and any of the others secondarily. (but then, I've had a long-time affinity for Mondial products, even after the sale to Klipsch and then to Indy Audio Labs.)

    Note that nothing on my list except for later, and largely un-loved Carver products, are known for sourcing from the Hateful Communists--another fine bonus.
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited June 2013
    I appreciate all your recommendations. Tubes sound interesting but after reading about them I don't think I'm ready to step up to them for two reasons, mainly related to money. They are a more expensive up front but they are also have the added expense of swapping out tubes as most seem to do once they have the amp for a while.

    I like the idea of the vintage receivers and I will keep my eye out for one of them. What I think would be best for me is a separate power amp and a preamp with a remote to control the volume. I'm still considering all the options and all comments and opinions are welcomed.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited June 2013
    Look at one of the Musical Fidelity integrated amps such as the A308, if you can find one. One of our members has one with the 2BTL's, which I've heard on numerous occasions. Sounds excellent, far better than the usual suspects.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited June 2013
    Thanks F1. I'll see if I can locate info about the A308.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited June 2013
    MF A308 and 2BTL's work well together. :cheesygrin:

    Just do it and enjoy.
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    Thanks everyone for your input on an amp for my 2B-TLs. After lots of searching and listening I finally settled on an Adcom GFA-555 that I found for a decent price. I was able to demo the 555 at my house connected to my speakers before I bought it. I was very happy with the way it sounds with my 2Bs.

    Now that I have the amp I'm looking for a preamp. I only need it for 2 channel listening but I do want something that has a remote control. I don't want to use an AVR for a preamp so I avoid all the extra stuff I don't want or need.

    I'm thinking an Adcom GTP-450 or GTP-550 would be logical choices to use with the 555 but I'm not stuck on an Adcom preamp. What preamp would you guys recommend that would compliment the Adcom 555 and my 2B-TLs that would be in similar price range as the Adcom preamps?
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited July 2013
    TennMan- I've got a adcom 450 pre that I'd be willing to let you try if interested in a little road trip to Johnson City. If you like it we can discuss price and you can buy it or just use it till you find something you like better.

    As far as other options, for entry level but still very nice- I'd look for a decent NAD pre. Can be found on the bay for $150-250 depending on model and condition.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    TennMan- I've got a adcom 450 pre that I'd be willing to let you try if interested in a little road trip to Johnson City. If you like it we can discuss price and you can buy it or just use it till you find something you like better.

    As far as other options, for entry level but still very nice- I'd look for a decent NAD pre. Can be found on the bay for $150-250 depending on model and condition.
    Thanks for the offer and advice. PM coming your way in a few minutes.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bored184
    bored184 Posts: 324
    edited July 2013
    The GTP-450 would be a great match so would the GFP-555. I currently have both and was quite impressed. Personally I like the GFP-555 better. I also have a GFP-710 thats was being serviced, got the call today that it was done.
    Speakers: TL Monitor 10s, RTA 11TLs, Fortes, Thiel CS 1.2
    Amplifiers: ]Ashly FTX 2001 III, Dynaco ST-70, DIY F6
    Pre: Adcom GFP 750, Aikido Tube Pre
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    bored184 wrote: »
    The GTP-450 would be a great match so would the GFP-555. I currently have both and was quite impressed. Personally I like the GFP-555 better. I also have a GFP-710 thats was being serviced, got the call today that it was done.
    I've not ran across any info about the GFP-555 but I will see what I can find. What do you like better about that model? The 710 is more of a higher end model $$$ isn't it?
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited July 2013
    PM recvd. GTP-450 w/ remote $120 you pick up or $150 if I bring to you near Knoxville.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    PM recvd. GTP-450 w/ remote $120 you pick up or $150 if I bring to you near Knoxville.
    Trying to send another PM. Your inbox is full.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited July 2013
    Inbox cleared, thanks.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    PM sent. Meant to say Johnson City instead of Kingsport in pm
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited July 2013
    I wish I had known you needed one of those amps, I have one I want to sell at the moment. The GFP 555 is a great amp for the money, your 2B's will love it. I kept mine in the rig for about five years as I upgraded everything else, just a workhorse of an amp.

    Have fun!
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    chandler9a wrote: »
    I wish I had known you needed one of those amps, I have one I want to sell at the moment. The GFP 555 is a great amp for the money, your 2B's will love it. I kept mine in the rig for about five years as I upgraded everything else, just a workhorse of an amp.

    Have fun!
    I assume you mean GFA-555 when you are saying amp? I wish you had said you had one for sale we could have talked. I was looking in the FS forum for quite a while but didn't see yours that I can remember.

    I think the 555 is a good choice for my limited budget. I took the cover off it today to get more familiar with it. It looks brand new inside. I was looking for signs that caps were bulging or leaking or anything overheated. Everything looks great. I'm hoping it will perform well for a long time. I didn't get a manual with it. Are there any adjustments that need to be done from time to time to keep it in top condition?
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited July 2013
    TMan- haven't forgot about you, just a lot of errands on my to do list today. I did get it out of the closet and tested. All functions are working great. I'll try to call tonight before it gets too late.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    No problem. I should be here.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited July 2013
    I have a Carver M-1.0t I could lend you, if I can find it.

    http://www.carveraudio.com/index.php/amplifiers/m-10t
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited July 2013
    toobs
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited July 2013
    Tenn, from what I hear, you can upgrade the caps to bring it up to speed since they degrade over time. Mine never had any problems so I didn't bother but I'm sure its worth it.

    I have not put it in the FS section yet, been too occupied with other hobbies that are in danger of being banned at the moment.

    Someday, tubes will be in my rig... someday
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited July 2013
    Thanks to TNHNDYMAN I'm now the proud owner of an Adcom GTP-450 preamp. I am very happy with it. It sounds great with my newly acquired GFA-555 amp.

    Thanks to everyone for your input. I appreciate it. Maybe on down the road tubes might be in my future but right now the vintage Adcom gear is more within my limited budget.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
    • Adcom GFA-555 amp · Upgrades & speaker protection added by OldmanSRS
    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
    • SDA CRS+ · Hidden away in the closet
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter