Amp recommendation for under $800

I-SIG
I-SIG Posts: 2,243
edited February 2004 in Electronics
See my other post in troubleshooting for the prigins of this thread.

I have some SDA-1C's I want powered easily as well the desire to upgrade to some of the big boy 1.2tl's.

What that in mind, any recomendations? Thanks!

At the suggestion of others, I'll clarify things a little bit (quoted from below):

"Well, I want reliability and good company backing, i.e. the Bryston 20yr warranty is pretty impressive.

But I also want something beefy enough to push the bigger SDA's, like 1C's or bigger or even some of the other Polk products that are tough to drive like some LSi15's or the new RTi12's(?).

As for sound, I'm looking for something with bright, clear and non-fatiguing highs, rich mids but not "in your face," and some low-end "growl" that still has a good bit of detail, but not super tight.

RCA connections are good enough for now but I would like some nice binding posts. A detachable power cord would be nice too, but not a requirement. Of course looks count. Level controls aren't necessary."

I was also hoping for something pretty close to new, but if a deal is found on a truly rock-solid amp used and older will work too. If there is something truly outstanding I should consider that is slightly outside of the $800 I set up as my budget, let me know as well.

Wes
Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
Post edited by I-SIG on
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  • jrausch
    jrausch Posts: 510
    edited February 2004
    I have an Adcom 5802 I'm selling for $800. Plenty of power and then some. I'm upgrading to a $3000 amp.
    "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    For some reason the Adcoms have never blown my skirt up. Why should I consider it over any of the others I have listsed? Thanks!

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • Ceruleance
    Ceruleance Posts: 991
    edited February 2004
    Parasound HCA-2200 Mk.II
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  • jrausch
    jrausch Posts: 510
    edited February 2004
    The amp itself is a Mos-fet design giving you a tube like warmth to your music while having a faster attack for bass than tubes. The only thing I caution you is that the amp is a non-common ground supply. (Most amps in this power range are non-common) You will need the A-1 adapter or a clone. FrankZ had it hooked up to his LSI 15's and he can tell you that this amp generates a ton of clean low freq's. I have a pair of 2.3TL's and the amp just adds cream to the sugar. The amp i'm getting is a Mos-fet design also, it's just a fully balanced design with more class A amplification at 3 times the price. There are a few on this board that use this amp, you can probably get a second from them.:)
    "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited February 2004
    Good looking list you got there Wes, give some idea as to what you are wanting from your new amp.

    For 800.00 there is a lot to choose from.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by hoosier21
    Good looking list you got there Wes, give some idea as to what you are wanting from your new amp.

    For 800.00 there is a lot to choose from.

    Well, I want reliability and good company backing, i.e. the Bryston 20yr warranty is pretty impressive.

    But I also want somethign beefy enough to push the bigger SDA's, like 1C's or bigger or even some of the other Polk products that are tough to drive like some LSi15's or the new RTi12's(?).

    As for sound, I'm looking for something with bright, clear and non-fatiguing highs, rich mids but not "in your face," and some low-end "growl" that still has a good bit of detail, but not super tight.

    RCA connections are good enough for now but I would like some nice binding posts. A detachable power cord would be nice too, but not a requirement. Of course looks count. :D Level controls aren't necessary.

    Am I asking for amiracle? ;)

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited February 2004
    For a little more than $800 you can have one of two versions of the Sunfire used as well ...

    The 300/325 wpc stereo amp I/II, of which there are several on Audiogon now in the 900+ range ... or

    The 250 wpc symphonic reference power amp which usually comes with a less expensive pre-amp but I have seen some of the amps for sales separately.

    Additionally the Grand Cinema I amps which are ~ 200 wpc over five channels are also usually available at Audiogon or eBay in the same price neighborhood.

    I believe all of these offer XLR inputs as well as RCA's
    Rick
    HT+ Sunfire TG IV, Dual CG Sig II's, CinePro 1K2, Oppo 981, Audio Technica PL120, Polk SRT's & F/X1000's, Samsung 71" DLP
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by PolkWannabie
    For a little more than $800 you can have one of two versions of the Sunfire used as well ...

    I'm sick of Carver stuff. I kow Sunfire is different, but I'm not gonna consider it at this pont due to the Carver influences. Thanks, though.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited February 2004
    I'll put a vote in for the McCormack DNA 1 amplifier. 185 Watts @ 8 ohms, 370 Watts @ 4 ohms, 600 Watts @ 2 ohms. You can get one used for around $700 ($2000 retail in it's day) and it's a beast! I have it's "baby" brother and like it a lot. McCormack amps are fully upgradeable by the designer, Steve McCormack. I've shared a few emails with him and he is a great guy! McCormack amps are highly reguarded for their performance and their bang for the buck!

    A quote from this review: "You ever paid to have your **** kicked? Well, that's what's gonna happen if you let loose of two grand on this baby. It's an ****-kicking product when need be, and a sweetheart for those kinder, more gentler moments. "


    Another Review from Stereophile

    Upgrades by Steve McCormack
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by tryrrthg
    I'll put a vote in for the McCormack DNA 1 amplifier. 185 Watts @ 8 ohms, 370 Watts @ 4 ohms, 600 Watts @ 2 ohms. You can get one used for around $700 ($2000 retail in it's day) and it's a beast! I have it's "baby" brother and like it a lot. McCormack amps are fully upgradeable by the designer, Steve McCormack. I've shared a few emails with him and he is a great guy! McCormack amps are highly reguarded for their performance and their bang for the buck!

    A quote from this review: "You ever paid to have your **** kicked? Well, that's what's gonna happen if you let loose of two grand on this baby. It's an ****-kicking product when need be, and a sweetheart for those kinder, more gentler moments. "


    Another Review from Stereophile

    Upgrades by Steve McCormack

    Thanks, I'll keep that in mind as well.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I would also vote Parasound, but the question and choices are a little too broad. The Parasound offers strong low end signature, Class A design and a 10 year warranty when new. Used, you just lose the warranty, but can step into a larger wpc category like Ceruleance suggested. The HCA-2200 MKII is a strong amplifier.

    Also boils down to whether you don't mind used gear. NAD, Bryston, Outlaw, Aragon and Rotel are also very nice choices....you can't lose in that category.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Thanks, dorokusai.

    I tried to clarify thing a little bit if you want to re-read my original post.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    Wes - That's cool, I got ya' now. I also like a nice warranty, it makes me feel good about the product. It is probably the first thing I look for these days.

    New or used, the Parasound HCA-1500A is a great choice in the <$800 category from that company. They were running a special on that amplifier for $699 recently on the website homepage. Average, $650-850 New...$500-550 Used.

    www.parasound.com

    I was seriously looking at the NAD S300, Integrated, before I went another route. $800-900 New.

    www.nadelectronics.com
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,755
    edited February 2004
    After reading your requirements I will suggest the following in order of preference.

    Bryston 4B ST - 250 wpc
    It's a power house with a 20 year warranty. Great value for the money, rock solid bottom end and mated with a tube pre is hard to beat in it's price range. Used price is @ $1000.00.

    Classe CA-200 - 200 wpc
    Very sweet amp and will fit your needs prefectly, but it will cost more....about $1400.00 used.

    Rotel 1090 - 385 wpc
    A Stereophile recommended amp for many years running. Power to spare, not as sweet as the Classe, solid bottom end. Used $1200.00 or so.

    Aragon 8008BB or ST - 200 wpc
    A very decent amp in the $1200.00 (used) range.

    I know they are all more than $800.00, but not by much and the performance difference will be worth every penny.
    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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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    Whaddaya'll think about this, assuming it is available:

    http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1080313783


    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,755
    edited February 2004
    If it was me, I'd hold out for a 4B ST. It's a little more refined, newer and close to the same money.
    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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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited February 2004
    If you want a 20 year warranty check out the Odyssey Audio Stratos also. It has a 20 year warranty and I've read MANY good things about it.

    Odyssey Audio
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    F1 - I don't understand why you even mention, from the starting gate, amps that are on the average $400 more than what he originally listed. :confused:

    It's a wonder anybody can make a decision based on a recommendation around here. Next time SVS is mentioned I will suggest the Wilson Audio subwoofer, and post relentlessly that they are wasting their money if they do not buy it.

    I-Sig - Just re-finance your car and buy a $10K amplifier :)
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,755
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by I-SIG
    If there is something truly outstanding I should consider that is slightly outside of the $800 I set up as my budget, let me know as well.

    This is why.

    Did somebody wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?
    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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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    Yea, that sounds slightly outside the budget. :rolleyes:
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited February 2004
    No need to get in beef about what slightly outside of my budget is. I figure we were all reasonable enough to make certain assumptions. I had in mind about $1000, but would consider $1200.

    What I'm really leaning towards right now though, is a NAD C370 and a C270, both in mono. A stereo shop in Chicago has them on sale and I can get the pair for $900 NIB, plus shipping. I'd need to build a AI-1 interconnect, but I would have 300W/channel, plus I could unload my AA DLC to get some cash back as well as the offers I have on the blown up Carvers.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I-Sig - No beef, just ragging on each other....he lives too close to me to get testy with him :D

    NAD will not let you down, its a strong performer. I mentioned the S300 for simplicity, but any combination will run fine.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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