Amp options for 1c's

Gerres26

So now that I have acquired a nice set of 1c's its time for me to look for a decent power amp for them. I'm probably going to sell off my Marantz 2252b to fund this purchase since I haven't had a use for it in a while. I'm looking to keep this under $400 for the time being, so what are some nice options to keep an eye out for? Right now I'm using my Ashly ftx-2001 mosfet pro amp to power them and although they have no trouble pushing the SDAs I'm just wondering what a decent consumer amp might to for them.
So let me hear some ideas fellas.

Nightfall

About an extra $100 over your budget.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BK-EX-4420-2-Channel-Amplifier-/152128183018?hash=item236b8bdaea:g:13MAAOSwvg9XXy6C

200 watts @ 8 ohm 350 watts @ 4 ohm

Conradicles

That B&K is really nice. I had an older model and loved it.

Gerres26

Would a B&k like this be considered a notch above say a Adcom 555 or a Parasound HCA 1200 or 1500? Just curious as to which would be preferred all things being equal.

Gerres26

I may have a chance at a b&k ex4420 or an Adcom gfa 555, both around the same price ($325). I hear a whole lot more about the adcom but which would be the better choice for the 1c's? I have a Rotel RC 1070 as my preamp by the way.

Mikey081057

Tubes baby... a 50 watt tube amp will make your 1C's wail.

george daniel

Anthem Amp 1 plays nicely with 1C's

Gerres26

I'll be honest, i know nothing about tube amps. I figured they were out of my league (budget).

voltz

Tubes are different in they have to always have speakers hooked up to them before turning on, you can leave solid State on all day but tube shouldn't and I don't leave mine unattended too long. but a little warm up time makes them sound better.

There are some nice affordable tube amps
here is a nice Integrated amplifier for $560
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Audio-MC-13S-Tube-Integrated-Amplifier-Factory-New-from-Yaqin-/322177451744?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

pitdogg2

there is a Carver TFM 25 on the forum that would make a nice start....


http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/173481/carver-tfm-25-amp#latest

no affiliation just within the price range

Gerres26

That Carver looks nice. How does it compare with some of the other amps I listed? Mind you I'm a rock and roll guy but like a warmer sound, if that makes any sense.

tonyb

Gerres26 wrote: »

That Carver looks nice. How does it compare with some of the other amps I listed? Mind you I'm a rock and roll guy but like a warmer sound, if that makes any sense.

In that case, either the B&k amp or the Parasounds should be on your radar.

Conradicles

pitdogg2 wrote: »

there is a Carver TFM 25 on the forum that would make a nice start....


http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/173481/carver-tfm-25-amp#latest

no affiliation just within the price range

That Carver for $200 is a great deal.

Gerres26

DSkip wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Gerres26 wrote: »

That Carver looks nice. How does it compare with some of the other amps I listed? Mind you I'm a rock and roll guy but like a warmer sound, if that makes any sense.

In that case, either the B&k amp or the Parasounds should be on your radar.

Agreed. I do have a halo a23 I would let go for $600 shipped if you need it. I think your budget is lower though.

I would love to have one of these just out of my price range at this time. I have some inquiries out on a few different amps so I'm waiting to hear back but i have noticed a couple Onkyo M 504s for sale close by. They are pretty looking but how is their sound and build quality?

Mikey081057

Don't buy on price or looks.... Your ears need to make the decision. If you have to wait to save for what you want then wait... or you will be selling what you buy at a 15-40% loss and spending more than what you need to spend now.

MrBuhl

FWIW I've got a B&K ST1400ii I need to part with - I think it's 185wpc but if you're interested I could check the specs.

JPete

I'll vouch for the Adcom 555 at $325 if everything is up to snuff with it. Great amplifier on SDAs in my opinion. I've cycled through a few amps with my SDAs, but nothing topped the 555 in my setup until I picked up a McCormack.

P.S. - I haven't heard the B&K 4420 to compare. Carver amps didn't do it for me in that rig by a long shot.

george daniel

Just my two cents,, whether you go solid state or tubes,,,save your money and get a good high current amp. Tube wise, a good 50 watt amp will do the trick,, such as a Quicksilver GLA,VTL/Manley,,, Anthem AMP 1,, if you go solid state,,consider a tube pre if you do not already have one to mate with an SS amp,,there are plenty out there,, a good Audible Illusions pre and a Belles 150 is a match made in heaven .good luck in your quest

Dawgfish

Great advice from everyone. Fwiw, I had some 1Cs paired with an Adcom 555, BK-ST202+, and an Anthem Amp-2 SE (tube/solid state hybrid) in the past. They sounded great with both the B&K and Anthem. I was using a modded Anthem Pre-1L tube pre with all of them. The Adcom was just too bright imho. I've also heard ScottyBoy76's 1Cs being powered by a Carver Tfm-25 and thought they sounded great!

I currently have a set of modded SRS-2s which are like 1Cs on steroids. I have ran an Anthem Amp 1, Anthem Amp 2Se, Pimaluna Prologue 5, and Rogue 88 Magnum on them and they all sounded fantastic on them.

I agree wholeheartedly with George above with the recommendation for a tube pre and high current amp, tube or solid state. The Carver in the FM would be hard to be beat for his asking price.

tonyb

Lots of good choices, and Skips offer of the A23 for 6 bones, someone should be snatching up.

The Carver is a good choice and fits your budget, but if you like a tad more warmth than what your accustomed to, it's not going to give you that. Don't rush out to buy something just to buy something. Save your cereal box tops and wait until you can afford something that will give you what you seek.

Gerres26

Alright guys, thanks for all the great suggestions. I came across a deal I couldnt pass up on an Adcom gfa 555 for $235 locally in very nice condition. He also has a gfa 555II for $275 but I've read the original is slightly better especially if i decide to upgrade it. At this price i figured I could try out an amp that a lot of people rave about and if it doesn't move me I could get rid of it for more than I would have into and put that extra money into a different amp. I should be picking it up next week so I will post some pics and my first impressions when I get it.

Faustin

I have paired my 1c's with the gfa 555 and a Dared tube pre and have been quite pleased. I also used a Silk Audio MC 100 integrated tube amp with the 1c's , and in my opinion the 60 watts / channel did not allow them to open up. The 1c's are now paired with a Rogue Cronus Magnum II at 100 watts / channel and they really shine. Great sound stage and they are detailed with awesome tight bass, open mids and great highs.

Gerres26

I picked up the Adcom today and this thing is clean. The guy I bought it from had more quality gear than anyone I've ever seen. So i was able to have a quick listening session with the adcom before i bought it. For $235 i couldn't be happier with the shape it is in. Eventually i will want to recap it just because its getting up there in years. Im handy with a soldering iron and have done a bunch of speaker recaps, but im not sure if an amp recap is beyond my skillset as im not even sure where I'd begin.

WagnerRC

Nice score