Best Amplifier ratings

trubluluc
trubluluc Posts: 2,067
edited April 2004 in Electronics
Guys I'm sure this is like asking who makes the best beer....a hundred different opinions. But....of the big names in audio, could I get some opinions on the following criteria:

1.Quality of sound.
2. Quality of build
3. Reliability/ warranty
4. Design aesthetics

thanks,

-Luc
Post edited by trubluluc on
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  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited April 2004
    3. Reliability/Warranty:
    Bryston Amps have a 20 Year warranty
    Graham
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  • trubluluc
    trubluluc Posts: 2,067
    edited April 2004
    Bryston Amps...I've heard of them, but haven't seen any . I'll check it out.

    What is thought about Parasound?

    -Luc
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  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited April 2004
    Never heard them myself (Parasound) but
    they are well regarded and seem to be a very good value.

    Bryston is a Canadian company. I have heard the 3B, and 4B amps (with PMC speakers) and they sound great to me, amazing detail.
    Graham
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2004
    Parasound is highly regarded and has a 10 year warranty if purchased thru an authorized dealer.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • trubluluc
    trubluluc Posts: 2,067
    edited April 2004
    I've always liked their look...as much as that matters...I've only heard the 2 channel amp, but they seem to be reasonably priced compared to Krell and others. Someone posted a link for B-stock that seemed pretty decently priced.

    -Luc
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2004
    I am a self admitted Parasound-aholic. It's a great amp, and really a top performer. I have heard most of their amps, including the vintage gear.

    They have a heavy bottom end, typical of large block Class A amplifier designs. Midrange is defined, but neither highs or mids really sparkle IMO. It's an amp for anything power hungry, just check out the spec's for a HCA-1500A, as an example.

    The HALO line really starts to open up the upper ranges for sonics. Signature bottom end with some real clear midrange was my impression.

    There are high qulaity components in either series, that you won't find in more expensive manufacturers. Vishay, Harris, Muse...just to name a few.
    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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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited April 2004
    Bryston
    Sim Audio Moon
    Classe'
    Blue Circle
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  • trubluluc
    trubluluc Posts: 2,067
    edited April 2004
    must admit I've never heard of them,
    but I like the name;)

    what is the "classic British sound?

    -Luc
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  • PolkWannabie
    PolkWannabie Posts: 2,763
    edited April 2004
    Best is mucho subjective in almost any category you'd like to pick ... Best that you get your listen on to as many that you can find and afford and best that you don't know what you are listening to until after you've made your evaluation on any given piece of gear.
    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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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2004
    Tru - My definition of classic British sound would be very rich, clean midrange, tight percussion, and somewhat flat, un-exciting high-end. You don't often hear the term sibilance attributed to this kind of gear.
    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: 50,757
    edited April 2004
    Luc,

    For your viewing pleasure.......http://www.musicalfidelity.com/
    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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  • jazznsoccer
    jazznsoccer Posts: 12
    edited April 2004
    Also take a look at Rotel. The RMB-1905 gets very good price/performance marks from most reviews. I've heard the Rotel drive good quality speakers with authority and real tight sound.
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  • trubluluc
    trubluluc Posts: 2,067
    edited April 2004
    Some major power there.
    Have to admit I prefer black componentry,
    but dig the blue light thing.
    Rotel is definitely nice stuff as well.

    Most of this stuff seems to be out of my price range...$1200. tops, but I plan to buy used so hopefully I can get something nice.
    I like high quality stuff, but I like a deal almost as much.
    I'm just looking for advice on what to watch for in a nice 2channel amp setup.

    thanks all,

    -Luc
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited April 2004
    Well, you had most of the perfect suggestions allready :) Good luck.
    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: 50,757
    edited April 2004
    With a cap of $1200.00 I'd go for the Bryston 4B-ST, Classe CA-200 or the Parasound HCA-1500A, used of course.

    A couple more to look at, the McCormack DNA-1 and the Conrad-Johnson MF-2300A.
    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 April 2004
    Good call on the McCormack F1nut! but don't for get the DNA 0.5 ;) I've read many places where people think the 0.5 sounds better than the DNA 1. I haven't heard the DNA 1 but McCormack makes some great amplifiers!
    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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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,757
    edited April 2004
    You are absolutely right, please excuse my oversight. :)

    I should add that Steve McCormack has a host of upgrades to his amps that can be done in steps or all at once.
    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 April 2004
    ahh yes, I forgot to mention the upgrades at

    www.smcaudio.com

    From what I've read (in many places) a modified McCormack DNA amplifer with Revision A can compete with the big boy amps at ANY price.
    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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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited April 2004
    Don't miss out on Anthem.

    Same company that makes Paradigm speakers.

    I find Anthem amps & pre-amps to be very detailed, and utterly clean sounding. Incredible soundstage depth. Not the most musical amp, would never be called warm. Also very affordable. Check out the Anthem PVA-2. 125W/channel, about $600, NEW! I like Anthem ALOT. I'm thinking of getting the Parasound PHP-850 Preamp with an Anthem PVA-2 amp.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited April 2004
    That might be a nice combo, gmorris.

    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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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited April 2004
    Originally posted by I-SIG
    That might be a nice combo, gmorris.

    Wes

    I think so. I like the Anthem PVA-2 very much. I don't like the Anthem TLP-1 Pre/amp so much though. It has great sound, but as far as features, I would rather go with the Parasound. I don't like the fact it has a tuner. I never use it, and it can only add noise to the circuitry. Also, it doesn't have a detachable power cord. And it has a bunch of circuits for Bass Management that I'd never use, again, degrades the signal path, IMO.

    I've heard nothing but the highest praises for the Parasound PHP-850. I think feature wise it is a better Pre/Amp for me. I've never actually heard the Parasound amps, but I have heard the Anthem amps. If I could get a chance to listen to a Parasound amp, I may decide to go with a Parasound Pre/Amp & amp, but for now, I'm thinking Para. Pre & Anthem amp.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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