What would you recommend to power these SDA2's

jbail2011

The common ground thing short circuits my brain... I would like to invest in a quality, high end, power amp that will last a life time. Are there any that are great for 2 channel/theater (Arcam)? Or is it one or the other?

Clipdat

Bryston offers a 20 year warranty.

JPete

You should get a ton of replies on this one.. what’s your budget? What else is in the system? You have a preamp already?

I have a McCormack running my SDAs and I’ll probably keep it for a long time. Sound really good together. Before that an Adcom GFA 555 and a few other midfi amps.

There’s much better out there depending on what you want to spend though. Sweet deal on a Parasound 1500a in the classified section right now. That would take care of your needs.

jbail2011

JPete wrote: »

You should get a ton of replies on this one.. what’s your budget? What else is in the system? You have a preamp already?

I have a McCormack running my SDAs and I’ll probably keep it for a long time. Sound really good together. Before that an Adcom GFA 555 and a few other midfi amps.

There’s much better out there depending on what you want to spend though. Sweet deal on a Parasound 1500a in the classified section right now. That would take care of your needs.

Thanks! I will check that out. I haven't set a limit on my budget. I want to buy the best receiver I can. 2-3k would be about as much as I will want to spend

codycatalist

jbail2011 wrote: »

JPete wrote: »

You should get a ton of replies on this one.. what’s your budget? What else is in the system? You have a preamp already?

I have a McCormack running my SDAs and I’ll probably keep it for a long time. Sound really good together. Before that an Adcom GFA 555 and a few other midfi amps.

There’s much better out there depending on what you want to spend though. Sweet deal on a Parasound 1500a in the classified section right now. That would take care of your needs.

Thanks! I will check that out. I haven't set a limit on my budget. I want to buy the best receiver I can. 2-3k would be about as much as I will want to spend

If you want an all in one solution look for some integrated amps. MOST dual mono aren't common ground but some designs are in fact common ground. I don't have much in the way of experience with Integrated amps as much as I do lowfi stuff and midfi separates.

By the way I have the speakers you do, nice set. If you can't find an Integrated you want to try out I use a Denon PRA-1200 Preamp going to an Adcom GFA545 and I think it is a good combo. Is there better, yes but isn't there always better in audiophilia?

JPete

Sorry, I misunderstood I guess. Are you looking for an HT AV receiver that will also work well in 2 channel for stereo listening with the SDAs?

How many channels will you be running? In that price range you could probably come up with a nice separates system if you don’t mind used gear.

I’m not up on the new receivers, but I’m sure someone can recommend a nice integrated that would work very well in that price range if you don’t want a separate pre/processor and power amp.

jbail2011

JPete wrote: »

Sorry, I misunderstood I guess. Are you looking for an HT AV receiver that will also work well in 2 channel for stereo listening with the SDAs?

How many channels will you be running? In that price range you could probably come up with a nice separates system if you don’t mind used gear.

I’m not up on the new receivers, but I’m sure someone can recommend a nice integrated that would work very well in that price range if you don’t want a separate pre/processor and power amp.

No you were spot on. Thank you. Now I'm thinking about the Parasound you mentioned.... I could honestly care less to use this for AV. My main goal is to listen to music like I used to. I dont want to limit myself to any useful recommendations. I am wide open right now.

codycatalist

If you got the funds go Parasound or B&k for starters. Get an idea of the sound you like, different amps signatures and piece it together.

You'll learn the more you are on here recommending an amp is hit or miss as everyone's tastes are different. I like warm, emotional, less detailed but good Soundstage in my system. You might like more detail, dynamics, huge presentation. Just gotta get your learn on my friend.

You could dip your toes for pretty cheap going the Adcom route but for a couple hundred bucks more you can get B&k or Parasound HCA series.

MrBuhl

If your budget is in the $2- $3k range for amplification, sky is the limit. I have less than that in my McCormack and Pass Labs both, pretty close on the Pass tho.

I would definitely consider that Parasound 1500 in the FM, but I'd also say you could get a nice tube preamp like an EE Minimax and a McCormack amp and be in heaven for a long while on less than a $2k budget.

Drew makes a great point about Bryston too.

I would not be considering a receiver with those kinds of funds available for the project.

pitdogg2

what SDA2? Sda2, SDA2'a or SDA2'b? SDA2 and SDA2'a both start at 4ohm and drop lower. 95% of receivers will choke and burn up on 3ohm loads.

codycatalist

pitdogg2 wrote: »

what SDA2? Sda2, SDA2'a or SDA2'b? SDA2 and SDA2'a both start at 4ohm and drop lower. 95% of receivers will choke and burn up on 3ohm loads.

Ivan, if I remember correctly they are EARLY 2Bs. Studio but blade blade.

jbail2011

codycatalist wrote: »

pitdogg2 wrote: »

what SDA2? Sda2, SDA2'a or SDA2'b? SDA2 and SDA2'a both start at 4ohm and drop lower. 95% of receivers will choke and burn up on 3ohm loads.

Ivan, if I remember correctly they are EARLY 2Bs. Studio but blade blade.

Yes 2b

pglbook

MrBuhl wrote: »

If your budget is in the $2- $3k range for amplification, sky is the limit. I have less than that in my McCormack and Pass Labs both, pretty close on the Pass tho.

I would definitely consider that Parasound 1500 in the FM, but I'd also say you could get a nice tube preamp like an EE Minimax and a McCormack amp and be in heaven for a long while on less than a $2k budget.

Drew makes a great point about Bryston too.

I would not be considering a receiver with those kinds of funds available for the project.

I second the McCormack amp/EE MiniMax preamp combo. I bought a McCormack .5 Deluxe amp and EE MiniMax preamp a little over a month ago, solely on the advice of the Polkies on this great forum, and I have been in sonic heaven ever since.

gyosa

For 2-3k budget , I’d get either a used Parasound A21 , new Parasound A21+ , or a new van alstine vision set 400 ....
I prefer minimum 200 watts and high current ....

Bk

audioluvr

Here's a good older B&K amp to look for. These are great sounding and with like 75 amps of reserve power.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-B-K-Components-EX-442-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-200w-ch/153421803031?epid=110918855&hash=item23b8a6ee17:g:adgAAOSwhW1cewyg:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!97058!US!-1

gyosa

75 amps of current ....
Maybe , or maybe not .....
The ex-442 used hitachi mosfets and then later switched to toshiba mosfets ( this unit was later cosmetically modified and renamed EX-442 Sonata - same amp , new name )...
The hitachi units only had 50 amps current , the toshibas had 75....

Obviously, you want the toshiba units ...
50% more current output ...

They can be identified by looking under the hood ,,,
The hitachi’s are metal cans and the toshibas are green/black - both mounted directly on the heatsinks .....

Bk

audioluvr wrote: »

Here's a good older B&K amp to look for. These are great sounding and with like 75 amps of reserve power.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-B-K-Components-EX-442-Stereo-Power-Amplifier-200w-ch/153421803031?epid=110918855&hash=item23b8a6ee17:g:adgAAOSwhW1cewyg:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!97058!US!-1