Help choosing Amp

tlwing
tlwing Posts: 13
in 2 Channel Audio
I recently picked up a HK 930 rec. to pair with ADS L 710 and now as much as I enjoy this set up I have moved on. I traded my ADS for a pair of Polk 3.1’s. I think I need a new amp but I’m not even certain of that so I could use some guidance from those more experienced. Thanks in advance. BTW Can’t spend over 2000.00 on an amp.
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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    You'll need a pre amp as well unless you get an integrated amp. Maybe pick out a few integrated amps, let us know what they are and we'll offer our opinions.
    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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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    Would it be possible to use the HK as a pre amp ?
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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    Also I’m not sure how much amp I should look for. Think I read the Polks operate at 50-500 wpc.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    tlwing wrote: »
    Would it be possible to use the HK as a pre amp ?

    You could, but a dedicated pre amp or integrated amp will perform better.
    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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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,909
    edited July 2021
    Just to post-amplifiy ;)@F1nut's comment above -- I'm pretty sure the hk930 does have pre-out/main-in jacks, but the preamp sections of those old hk receivers were pretty crude (even by the standards of their time).

    EDIT: Yes, yes it does (did):

    nr3o5vt5nc4i.png
    https://classicreceivers.com/harman-kardon-930

    I don't know what a Polk "3.1" is, but I am wondering why you ditched the L-710s, @tlwing?
    I have been a big fan of them for decades. Easy to listen to, and also easy to drive.

    Just thought I'd toss that in. :#

    EDIT: Oh, here's a fun thing to consider doing with that hk930 B)

    640o11g216ih.png

    from the late, great Fred Nachbaur:
    http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/gallery3.htm
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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    Thanks F1 I understand the difference and having the HK around for an alternate system would be fun as well. Im thinking 150-250 wpc would be adequate. I’ve been a fan of Sansui’s integrated amps from the 70’s anyway. Thanks again !
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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    That’s a wild set up and way beyond my skill set. The speakers are Polk srs 3.1 tl. I enjoy both sets but they do offer different experiences and the ADS are now gone in the trade. Thanks for your response.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    As in most things.....quality is better than quantity.

    A competently designed 75-100wpc integrated amp (Cambridge and NAD come to mind) will do you fine for 99% of your listening needs...
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • tonyp063
    tonyp063 Posts: 1,088
    Noting what TroyD mentioned.

    There's a CX81 at the Cambridge Audio factory outlet.
    Factory refurb at a $500 discount. Might be worth considering

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/254491632971?hash=item3b40e2254b:g:ZlQAAOSwFaNeKyLM

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    Isn't Cambridge gear on the bright side?
    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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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    NAD C 372 Integrated amp
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • tonyp063
    tonyp063 Posts: 1,088
    F1nut wrote: »
    Isn't Cambridge gear on the bright side?

    usual disclaimer:
    My ears, my room. my music tastes.

    I actually don't find it bright. Transparent would be more the description, for me.

    I had bought a couple of pieces from a former forum member to use when I was putting together systems, using Peerless M10s, for my kids.
    They really seemed to just get out of the way while providing clean, sufficient power.

    I will say that using their phono stage was the first time I could *really* hear the different sound signatures of differing cartridges.

    YMMV
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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    I’ve checked the recommended amps and noted the comments as well. I’m pleased to hear that I can use quality gear at or near 100 wpc and still get the best from these speakers. I’m still doing a lot of looking ( it’s fun) but thanks for narrowing my search. I’m not an audiophile but I’ve been buying stereo equipment since 1974 when I was in the Navy. My first was Sansui 9090 / 4 sp 2000’s and techniques sl 1200. Ive not stopped but have never really learned the how and why of it all. I’m learning more now and really appreciate the comments.
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  • tlwing
    tlwing Posts: 13
    The irony is I should probably repurchase my first set up..
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