If you had $4,000 for a amp????

Clipdat

https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/krell-ksa-150-stereo-power-amplifier-ksa150-black/

SCompRacer

Texas cat likes to warm his as....., posterior on the 250.

One area to mod on the KSA series are the soft start resistors. They get hot (400F) and can toast some caps near them. Simply move the resistors to the opposite side of board and let the front panel take the heat. I've seen one fellow use metal case resistors and mount them to rear of front panel.

The burnt stuff isn't mine. I moved the resistors when I got the amp.

CH46E

Jesus, you could power a Naval Rail Gun with that toridial PS! Good lord!

pitdogg2

Rich's amp with a 33.3 platter mat.
Yes that torrid is uuuge😊

invalid

Yes that torrid is uuuge😊


I believe that transformer is 4.5 kva.

GlennDog

CH46E wrote: »

GlennDog wrote: »

Carver's great, too . . . and Garska is basically in my backyard. Great technician!

Greg Garska is who rebuilt my (not mine anymore) TFM45

CH46E wrote: »

I'm not really sure I want to go the Tube route for the amp. Ill be to tempted to rolls tubes and that ain't cheap.

Minimal tube rolling options are available on the Rogue M-180s. Crazy, eh? given each mono block has 7 tubes.
AFAIK, there are no substitutes for the 4 KT120s. The 2 driver tubes are 12au7 and "they" claim you'll be hard pressed to find a substitute that makes a diff.

The single 12ax7 input tube is where roll'n is done. They can be had for cheap, but you can easily spent a couple hundie for a matched pair, too!

Have fun shop'n

CH46E

F1nut wrote: »

CH46E wrote: »

I did. No help at all. Just a typical user manual.

The full specs are listed showing the differences including that the M8 500 is a fully balanced design. The M6 is not.

Thanks Jesse. So besides the extra power (that I dont really NEED per say), is the fully balanced feature a serious upgrade that should almost certainly make a audiable difference. Keep in mind my pre ampndoes not have balanced outputs. Not sure that makes a difference. I mean would I even be able to benefit from the balanced design if I'm using RCA cables? Not sure one has to do with the other at this point.

Thanks again.

F1nut

IME, extra power isn't so much for playing louder as it is for playing effortlessly.

This is good article about fully balanced amplifiers.
https://hometheaterhifi.com/technical/technical-reviews/the-fully-balanced-power-amplifier-advantages-and-design-challenges/amp/

TroyD

F1nut wrote: »

IME, extra power isn't so much for playing louder as it is for playing effortlessly.

THIS

This is a quality that I’ve chased for years....and it’s not something that most systems can truly do convincingly. When you find a system that can do it.....regardless of whatever other shortcomings it may have, it is addictive.

audioluvr

F1nut wrote: »

This is good bedtime novel about fully balanced amplifiers.
https://hometheaterhifi.com/technical/technical-reviews/the-fully-balanced-power-amplifier-advantages-and-design-challenges/amp/

Fixed it

WLDock

I actually ran across some powerful amps on Chi Craigslist before seeing this post.

Odyssey Kismet monoblock amps - $2,900
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ele/d/chicago-odyssey-kismet-monoblock-amps/7352655445.html

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/odyssey2/1.html

6moons wrote:

Specifications: Klaus is not all that keen on pushing power output as a key specification (sort of like Rolls Royce stating that the motor of your Phantom V had adequate horsepower). He believes instead that goose bumps are a more useful criterion for evaluating product performance. However, for those who must know he points out that the nominal power output is 175 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 320 watts into 4 ohms and roughly 600 watts into 2 ohms. Hobbyists report that the Odyssey amps are not only stable into 1 ohm but also that the power output easily reaches 1KW into that impedance. The DIY crowd also prefers these specific Sanken transistors as they can deliver in home-built designs a staggering 1000 watts into 8 ohms or 2000 watts into 4.

Usher 1.5 amplifier - $1,800
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ele/d/grand-rapids-usher-15-amplifier/7355370247.html

https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/3_power_amps_e.html

TNT-Audio wrote:

The Usher Reference 1.5
This amp is a real monster! It weighs 40 kilos and is enormous. The big handles at the front and the back are not there just for show, you really need them! It delivers 2 times 150 watts into 8 ohms and up to 500 into loads as low as 1 ohm, for a single channel! The amp is clearly heavily biased into class A, although there's no specification telling me how many real class A watts it actually produces. The output stage uses 8 pairs of transistors in parallel for each channel and the heat sinks are gigantic. I have to admit that I have had an eye on this amp for a while now. It seems to be this biggest amp that I could possible afford, and probably with the highest amount of class A watts too. Very impressive.

Also, have you thought about one of the powerful new tech amps that are available today?

LSA Voyager GAN 350 - 350wpc Balanced Power Amplifier $3,000.00
https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics

LSA - UnderwoodHiF wrote:

Here is some info on the amp:
• 350W per Channel into 8 ohms
• 650W per Channel into 4 ohms
• 2 ohms stable
• Sensitivity: Two volts input for 350 watts out
• > 108dB SNR and Dynamic Range
• < 0.01% THD+N (8ohms, 200W, 20Hz to 20kHz)
• Distortion closed loop with no feedback < 0.08% THD+N (8 ohms, 350W, 20Hz to 20kHz)
• Frequency Response (8Ω) 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.5dB/ 20-40KHZ at -3Db
• Direct coupled with no output caps
• 96% Efficiency Reduces Heat and System Size
• Integrated, non-intrusive over-current, short-circuit and over-voltage protection
• Size: 17" wide x 3.5" high x 14" deep
• Weight: 30 pounds

Our new LSA 350 watts/ch power amplifier, Voyager GAN 350, is now shipping. This fully balanced amplifier is a breakthrough product featuring a GAN (Gallium Nitride) FET Output Power Stage as found in products selling for many times our $3,000.00 price. This is a very sophisticated design and not just a Class D amp with GAN FET's. The current competition sells for $32,000.00, $18,500.00, $15,000.00 and $7500.00 with 80 watts.

Our GAN Output Power Stage provides even better Audio performance through the reduced THD+N and IMD that is only afforded by the newest in eGaN FET Output Device technology. Both of these enhancements are prohibitive with the legacy Silicon FET technology due to both the inherent limitations of the processes, and the resulting sacrifices in the desired efficiency of the system solutions.

These better efficiencies allow for increased Audio bandwidth without the “out-of-band” noise that is typical of legacy Class D amplifiers. These performance differences, along with an even better EMI/EMC profile are the result of the ‘almost ideal’ switching waveform that is achievable with this new eGaN FET technology.

The much faster switching times, the lack of ‘overshoots’ and ‘ringing’, along with the much reduced “Dead-Band” timing of the eGaN FET Output Stage allows for unmatched linearity across the entire Modulation range. With the significant reduction in “ON” resistance and Gate capacitance of the eGaN FET, our amplifiers provide unmatched Output Impedance and THD/IMD, resulting in the need for very low feedback – further reducing any issues caused by complex Output Speaker loads and Back-EMF from the transducers. This means you get a greater depth of field, blacker blacks and greater transparency than standard ICE or Hypex Class D type amps.

This technology fixes all the issues that Class D amps have historically displayed.
AND
Get up to $1,200.00 or more in trade for any working amp towards this new technology.
Call us to discuss this superb new amp at 770-667-5633

CH46E

Thanks @WLDock some nice suggestions there. But when I saw the top off of the LSA350 I just don't see $3K worth of product there. Looks like one hell of a mark up. Maybe they have a ton of money into the R&D?



This McIntosh has got my eye right now. I've always thought you can't go wrong with a McIntosh right? Or am i wrong?

MC452




https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/brand/news/MC452-Enjoy-The-Music

Clipdat

Those with lower back problems need not apply.

motorstereo

CH46E wrote: »

Thanks @WLDock some nice suggestions there. But when I saw the top off of the LSA350 I just don't see $3K worth of product there. Looks like one hell of a mark up. Maybe they have a ton of money into the R&D?



This McIntosh has got my eye right now. I've always thought you can't go wrong with a McIntosh right? Or am i wrong?

MC452




https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/brand/news/MC452-Enjoy-The-Music

Now you're talkin.......

WLDock

CH46E wrote: »

Thanks @WLDock some nice suggestions there. But when I saw the top off of the LSA350 I just don't see $3K worth of product there. Looks like one hell of a mark up. Maybe they have a ton of money into the R&D?

You know these class D amp boards are small, super efficient, and simple. The Gallium Nitrate eGaN FET tech is newer and there are few in the market right now. The GaN boards in the amp look to be custom made so there was for sure some R&D. However, what mid to high end audio does not have a 35%-60%+ markup?

At one point one could get GaN evaluation boards in the ~$500-600 price range each. Then a stout low noise 850W power supply would be at least $200+. Maybe someone could make something close, maybe a little less powerful for $1500?

These little 5"x5" 150W each Starkrimson Mono amps utilize gallium nitride (GaN) FETs are $1250 for the pair.
https://orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/bsc-mplfr


Heck, McIntosh makes a standard 4 channel 250W x 4 class D amp. The model MI254 lists for $4500.
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MI254

Class D amp modules and a power supply.



As far as the BIG powerful McIntosh MC452 with the blue meters.......What's not to like. Its a BRUTE!

BindingPoster

Have you considered new speakers? Your current speakers may not be ideal for the room they end-up in anyway. But if you feel they need 400 watts, you are narrowing down your choices to power-houses, most of which sound very transistory and clangy IMO.
It's so easy to find great-sounding speakers with an easy load.

CH46E

I have SO much invested in the Infinities. I want to give them a fair shake with a great amp. Right now everything is going ito storage so we can sale the house then I'm moving to AZ. I'll be looking for a house that has a appropriate sized room accommodate these speakers.

I don't really the 400 watts. I dont mind going down on power. Just want 2 ohm stable and at least 250 watts. Want some headroom.


The short list now is
Musical Fidelity M8
McIntosh MC452
B&K M200s custom pair of monos
Parasound JC1+ Monos


Tough choice.

nooshinjohn

Add this to your list.... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649728308-carver-cinema-grand-signature/images/3220141/

Gerres26

You could just get a Pass X250.5 or X350 and be done. And you’d never have to worry about what if...although I could name some others that compete at 4K or under that I have personally owned, they will be tough to beat. Not to mention the resale is easy if they’re not your cup of tea....Which would be highly unlikely.

txcoastal1

Gerres26 wrote: »

You could just get a Pass X250.5 or X350 and be done. And you’d never have to worry about what if...although I could name some others that compete at 4K or under that I have personally owned, they will be tough to beat. Not to mention the resale is easy if they’re not your cup of tea....Which would be highly unlikely.

Excellent idea, here are sold listings on HiFiShark...they move quick
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=X250.5

I have done several WTB on A'gon and US Audio Mart with great success
You name your price in the add and includes shipping...
You'll be surprised

CH46E

The Carver Raven amps might make the short list.

I'll look at the Pass amps too. Thanks

nooshinjohn

If you can work your way over to L.A., I will let you play mine to your heart's content. I have listened to mine against the Mac's, Pass and a few others. They have never been bested. Equaled, perhaps by the Pass, but it was a matter of different flavors of goodness, rather than one being better than the other.

CH46E

nooshinjohn wrote: »

If you can work your way over to L.A., I will let you play mine to your heart's content. I have listened to mine against the Mac's, Pass and a few others. They have never been bested. Equaled, perhaps by the Pass, but it was a matter of different flavors of goodness, rather than one being better than the other.

I won't be but 3.5 hours from LA. We might make that happen. !!!!!

CH46E

.

CH46E

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Add this to your list.... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649728308-carver-cinema-grand-signature/images/3220141/

Too many channels.

I do plan on getting a Nakamichi 9.2.2 sound bar system for HT. Then I can have my dedicated 2.0 or maybe 2.1 system.

nooshinjohn

CH46E wrote: »

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Add this to your list.... https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649728308-carver-cinema-grand-signature/images/3220141/

Too many channels.

I do plan on getting a Nakamichi 9.2.2 sound bar system for HT. Then I can have my dedicated 2.0 or maybe 2.1 system.

You can bi-amp with this one, and at a 4 ohm load, it is 800 wpc...

TroyD

I still think that we are overthinking this.......you may disagree, but, IMO, the amp is the link in the chain I pay least attention to. Speakers, source, preamp, amp.....with source and preamp being pretty even.

Competently designed amp of 100 wpc with 3db of headroom is going to suffice for 99.5% of your listening needs. Unless, of course, you have a thing for pipe organ music at 110db....

CH46E

TroyD wrote: »

I still think that we are overthinking this.......you may disagree, but, IMO, the amp is the link in the chain I pay least attention to. Speakers, source, preamp, amp.....with source and preamp being pretty even.

Competently designed amp of 100 wpc with 3db of headroom is going to suffice for 99.5% of your listening needs. Unless, of course, you have a thing for pipe organ music at 110db....

I do have a think for feeling the music as much as hearing it sometimes.

TroyD

I hear you man...lol and the Infinities are more challenging than a lot of speakers.....IIRC, they present a similar load as a Maggie, 86ish efficiency, 4 ohm that drops lower.....but, again, unless you are pressurizing a concert hall.....go for quality of sound over quantity of power. The short list you have is a pretty good one.

CH46E

TroyD wrote: »

I hear you man...lol and the Infinities are more challenging than a lot of speakers.....IIRC, they present a similar load as a Maggie, 86ish efficiency, 4 ohm that drops lower.....but, again, unless you are pressurizing a concert hall.....go for quality of sound over quantity of power. The short list you have is a pretty good one.

Agree 100% quality over quantity. With two 10s in each speaker, id like to get that kick drum impact without the use of a sub.

I was figuring any amp rated at 250 watts per at 8 ohms should yield plenty of power at 4 and below ohms.

When I crank it up, I dont want to have an ounce of worry that I'm pushing the amp to clipping. I want to get 100% from the speakers and not have to worry about the amp. I'm pretty sure my short list of amps can do that.