Modern amp recommendations for SDA SRS 2

Karn

Hi,

Recently picked up a set of both SDA SRS 2 and SDA SRS 2.3s and looking for a modern
common ground amp ideally under $1000 to power them. Can be integrated or power only and I have no issue purchasing used. I'd like to avoid boutique amp builders if possible.

All the posts I see when I search for recommendations reference vintage amps or amps that require the transformer build (I'd like to avoid both) so looking for a nice, no nonsense modern common ground amp. Currently I'm leaning towards a Yamaha AS701 as it's 4 ohm stable at 220/240w, but also considering a Rotel RA-1592 MKII.

Edit: Realized that Rotel couldn't even be bothered to make all the front LEDs the same color. The power button and the speaker selector have different colored LEDs.. incredible.

Interested to see what opinions you all have!

Thanks in Advance!

F1nut

Looks ok to me.

Karn

[

https://youtu.be/6Q1GPuvLOCo

In videos and certain pictures it really stands out. If you zoom in on the silver model it's very apparent.

I think the previous gen Rotel preamp paired with the RB-1590 cuts down on what appears to be 4 different hues (tones?) Of blue.

Versus:



We made it decades without LCD screens, I fail to see why we need them now?

Can't have everything I suppose!!

Karn

It's very apparent in certain videos and pictures if you zoom in. The power button, speaker selector, LCD screen, and possibly even volume dial are all different hues of blue!

https://youtu.be/6Q1GPuvLOCo

Versus:





But the Yamaha is likely underpowered.

I struggle to see a benefit to adding LCD screens to anything in most areas of this hobby? I'm sure many people like them though, otherwise they probably wouldn't be everywhere.

Can't have everything I suppose!

Aesthetics aside, does the Rotel pass the SDA SRS 2 4ohm power needs for headroom?

Can I just bridge the grounds on two monoblocks or single channel power amps?

F1nut

LED light does not photograph well. In addition, the power and volume are backlit while the speaker LED lights are direct. At least they are all blue.

Aesthetics aside, does the Rotel pass the SDA SRS 2 4ohm power needs for headroom?

No idea, but I never cared for the Rotel sound.

Can I just bridge the grounds on two monoblocks or single channel power amps?

Some you can and some you cannot. You would need to check with the manufacturer.

You should build a Dreadnought regardless as it improves the sound when using a common ground amp.

Karn

Thanks much, I'll look into that!

audioluvr

Dreadnought and monoblocks!

pitdogg2

Well that really depends on if his SRS2's are pin/blade interconnect.
If they are Blade/blade that will not work.

audioluvr

Right

Schurkey

Karn wrote: »

Hi,

Currently I'm leaning towards a Yamaha AS701 as it's 4 ohm stable at 220/240w,

HELL, NO!

It's only "4-ohm stable" if you flip the power-supply Strangulation Switch on the rear panel, cutting output power because (pick one, or more. Yamaha isn't telling which of these it is.)
A. It doesn't have enough output devices to pass an FTC test at "true" full power into 4-ohm nominal loads
B. It doesn't have enough heat sink to pass an FTC test at "true" full power in to 4-ohm nominal loads
C. It doesn't have enough power supply to pass an FTC test at "true" full power into 4-ohm nominal loads

Yamaha is so ashamed of the output power into low impedance loads that ***Yamaha does not list an FTC rated power for a 4-ohm load.***

They list a dirtbag-cheating-lying "high dynamic power" rating only.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s701/specs.html#product-tabs

Yamaha decided to cut costs and quality by retaining under-engineered parts instead of building the product robustly. To compensate, they strangle the power supply with the back-panel switch so it cannot produce what would be "full power". They've deliberately under-built the thing, and they expect the consumer to dick around with the Strangulation Switch to provide appropriate protection.

Last thing you want with lower-ohm impedance speakers is a low-current power supply, and that's what this is when the switch is flipped.

Not flipping the switch when used with 4-ohm speakers risks meltdown if the Eviction Control knob is turned up.

dpowell

Try looking at the Parasound Halo series.

Inscrutabl0915

I drove mine with a Parasound HCA-1500a and a Plinius 8200MkII … both effortless and sounded great.