Time for Joey to give the LSi9 what they want.... MORE POWER!!! Arr arr arrrh!!

Joey_V
Joey_V Posts: 8,586
edited July 2005 in Speakers
Time for more power guys!

The HK330 is going to be the pre/pro/preamp (whatever it is, I dont know... someone help me out here). Simply put, I'm going to use the HK330's preouts to go to a dedicated amplifier.

I need choices as the only thing on my list are the following:

- Rotel RMB-1075

Stipulations:
- Multichannel if possible (5 channel is enough).
- Good to the point where I dont need an upgrade.... for a long time.

I really want to keep it under $1000... perhaps under $700 if possible.

Help this polkie out!
:cool:
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    I know you guys have suggestions.... ;) .
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited July 2005
    I'd add Parasound to your list as well...
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,817
    edited July 2005
    Check out Onix's new Emotiva coming out.

    Outlaw, B&K.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • naliwaba
    naliwaba Posts: 8
    edited July 2005
    I agree with Polkmaniac - be sure to check out Parasound.

    I upgraded 2 months ago from Denon AVR3805 power to a Parasound HCA-1205A driving 5 Polk LSi-9's (and keeping the Denon as the pre/pro). Even though (quoted) power specifications were about equal between the two amplifiers, the denon was just not enough to drive all 5 LSi-9's at the same time (SACD w/difficult music). No problem with the Parasound.

    Good luck on your selection and let us know what you end up with.
    SACD / Theatre Setup:

    Denon AVR-3805
    Denon DVD-2900
    Monster Power HTS-2600
    Polk LSi-9 x 2 (Main)
    Polk LSi-9 x 1 (Center)
    Polk LSi-9 x 2 (Rear)

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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    Parasound is a little out of my range. Too much $$$ for the newer models.

    The Rotel 1075 - I can get brand new for about 900 or so. And the thing I dont like about the Outlaw models is that it looks cheap from the front (I'm sure they dont sound that way though).. but I have a hard time spending a lot of dough for something that doesnt look good to me, IMO.

    Anything under the $1000 range? Specific models would help out.

    Thanks!
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,817
    edited July 2005
    www.av123.com

    > Emotiva
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • unbridled_id
    unbridled_id Posts: 179
    edited July 2005
    Saturday audio info@saturdayaudio.com has 2 nad s250's left. They are open box demos, but the nad silver series is highly regarded.
    The greatest enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.

    Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    The Emotiva UL looks reeeeal nice for a lovely price of $599... I can surely go for that!

    How does this compare to the Rotel 1075?

    I hear there is this UL-twin deal (2 UL for 998$).... but this may be too much for me - although I can biamp my LSI.

    What do you guys think?

    If someone wants to join me for a UL-twin deal... thats cool!

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited July 2005
    faster100 has a killer parasound amp in the bargain bin for $400 shipped. Highly recommend!

    I have a 5ch. even though I'm only using 3 channels right now (can't place rears in my current room). It's nice to play around with biamping. Another option.
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,817
    edited July 2005
    >>> Multichannel if possible (5 channel is enough). <<<
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited July 2005
    The new Parasounds are expensive, but the previous generation aren't - and sound amazing. Either the one mentioned before that's for sale here, or one of many on Audiogon.

    Consider getting a 3 channel amp to save some money, assuming you are going to get a center channel in the future - if not then maybe just a 2 channel amp. I seriously haven't noticed any problems running my rears off the AVR330 - I'd have trouble recommending anyone on a budget spend $200/ch driving rears unless you keep your system grossly uncalibrated and love lots of loud sounds behind you.

    I have pretty much the same setup as you'd have with a Parasound, and it sounds wonderful.
    Dodd Audio ELP [ Tubes ] // Harman Kardon AVR330 // Parasound HCA-1203A // Denon DVD-2900
    Polk Audio LSi9, LSiC, LSi 7 // HSU STF-2 // Signal Cable Interconnects (SG BW/A2/MP)
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    You know... that's sort of what I'm beginning to think.

    I'm thinking that maybe I should sell my 7s (rears) and just go 2channel (actually 2.1 w/ svs).... my reasoning is:

    1. I realize that I dont really have the room for a full 5.1 setup.
    2. I have yet to buy a center channel.
    3. I listen to music more than I watch movies.... and if I do watch movies, they usually dont utilize Dolby 5.1 (aka divxx, ssssshhhh!!).
    4. Since med school, I have only watched 3 dvd movies this past school year.
    5. I can probably get a really pimped out 2 channel amp for the 9s.

    So.... here are the new stipulations:

    Recommend me a REALLY GOOD 2 channel amp.

    Will somthing in the $1000+ range be that much better than something like the one Faster100 is selling (parasound 1100)?

    Thanks again!

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • unbridled_id
    unbridled_id Posts: 179
    edited July 2005
    How about a nad s200 ?
    The greatest enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.

    Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.
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  • lomic
    lomic Posts: 407
    edited July 2005
    Well, if you're going all out 2 channel and really want something that will give the 9's tons of headroom, you can find one of those expensive new Parasounds, the A21, on Audiogon or Ebay for $1100. 400w @ 4 ohms :eek:

    Either that or follow the previous recommendation of going with the previous generation Parasound, and wait for an HCA-1500 to show up somewhere. I think they usually go for around $500-$600 and around 300w @ 4 ohm. I doubt the 9's will show much difference between being driven by 300 and 400w.

    Edit: Or the one in flea market, just saw it is 300w as well, though it is an older model - 2 generations I believe. Nice thing about 300+w is you can step up power-hungry floor standers in the future and no miss a step. Might as well not have to upgrade again.
    Dodd Audio ELP [ Tubes ] // Harman Kardon AVR330 // Parasound HCA-1203A // Denon DVD-2900
    Polk Audio LSi9, LSiC, LSi 7 // HSU STF-2 // Signal Cable Interconnects (SG BW/A2/MP)
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    I can probably swing one of those A21 @ audiogon prices.... do you think warranty covers the second buyer?

    Hmm...

    How would an A21 compare to faster100's Parasound 1200?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2005
    I agree with lomic's statement of "I doubt the 9's will show much difference between being driven by 300 and 400w."

    So unless you just have to have silver, I would get the one in the FM.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited July 2005
    The new Halo series is overpriced IMO - lok at the one in the FM or look online for an HCA 1500A or something along those lines...

    For the money, I don't think you can do any better than Parasound.
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  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited July 2005
    I personally like B&K better than Parasound, and the 125.2 amp can be had for $700 new. I believe that's around 200 watts into 4 Ohms. Would be more than enough, however if you really want some power, the 200 watt version is $1500.

    I also really like Primare-really solid stuff, this is the kind of amp that is recommended to drive such speakers as Sonus Faber. The A30.2 will drive anything-120wpc into 8Ohm and 200 into 4Ohm. $2000 brand new, was unable to locate any on Ebay-people who buy this stuff keep it.

    You can check out the Primare amps at
    http://www.sumikoaudio.net/
    Happy hunting.
    Current System:

    Mitsubishi 30" LCD LT-3020 (for sale**)
    Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand (Rosewood)-Mains (with Audioquest Mont Blanc cables)
    CSi5-Center (for sale**)
    FXi3-surrounds (for sale**)
    Martin Logan Depth-Sub
    B&K AVR 507
    Pimare CD21-CD Player
    Denon 1815-DVD Player
    Panamax M5500-EX-Line Conditioner
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    Any of the primares are rare and expensive.... no dice there.

    How does the Halo A21 compare in SQ to the 1200 of faster.... any ideas on this particular comparo? Surely it isnt just about the # of watts... I mean circuitry plays a definite role here.

    Are these both class A amps? (maybe a stupid question)
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    I guess what I'm trying to decide is this:

    If I go with a higher end SS amp - would I notice a sonic difference? The reason why I ask this is because I feel that there's no point in me getting an amp half-baked (i.e. if I go for a multichannel (5 or more channels) amplifier) vs if I went balls out for a 2 channel amp.

    I mean surely there are differences between amps more than just the watts or the current they put out.... perhaps some amps are more neutral than others (i.e. no caps in the output signal path? Like gilmore's design)?

    Is this idea good or am I stupid?

    :D
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    Here are the contenders:

    Parasound A21 (used, $1100)
    Parasound 1200 (faster100's $400)
    Anthem M2 (used, $400)
    Anthem M20 (new, $dont know yet)
    Rotel 1070 (new, $600)
    B&K 125.2 (used, $400)
    B&K 200.2 (used, $850)
    Aragon ?

    What do you guys think?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    New stereo amp added:

    Krell KST-100
    100w/ch @ 8ohms but can drive down to 1ohm at 800 watts. EEP!

    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1126843222

    $1000
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    Last consecutive post.. honest.

    How about the Krell KSA-50? Pure Class A 50 watts/ch all the way down to 400w @ 1ohm (100w/ at 4ohms)....

    Super sweeeet loooking chassis... *drool time*.

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1127174014

    $1100
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,817
    edited July 2005
    The B&K ST 125.2 is 185 into 4 ohms.

    The B&K ST 200.2 can be had for $700 on Agon or EBay. That is a flat out, balls to the wall amp. It is no slouch in any way, shape or form. 75 amps of current, 225 x2 at 8 ohms (4 ohm load slips my mind)...

    Krell is nice too! ;)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    How about this Krell? The beauty is that the guy is 30 miles from me.... no problem for pickup!

    Krell KSA-200S (this would be INSANE!!!!!!)

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5790547066&category=39783&rd=1

    I can put all my funds into this one... if it ends at around 1600-1700.. WOWOWOOW!!

    Just thinking about it makes me smile.... 200w/8ohms of PURE class A!!!
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    The A21 by parasound still looks pretty good. What to do... what to do....
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    The B&K ST 125.2 is 185 into 4 ohms.

    The B&K ST 200.2 can be had for $700 on Agon or EBay. That is a flat out, balls to the wall amp. It is no slouch in any way, shape or form. 75 amps of current, 225 x2 at 8 ohms (4 ohm load slips my mind)...

    Krell is nice too! ;)

    How would the A21 compare?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2005
    From what the people on the Parasound board say, the Halo line is nice, & pretty with good power. For brute strength it's the Classic line all the way.

    Since you seem to like flash more than anything else & the money you want to spend is burning a hole in your pocket get the Halo & be done with it.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited July 2005
    Parasound is known to be a bit laid back, more natural sounding.

    Again, I think the Halo line is overpriced for what you actually get. I'd go with the classic line:

    - HCA-2200II (1995-1997)
    - HCA-3500 (1995-2001)
    - HCA-1200 (the one Cliff has for sale)
    - HCA-1500A (1999-2005)
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    Parasound is known to be a bit laid back, more natural sounding.

    Again, I think the Halo line is overpriced for what you actually get. I'd go with the classic line:

    - HCA-2200II (1995-1997)
    - HCA-3500 (1995-2001)
    - HCA-1200 (the one Cliff has for sale)
    - HCA-1500A (1999-2005)

    This is where my heart is & what I would do!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited July 2005
    Hmm.. so what are the inherent differences between the new Halo and the older classic parasounds?

    Anything other than the outside looks?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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