New amp possibilities.

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
edited May 2009 in Electronics
Yeah, I'm still toying with the idea of picking up a killer 2 channel amp. Here are some of the suspects I've either listened to or have just done research on without getting my ears on yet though.

Mac MC352 & MC402, Anthem P2, PASS Labs X250.5 & X350, Bryston 3Bsst2 & 4Bsst2, McCormack DNA 250 & DNA 500, Ayre V-5xc, BAT VK-250. All of these heavy hitters have caught my fancy with the Mac's being my first choice. Im sure there's more great amps that can be added to the list but I think these guys are plenty to audition without going crazy (ICE amps are still an option also). Any & all feedback welcomed!

PS - No interest with anything that has glow in the dark bottles attached!!!! Sorry Ted!! ;)
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
Post edited by pearsall001 on
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Comments

  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2009
    If you're thinking ICE, Red Dragons are very nice.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited May 2009
    I just picked up a Pass Labs X250. Can't imagine any other amp sounding as good as this one, regardless of the cost.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited May 2009
    Those are all good choices,the Pass Labs amps would be my choice.
    Very Musical amps:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • blakeh
    blakeh Posts: 491
    edited May 2009
    I'll third the PASS Labs choices. They are a wonderful sounding amps. That being said, I've heard BAT's tube amps and they blow me away. Knowing the care they take in crafting their gear, I'd say one of their SS amps would sound great as well.
    /COLOR] [U][URL="http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=68366"][COLOR="Blue"]My Rigs[/U][/COLOR][/URL] [COLOR="Red" Balanced Audio Technology | Revel | Dodd | Monarchy | PS Audio | MIT | Polk | Etc.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,547
    edited May 2009
    I got a vote for the Mcintosh MC501 monoblocks...
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246039329&/Mcintosh-501-mono-block-amps


    or the Mc402
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246136159&/McIntosh-MC402-2-channel-power
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited May 2009
    This one just popped up. That's a pretty good price.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246405413&/Pass-Labs-X-250-One-owner
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    Yep! Good Price on that X250. It's not that far away from me too. But I won't be buying it for the OP sake. :D
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,547
    edited May 2009
    That is a pretty beast... looks to be in nice shape too. would you buy it for me Mega?:D
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited May 2009
    I know of a pair of 501's in PA for $5200. Phil they are not mine! Guy I know just upgraded to Lamm Ref 1.2 monos and wants to move these. Mint condition.

    You're never going to rest until you have the blue meters in your house at least once. I know I've been reading about it for at least 2.5 years :D. I still think the 352 is GREAT amp and anybody thinking about McIntosh needs to investigate this amp first as a taste.

    You do have some very fine pieces listed and my next choice would be the Pass Labs, but I'm leaning to the 1.2Kw :eek:

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited May 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    I got a vote for the Mcintosh MC501 monoblocks...
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246039329&/Mcintosh-501-mono-block-amps


    or the Mc402
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246136159&/McIntosh-MC402-2-channel-power

    John step up and place an offer! :D

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    That is a pretty beast... looks to be in nice shape too. would you buy it for me Mega?:D

    Why? I think there are two answer to your question. :D

    1. Buying for you and pay from my pocket? NOT OK! :D

    2. Buying for you and pay from your pocket? YES! :)
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited May 2009
    Ricardo wrote: »
    This one just popped up. That's a pretty good price.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246405413&/Pass-Labs-X-250-One-owner

    LOL- Ricardo, at first when I saw that listing earlier this evening I thought it was yours :eek:. I thought you might have been hating it :D:p.

    I fourth or fifth the Pass Labs and the BAT coming in a close 2nd.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited May 2009
    I vote Bryston or Pass.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Mac MC352 & MC402, Anthem P2, PASS Labs X250.5 & X350, Bryston 3Bsst2 & 4Bsst2, McCormack DNA 250 & DNA 500, Ayre V-5xc, BAT VK-250. All of these heavy hitters have caught my fancy with the Mac's being my first choice. Im sure there's more great amps that can be added to the list but I think these guys are plenty to audition without going crazy (ICE amps are still an option also). Any & all feedback welcomed!

    Out - Mac MC352, Anthem P2, Bryston 3Bsst2, McCormack DNA 250, Ayre V-5xc, BAT VK-250

    My preference:

    1. Pass X250.5
    2. Bryston 4bsst2
    3. MC402
    4. Pass X350
    5. McCormack DNA 500
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited May 2009
    If I was not a Mac nut, the Pass X600.5 would be my next choice. Such a smooth, powerful and authoritative amp made my hair stand on end! NICE stuff!

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,547
    edited May 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Why? I think there are two answer to your question. :D

    1. Buying for you and pay from my pocket? NOT OK! :D

    2. Buying for you and pay from your pocket? YES! :)


    aww man come on... dont make me post that pic of you and Curt.... you know the one I am talking about;)... and to the OP... looks like the Mc402 was on your short list. I would take that one just for the pretty blue lites, but I feel the Big Mac(no pun, just hungry...) is the smoothest performer of the bunch, but I have not heard the Pass...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited May 2009
    Ricardo wrote: »
    This one just popped up. That's a pretty good price.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246405413&/Pass-Labs-X-250-One-owner

    That's a killer deal-Go for it:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited May 2009
    I recently auditioned a McCormack DNA and it was ok. I wouldn't buy one. However, everyday I'm scouring Audiogon looking at the Pass Labs amps. That would be my first choice and the BAT my second choice.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,059
    edited May 2009
    Pass labs or the DNA 500, Though I'll give the Pass labs the thumbs up in the looks department.The DNA 500 is a monster,clean,clear,musical.The Bat amps are appealing also.I thought you would have more tubed choices up there.Personally,I think a tubed amp would open up the top end of those AAD's nicely.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited May 2009
    tonyb wrote: »
    Pass labs or the DNA 500, Though I'll give the Pass labs the thumbs up in the looks department.The DNA 500 is a monster,clean,clear,musical.The Bat amps are appealing also.I thought you would have more tubed choices up there.Personally,I think a tubed amp would open up the top end of those AAD's nicely.

    Tony, I've been there & done that with tubes...they just don't float my boat so to speak. And you can trust me, the AAD's are simply gorgeous sounding running with SS. No desire to muck it up with glow in the dark bottles. :)
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,059
    edited May 2009
    I hear ya man,tubes were a pain in the **** for me too way back.I do miss their sound at times but I must say,today's SS amps are getting closer and closer.Any thoughts on Musical Fidelity? I been jonesin' to get an ear on those Superchargers.I know Ted had a pair he tried out and liked them.The KW 550 ain't lookin' too shabby either.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited May 2009
    Your right about MF Tony, they make some fine gear. Now that my local dealer (Quest for Sound) is carrying them, I'll have to get over there & give a listen. Add one more to my short list.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • 55LS70
    55LS70 Posts: 184
    edited May 2009
    I also like that Pass X250.5. If I were to move from bottles to sand. That Pass would be at the top of my list.
    Decware CSP3 Preamp, RCA 6DJ8, 2 X Rocket 6N1P-EV's, Cary SLA70B Signature V2 Amplifier: 2 X Mullard GZ32's, 2 X RCA/GE 5691's, 4 X Tung-Sol 6550's

    Cambridge Audio 640C V2 CD Player & Dacmagic DAC

    Rega Planar 3: Deep Groove Subplatter, P3 Motor
    upgrade, Dynavector 10x5, JA Michell counterwieght, Cardas tonearm wiring and Mapleshade stand

    Parks Audio Budgie Hybrid Phonostage with BEL 6922 tubes, Polk Audio LS70's

    H.H. Scott 330D AM/FM Tuner with H.H. Scott 335 Multiplex adaptor.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited May 2009
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    I recently auditioned a McCormack DNA and it was ok. I wouldn't buy one. However, everyday I'm scouring Audiogon looking at the Pass Labs amps. That would be my first choice and the BAT my second choice.

    Here's where you want to go for PASS gear. http://www.renohifi.com/ They always have new items (with warranties) on a regular basis. Prices are darn good also. If I'm buying PASS, that's where I'm headed. Excellent CS with great email & phone responses. Chech 'em out!!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited May 2009
    I've heard nothing but good things about Reno Hi-Fi. They are about 20-25% more expensive than buying from a used seller on Audiogon but they stand behind the products and in most cases before you buy the used amp it has been checked out at Pass Labs to make sure it's within spec.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2009
    There was one X350.5 on Agon that was sold within hours. I don't know is that a good price or just OK.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1246478771&/Pass-labs-X-350.5-amp--9/10

    But Reno Hi Fi is a definitely a good place to shop the new Pass gears!
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited May 2009
    I'll keep saying it until I'm BLUE in the face, get some ears on the Cary CAD or Cinema SS amps. For less than $2500 right now you could get a Cinema 5 and bi-amp those AADs! Or some CAD-500 mono's for about $3k or so would be sweet too.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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