External amp

photocrazy
photocrazy Posts: 89
edited February 2011 in Electronics
I am looking to try external amps and currently running RTI10, RTi4, CS2 with Pioneer-1325(VSX-33 clone).
I am looking at NAD T955($799), Emo UPA-7($599), Emo XPA-3($699).

Iam not upgrading for loud sound but my emphasis would be on music, great seperation and detail.

What would you recommend ?
Post edited by photocrazy on
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2011
    Also look at Parasound and Rotel.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,069
    edited February 2011
    B&K....done.
    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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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    any specific models in parasound, Rotel, B&K ? FYI, I am from canada so used prices here are very different from US.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited February 2011
    QUESTION: "I want either a Chevy or Ford, which one?"

    ANSWERS: "A Volvo" "A Mercedes"

    gotta love it.

    The NAD buddy.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    steveinaz wrote: »
    QUESTION: "I want either a Chevy or Ford, which one?"

    ANSWERS: "A Volvo" "A Mercedes"

    gotta love it.

    The NAD buddy.

    any specific reason ?
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2011
    What do you want, solid state or tube?

    Is used ok?

    Of the 3 you listed I would try to talk the seller down on the NAD and go for it.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2011
    photocrazy wrote: »
    What would you recommend ?
    steveinaz wrote: »
    QUESTION: "I want either a Chevy or Ford, which one?"

    ANSWERS: "A Volvo" "A Mercedes"

    gotta love it.

    The NAD buddy.


    Seems to me he's open to options.
    Parasound Halo A52
    Parasound hca 1205
    Parasound 5125
    Rotel 1095
    Rotel 1075
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  • acmf74
    acmf74 Posts: 937
    edited February 2011
    Throw in some Adcom while at it. :wink:
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  • thuffman03
    thuffman03 Posts: 1,325
    edited February 2011
    Most likely a bit more than you want to spend but here is a Parasound 5250 that is in great shape and sounds great!

    http://www.vintagehifipgh.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=40_42&products_id=705
    Sunfire TGP, Sunfire Cinema Grand, Sunfire 300~2 (2), Sunfire True Sub (2),Carver ALS Platinum, Carver AL III, TFM-55, C-19, C-9, TX-8, SDA-490t, SDA-390t
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  • bopicasso
    bopicasso Posts: 878
    edited February 2011
    +1 for B&K used on audiogon
    Living Room setup: Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH, Krell KAV 300i, PS Audio DL III DAC, Tyler Acoustics Taylo 7u, Dynaudio Audience 120C+, SVS 25/31PCI, B-P-T Clean Power Center, Ps3, Panny 50" S1 Plasma, Tekline speaker cables, Audio Art interconnects, and Pangea power cables.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited February 2011
    photocrazy wrote: »
    any specific reason ?

    It's better in my opinion.

    I think it's better that you had it narrowed down to 3, otherwise you are going to get 2,567 recommendations---none of them repeats; and where will that leave you? Right back to square 1.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited February 2011
    From you list the NAD, because its warm sound quality will mix nicely with the bright nature of the RTi series. Not on your list I picked up my B&K used years ago and it still runs and sounds like a champ. I am very happy with RTI-10s on the B&K.

    I think the RTis like current which even the 125W per channel B&Ks provide, in addition to some of the other amps mentioned here. On the affordable side look for a AV5000II, the series II because I think that brought a 12V trigger input which you will want and they usually go for 500.00 or so. There are several used B&Ks audiogon right now.

    This one is more expensive than those you listed but is a very nice amp that would driver your speakers great.
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1301881652&/B-K-125.7-or-200.5

    Here is nice Rotel.
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1301162282&/Rotel-RMB-1075-Black
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2011
    photocrazy wrote: »
    I am looking to try external amps and currently running RTI10, RTi4, CS2 with Pioneer-1325(VSX-33 clone).
    I am looking at NAD T955($799), Emo UPA-7($599), Emo XPA-3($699).

    Iam not upgrading for loud sound but my emphasis would be on music, great seperation and detail.

    What would you recommend ?

    If music is your emphasis assuming 2 channel look at these.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1301884926&/Pass-Labs-Aleph-30-checked-out

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1300061378&/Pass-Aleph-3-original-version
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited February 2011
    Odyssey Stratos amps used on Audiogon.
    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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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited February 2011
    This one would blow your hair back. I have its current brother (the P38) and its Big brothers the P1 monoblocks. The P38 just about keeps up with the Monoblocks. Its so close that i have thought about selling the Monos and just using the P38. That P35 is supposed to be every bit as good as the P38.
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2011
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I think it's better that you had it narrowed down to 3, otherwise you are going to get 2,567 recommendations---none of them repeats; and where will that leave you? Right back to square 1.
    Point taken, but based on the replies it seems there was only one real choice in the original list, the nad.

    Many of the alternatives listed have price competitive models, so mentioning then seems fair. Especially when a fellow 10's owner chimes in as MADGSF did.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • jayman_1975
    jayman_1975 Posts: 672
    edited February 2011
    I have tried Rotel, Denon, Anthem, Nad, and Arcam amps on my Polk Audio Monitor 70's. Where the Anthem and Nad amps had the edge(by a wee bit) in grunt, the Arcam amps made up for and more in refinement, clarity and class.
    Onkyo TX NR 5008 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Oppo BDP 93 modified by The Upgrade Company
    Arcam CD37
    Monitor Audio Gold GS 60
    Revolver Audio Music 5 towers.(surround)
    Vandersteen V2W
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited February 2011
    I like the NAD sound a lot, personally, but I also went from NAD to B&K. NAD seems a little warmer in general, and B&K is just very quiet, neutral, and powerful. But that said, I think you'll be very happy with the NAD if that's what you went with.
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    Wow...so many choices..!! Thank you for all the info. All these amps, do they have their own sonic signatures ? Coz I am totally new to this hobby and I am trying to educate myself a bit.

    I never bought anything from audiogon. Is it like ebay ?
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    Just curious...why nobody recommended emotiva ? is it because they are new ?
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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited February 2011
    Maybe because they don't prefer Emo. I have no knowledge on the debate, but that's what I would take from it.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited February 2011
    It's because we hold the other brands mentioned to a higher standard. Emotiva makes a decent product if you want to start out, but since amps really never get old - why not get a used model from a more established brand?

    I second Rotel. There's a RMB-1095 sitting in the living room right now....
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    Looks like Rotel is the lightest of the bunch
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,069
    edited February 2011
    photocrazy wrote: »
    Just curious...why nobody recommended emotiva ? is it because they are new ?

    Maybe because you mentioned music as a priority. While most think Emo is ok for HT use, many feel them lacking for music. Hence not alot of love. Thats not to say some do find them adequate for music, just not a first choice I gather for most concerned with music reproduction.

    Lots of fine suggestions, find what fits your needs and your wallet and run with it.
    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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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2011
    photocrazy wrote: »
    Looks like Rotel is the lightest of the bunch
    :confused: Are you talking weight or least supported or... :confused:
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited February 2011
    Tour2ma wrote: »
    :confused: Are you talking weight or least supported or... :confused:

    I dunno, mine's 76lbs.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    Tour2ma wrote: »
    :confused: Are you talking weight or least supported or... :confused:

    Lol..the weight..!!
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  • photocrazy
    photocrazy Posts: 89
    edited February 2011
    I went thru all the links and read a bit about all the amps. What really surprises me is the brand new price of these amps..why are they so expensive ? Amplifier technology is really old and when all the consumer electronics come down in price with time, how come amps maintain their price level ? is it due to lack of competition ? or unofficial price fixing ...Lol
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,069
    edited February 2011
    Quality of parts used, labor costs,advertising. Amp tech has come up over the years, you never had ice amps for the home before. Think of it like a car, that costs more every year, yet the tech isn't all that different. Sure, they may have more electronics for the bells and whistles, but you still have the same design, minus hybrids of coarse.
    Also,just like a car, audio gear can come down in value just as fast on the used market, thats where the deals are imho.
    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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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited February 2011
    Some keep their value very well though...
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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