2. amps-preamps
  3. 1201873501

Amp for VA Beethoven

Currently my system consists of a Sunfire Cinema Grand, Anthem AVM-20, Vienna Acoustics Beethoven (Bach surround, Maestro center), REL Storm III etc.

I'm moving to a bigger place and figured I'd take a shot at a 7.1 setup (I have an extra set of Bachs) so I'll need another two channels of amplification for the Beethovens. Despite the 7.1 setup, 99.9% of the listening is stereo. I really enjoy these speakers and have no plans to replace them any time soon. A pre will be added eventually, but I'm in no rush for that either. The Beethovens are a very musical warm speaker, but I don't want them any warmer. For that reason, I'm looking for an amp that is not at all warm or laid back. Budget isn't my greatest concern, but I'm not looking to spend 50% the cost of this whole system either--something in the realm of the surrounding components would be nice. But most importantly, something that will provide a clear improvement over the Sunfire in the current setup and be worthwhile hanging on to when I add a preamp down the road. Thanks for the help.
ultraviolet

Showing 4 responses by dcstep

dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Yeah, I'll vote for the Bryston also in that application. Before I bought my Conrad Johnson CA200 I used a lower power Bryston with my Beethoven Baby Grands. It was very good. I prefer the C-J, but it's much newer technology and 3-times the watts. The 4B should have plenty of juice for your Grands.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
The newer Krells have a different sound (better) than the old Krells, IMHO. If I were getting a Krell, then it'd be a relatively new one. I've always preferred the Brystons, between those two however.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I think the Beethovens work best with around 300+ watts and a high damping factor. Do those old class A Krells have that? I thought that they were like 25 to 60 watts.

The Rowland amps really grab hold of the VA speakers and sound fantastic. One more to consider. Also, I'm totally please with my Conrad Johnson CA200 driving my Beethoven Baby Grands.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I think that Bryston is very consistant with what you've spent on the rest of the system. With luck you'll find lightly used in For Sale.

I bought my Conrad Johnson lightly used at just over half retail. At the time I was buying I saw a Rowland Concerto or two and another C-J closely priced. I think it'd be realistic to look for a one or two year old Bryston and money left over in the budget.

Dave
More to discover