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Amp, On A Budget?

I'm building a 2 channel system on a pretty tight budget, think I've done good so far, but need help with an amp!

Source is lossless from PC to JKDAC32 DAC (awesome budget DAC.) Speakers are DIY Statements (awesome speakers, cost about a grand to build, people compare them to speakers that cost 10 times as much and more.)

I'm trying to get the best amp I can for ~300.00, the remainder of my budget. I'm seeing older Adcom, Carver, Parasound, Rotel, etc. in my price range, used of course.

I know this equipment isn't up to the standards of most of the gear discussed here, but any suggestions on which route I should take for a 300.00 amp?
dmusgrave
peter_s
1,336 posts
 
Aragon 2002. Great sounding inexpensive amp.
timlub
2,040 posts
 
Sumo Polaris, should find one for $250
ilidra
21 posts
 
Parasound
apfdirtdoctor
36 posts
 
I have heard all of the amps mentioned and they are all very musical....but the only budget amp I have heard that does some of what the high end amps do both transistor/fet and modern tube amps is the last version of the Hafler amps....with Jfet driver stages. My favorite is the Hafler XL-280. It has 6 mosfets per channel and easily beats the 140 watt per channel spec. I have three to lend to future audio buddies and they have never let me down. They all test at over 180 watts per channel...but I am not pushing the high output but the transparent deep sound and these little guys will play bass and control speakers really well. I have hooked a 280 (blind test) up to several of my friends systems with hard to drive speakers..such as Infinity's or DQ10, etc, speakers and they are amazed..they own BAT, Threshold, Pass Labs etc. Just my 2 cents worth....Good Luck.....
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
11-28-12: Peter_s
"Aragon 2002. Great sounding inexpensive amp."
Peter_s (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

I could not agree more. I have an Acurus A200 which is the same amp as the Aragon 2002. They are well built, powerful, punchy, and very detailed, and can be found in the range of $300.00 to $400.00 on the used market.

Bill
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