2. amps-preamps
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Amp upgrade advice

I am looking to upgrade the amplifiers in 2 of my systems and could really use some advice from experience audiophiles.  I’ve laid out the current systems in my office and kitchen below.   I am happy with the pre-amps and speakers in both rooms.  They are both augmented by subwoofers.  I am interested in upgrading the Amps.  I’ve listed the amps I currently have.  I’m planning to sell thee current Adcom’s to fund upgrades with a few extra dollars.  My research is pointing me to the B&K Reference 125.2 amp.  Both rooms are smaller with smaller speakers so I am thinking quality Amps rated at 125 W should be plenty.

I am asking for your advice:  Am I on the right track?


Office. (12’ x 12’   Closed room)
Pre-Amp. Emotiva BAS X PT-100
Speakers Definitive Tech SM350

Kitchen ( 10’ x 20’. With one open side)
Pre- Amp. Emotiva UMC-200
Speakers Paradigm Reference Millenia One

Amp’s to sell?
Adcom GFA-555 MKII
Adcom GFA-545 MKII

Looking at B&K Reference 125.2

Thank you for any advice.

tbarber20

Showing 2 responses by aberyclark

aberyclark
1,410 posts
 
The Nuforce is the deal of the year and it does not get very hot. The review of the Vidar seemed quite "unenthusiastic" over at Computer audiophile. I would stay away from the Emotiva stuff myself. For no particular reason. You'll basically have a paper weight when you go sell it down the road.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/optoma-nuforce-sta200-power-amplifier/

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/reviews/schiit-audio-reference-system-review-part-1-r676/
aberyclark
1,410 posts
 
the Emotiva amps are an option, but they will be bright/harsh unless you upgrade the fuses to something like an Isoclean. The Isoclean is a warm fuse that tames the harshness of the Emotiva.


Right off the bat, if the overall tonal character of the amp is not good enough stock from factory, avoid it. Knowing you have to change a fuse prior to purchase to make harshness go away is not a good sign (however one man's harshness may be another man's silk). Get the best sounding amp for your budget and system then you can teak away afterward.
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