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 1 response by auxinput

auxinput
2,921 posts
 

I used to have an Adcom 545 and a B&K 200.5 multi-channel. The Adcom was a very early amp and I ended up not being impressed with it at all. It was okay, but it was warm sounding and very dirty (not clean at all).

The B&K had tons of current and sounded great. They had great slam, power and impact! I think it’s significantly better than the Adcom, but after a few years I felt it was still too warm for me. If you like the warm sonic signature, the B&K is a great option.

If you want something faster and cleaner, 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.

Parasound is a good choice. If you can swing for a Parasound A23, do it. They are expensive, but worth it.

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