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Amplifier Choices for Low Side of Biamped Speakers

I've been gradually building my system for many years out of other people stuff they sell as they are upgrading. Almost all of it is used and also usually considered "bargain" audiophile. For example, I still use the Proceed AVP preeamp (I even have a spare one) because of its DAC, plus it also gives me home theater. I have a older McCormack HT1 three channel amp, and a Cayin A-50 tube amp, MIT S1 cabling throughout, and Legacy speakers all around.

I've been bi-amping the Legacy mains' using the Cayin on the top end, two of the McCormack's channels for the Legacy's woofers, and then (as a temporary solution) using a small Parasound amp for the surrounds. It works out well with the Proceed because it both has stereo sub outputs and I can set the crossover point internally since it has a setting of 120 hz that matches my woofers' crossover point.

What I want to do now is get a more powerful amp for the woofers, and connect the surrounds to the McCormack where they belong. I'd love to use a powerful digital amp, like the Red Dragon mono blocks, but it's an expensive option, as is the Bel Canto. I have space limitations, which is another reason a digital amp(s) would be ideal. I found the Velodyne SC-1250 1250 Watt 2 Channel Subwoofer Amplifier which can be had refurbished for about $850, sometimes less in auction, but I don't know if it must be used with Velodyne speakers or not.

Anyway, any suggestions for how to power my woofers for under $1000 with a compact amp would be appreciated. Thanks.
les3547

Showing 1 response by pdspecl

pdspecl
254 posts
 
Hello,
I have a 2 channel set up running Monarchy Audio mono block amps powering home brew/usher driver speakers. I also have a separate pair of passive subs also built with usher drivers. I use an Emotiva XPA-200. Has 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms which is way more than enough power for my system. At $500 new, shipped with warranty it's a great value. Has RCA and XLR connectors. I also use the Emotiva Control Freak to dial in the gain since the sensitivity is a bit different versus the Monarchy amps. There are certainly more refined amps but I think the differences are more apparent in the mids, highs when compared to better amps. The XPA-200 is solid performer especially for bass.
Best of luck!!!
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