MF a1008 integrated is a really interesting design and you can find them used at your price point. I have run Gallo Reference 3.0’s, Spatial audio M4 turbo S’s (with a REL T5 for that 44hz roll-off), and a pair of original B&W matrix 801’s. The external power supply and internal dual monoblock design is very cool, and it has enough juice to drive even the most cantankerous speakers (the Gallo’s). With the B&W’s it turned my listening room into a night club. With the M4’s and the rel it was like being transported to the recording studio. It’s worth considering.
Amplifier upgrade advice under $2000
Hi! I have a new pair of speakers on order and want to upgrade my power amplifier to be ready when they arrive. My current system is Klipsch Heresy III, Onkyo M504 amp, MiniDSP SHD preamp/streamer/room correction, and SVS SB12 sub.
Scheduled to arrive in December are Ohm Walsh 2000. Research indicates these like a lot of power. If the Ohms don’t work out I’ll shop for a used B&W 804, so still probably needs good power.
So, with a budget under $2000, wondering if I can get something that sounds significantly better than the Onkyo. Used is fine. Brands I have seen come up in the price range are Classe (ca-150), Vincent (331MK), Krell, PS Audio, Parasound, Bryston, etc.
I want to know if this would be a significant upgrade in this price range. My sense is that brands like Rotel, Adcom, Emotiva, etc. would probably not change the sound all that much. I also have a Crown ps-400, for example, that sounds pretty much identical to the Onkyo.
I recently tried out a Rogue Atlas Magnum tube amp. It sounded great with the Heresys, a definite upgrade. Unfortunately it created a loud speaker hum that I was unable to fix. But it did make me crave the tube sound. But it seems like finding a high powered tube amp to work with the Ohm Walsh is going to be challenging.
Sorry for the rambling, basically, is it worth spending $1-2K on a new amp or should I wait until I can get into a higher price range before ditching the Onkyo (which has those awesome green meters!). Thanks!
Scheduled to arrive in December are Ohm Walsh 2000. Research indicates these like a lot of power. If the Ohms don’t work out I’ll shop for a used B&W 804, so still probably needs good power.
So, with a budget under $2000, wondering if I can get something that sounds significantly better than the Onkyo. Used is fine. Brands I have seen come up in the price range are Classe (ca-150), Vincent (331MK), Krell, PS Audio, Parasound, Bryston, etc.
I want to know if this would be a significant upgrade in this price range. My sense is that brands like Rotel, Adcom, Emotiva, etc. would probably not change the sound all that much. I also have a Crown ps-400, for example, that sounds pretty much identical to the Onkyo.
I recently tried out a Rogue Atlas Magnum tube amp. It sounded great with the Heresys, a definite upgrade. Unfortunately it created a loud speaker hum that I was unable to fix. But it did make me crave the tube sound. But it seems like finding a high powered tube amp to work with the Ohm Walsh is going to be challenging.
Sorry for the rambling, basically, is it worth spending $1-2K on a new amp or should I wait until I can get into a higher price range before ditching the Onkyo (which has those awesome green meters!). Thanks!