I'm considering a new amp because I think my old one (Myryad MA 240) might be "cooked". I did enjoy the Myryad while it was working but I think it might be time for a change only because I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with it and if it'd be worth fixing it. Anyway, here's what the rest of my system consists of:
Anthem TLP1 (preamp/tuner) NAD CD 540 (modified) StudioLAB Reference 1's (bookshelf version) Various IC's and speaker wire
I went into one of the local stores and the gentleman there suggested that either one of the above mentioned (Anthem, Rotel or Bryston) should match up nicely with the rest of my system. The Anthem (new) could cost me anywhere between $800 - $1300 (depending on which one - either the PVA2 or the MCA20). They are clearing out the Rotel (I actually did not check which model it was) for around $500. And a new Bryston will cost me anywhere between $2500 - $3500. I'm not sure if I'm ready to drop that kind of money for the Bryston because I'm also considering adding a sub too so the extra money that I'd spend for a 2BSST or a 3BSST could go towards the cost of the sub. Anyway, I plan on listening to the Anthem (they only have the MCA20 in stock) and the Rotel too but thought I'd post something here to see if you guys can provide me with any experience you might have. My music tastes vary from A-Z. Every so often, I like to crank it, but that's not always the case. Will I notice much of a difference between the Anthem's as the PVA2 is rated at 125 watts/channel or 105 watts/channel with all channels driven and the MCA20 is rated at 225 watts/channel or 200 watts/channel with all channels driven ?
Re:Power Amps - My experience with Rotel power amps has had optimistic results , if you do some research via classifieds (ag) there are reasonable deals on the net . Like other audiophiles comment on Bryston the amp is built like a tank and warranty is outstanding a bit pricey for my budget . As far as Anthem goes i can't comment on that subject but have talked to several people upgrading from Rotel to Bryston. If your looking in the $800-$1300 bracket for a 5.1 the RMB-1075 or 1095 is in that range . My preferance for sub. is Velodyne spl series .
"04-06-08: Gmood1 I'm curious to how you've narrowed the selection to these three manufacturers?"
I narrowed it down to these three companies because of the following reasons:
1. I already own an Anthem preamp and thought it would good to keep the amp from the same company.
2. I already another Bryston (4B) I use in another system.
3. The Rotel is the cheapest of the three and the salesman told me that it would a comparable amp to the Anthem.
Regarding the addition of a sub, I had said in my original post that I'm considering adding one at a later date !!! But thanks for your input. And yes I realize that with the wrong combination, look out !!!
I'm curious to how you've narrowed the selection to these three manufactures? After doing a little research, I find your speakers are quite efficient. No need to stick a monster amplifier on these bookshelves.
I think Cxintx and Bob Reynolds are on to something. How about add a sub?
Trying out a nice medium powered tubed amplifier sounds like a good idea. Especially if it has a sub out or an extra set of RCA outputs. You'll hear more of a difference doing this than choosing between the three manufactures of amplifiers above. A tubed integrated may be a good move.
You could possibly like what you hear. lol
If your speaker is anything like its counter part reviewed by Soundstage. The extra power will just go to waste.
Contrary to popular belief, high wattage isn't always needed to attain good sound.
You really need to be careful matching up the amplifier to your speakers. With the wrong one..you could get thin or brittle highs.
I have heard all 3 amps, and all are fine sounding. The Bryston is a step above, sound and build wise, but to me it's overpriced, especially if you can get the Rotel on sale. I might have a different answer if you had Maggies or Vandys to drive.
I would reserve some funds on the sub, if you're going that way. I would spend more on the sub than the amp. A musical sub is a quantum step above a mediocre one. When you buy a sub (or better stereo subs) you are also buying an amp! I have bought several cheap subs in the past and always regretted it.
This is off topic, but consider borrowing a TUBE preamp or integrated, to try at home, if you are like me, you will never go back. A good tube preamp brings music to life.
Of those 3 - Bryston hands down. AND, I suspect, that once you have a fully broken-in Bryston on line, you will realize that you do not need a sub as bad as you think you did. I sure didn't. The Bryston add so much "kick" to my system that I was just fine.
My first "high end" amp was the classic 3B ST. Man, I have great memories of that one. I am currently listening to and reviewing the 4BSST (for www.positive-feedback.com). It is bringing back some fond listening memories.
Don't for get that Bryston is built like no other and have a unparelled 20 year transferable warrenty. Even used, I think you should get the Bryston over those 2 options.
Cudos for Bryston,I've owned most models before I graduated to tubes.Raquel is dead wrong,the SST series is far superior to the ST,macro dynamics and lower noise floor is very evident after several musical passages.At your price range you may also want to consider McCormack and Odyessy Stratos,the latter having a 20 year warranty.
I won't comment on Bryston or Rotel as I haven't heard them enough to give you an informed opinion.
The Anthem amplifiers...I have listened to the MCA 20 quite a bit..Very good amp. Seems well built. Good solid sound...would take care of most any speakers, in my opinion.
The TLP-1, however, was a nightmare for ME. I went through 5 of them before giving up. They seem to have SO much promise. Cool, USEFUL features, and a nicely balanced sound. However, in my case (and I am NOT speaking for anyone else) each unit I had exhibited a rather unpleasant problem...the headphone jacks simply sucked. I had a pair of Grado headphones, and on ANY song with bass it would distort and crackle...I'm not talking about cranking it and it would distort. At ANY volume level. This is a problem they became aware of, and perhaps by now they have fixed it. BUT...if you decide to demo one, audition it with some headphones as well...I used Grado's, Senns and AKGs and they all showed the problem.
Also, on mine, the processors never performed the way they were supposed to. Glitchy and kind of unreliable.
Keep in mind that this was 2005/2006. If they have properly addressed these issues, it WOULD be a very nice preamp, but if not....I would shy away. Stick with the power amp. I really liked the MCA-20
I would just look for a used Bryston 4B-ST on Audiogon. Being very well built, it likely won't break and will sound as good if not better than a new Bryston SST amp. The Rotel and Anthem products are both quite respectable at their price points, but the Brystons are more bullet-proof and can be made to sound quite good with good cabling. I lived with a 4B-ST for five years, and now own what most people consider top tube (VAC Renaissance) and solid-state (darTZeel) amplification, and can assure you that the Bryston ST series amps sound very good for their price point.
How about the Audio Refinement? Made by YBA, affordable, and SWEET! Sounds like tubes with the slamming accuracy of solid state. Also try the Audio Analouge, Italian made, similar. Just as great. I have had both and I loved them.
I own the MCA2 or 20, I forget which. It's the 200 watt stereo model. I also have the TLP1 and I have been very happy with the setup. My sources are a Scout with Dynavector 10x5 and a Denon CD player. The speakers are Vandersteen 2ce sigs.
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