If you have available a proper functioning and, in good condition ADA PTM 1850 available at $450, do not hesitate. I own a few ADA amps and they are very good. The caps are of good quality and should not need replacing. The fan ( the velocity of air ) can be noisy ( audible ), but that can easily be taken care of. I had a simple problem ( simple for my tech ), with the ac fuse holder on my PF 2501, which needed to be replaced. My tech applauded the build and the measurements of the amp ( he never listened to it after he completed the repair, as he builds tube amps ). The 1850 is a large chassis in width and depth ( same as my ADAs ), and quite heavy, so be careful with lifting. The speaker connections use only banana plugs. The B & K has input attenuators on the rear ( not needed in many applications ) and has a warmer sound than the ADA. The ADA is more dynamic, punchier, and cleaner, ime. Both companies are no more, but each can be serviced, if necessary. Enjoy !
B&K vs ADA which to buy?
Hello all, I am looking at a couple of second hand amps, older, so I know they may need to be re-capped and serviced at some point. I am currently running a Pioneer Elite SC-37, 4 NHT Classic 4 towers, and a Classic 3C, with an M&k V1250 sub. This NHT set seems to be a bit much for the SC37 (it will be moving to pre/pro duties with the amp) I have a line on either a B&K av5000 series II or an ADA PTM-8150, both about exactly the same price. The ADA is an 8 channel so I could Bi-amp my fronts with it. Any thoughts on which way this group would lean with my rig? Pricing on these is right around $450 so I am guessing there won’t be much new out there in the same range. Thanks in advance for any wisdom and advice on this- Jay
I have had several ADA and B&K and both are good . ADAs use fans, I had a PF201 and replaced the fan with a premium ball bearing one and it was better but still was noticeable from my listening position. Same with the 1260 I had. They can be bought dirt cheap because they are aimed at the custom install market. They are good but over priced new . You can buy a C J or McIntosh for what those things cost new so keep that in perspective. I have an AV 5000II iand its a good amp . It is a little less forward |
@jayk914 , keep in mind a few things. The ADA is large, and heavy. Be careful. The speaker terminals accept banana plugs only. Most used ADA amps are sold from custom designed home theaters, where they spent their life in a closet ( rarely seen by the user ), hence the fan. These amps usually do not have isolation feet mounted to the underside of the chassis. There are many types to consider, but I simply use " Rubber Door Stopper Bumpers ( Pack of 4 ) Black...$9.97 a pack, Amazon. Order 3 packs and you get free shipping ( $25. and above ) . Reach out and I can help you. MrD. |
@mrdecibel I am learning a few things, I have already ordered some isolation feet, I have a BDI Avion stand (the wider one fortunately) that I have discovered I will need to "modify" to fit a rack width amp in, but I am excited to get it into its new home and see how she does, I am guessing it should be a pretty significant improvement over my Pioneer Elite SC35's internal amps.... |