2. amps-preamps
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Best amp for studio 100v3, Rotel , Anthem or other

I'm trying to decide which amp to go with the new Paradigm studio 100 version 3 speakers. I would like to build a home theatre, but 2 channel is most important to me. I plan to add seperate a/v pre-amp, and 3 channel amp later.

The dealer here carries rotel, anthem, NAD, Bryston, and a variety of tube gear. In my price range, I am looking at the Rotel 1080, and the Anthem MCA20. Both, about 200-225wpc, and seem to have good reviews. Problem is, they only have the Anthem PVA, and the Rotel 1070 on the shelf(120wpc). So I haven't been able to actually here either of the amps, with the studio 100's, although I thought the PVA sounded pretty good, but I know the bass performance will be better with more watts. The MCA also offers a 3 channel amp, which is attractive for future expansion, if I want to stay with matching amps.

Can anyone shed some light on the performance of these two, or recommend an alternative. Is one brighter or darker than the other, and which would have better bass. I have also heard some good things about Outlaw amps, which are affordable, or could look at some used amps, but shipping to Canada gets expensive. I currently have an Arcam Alpha 9 as the source, with a Linn Wakonda as the pre-amp. Listen to most everything from Jazz, world music, to heavy rock. I like my music cranked from time to time, and don't want to run out of power. Thanks in advance for any help.
wetcoaster

Showing 1 response by kurtisk

kurtisk
7 posts
 
I have a rotel RB990BX, precursor to the 1080 and a Anthem MCA 2, precursor to the MCA 20. Both are very good for the $400 used price. The Rotel has clearly better, more dynamic and impacting bass performance, but sacrifices some detail and imaging clarity to the Anthem. I use these amps with Magnepan MG-III's with good success. Altimately, I prefer the Anthem amp because it reproduces the music I prefer better and likely reinforces the stregths of the Maggies. I have heard these amps with some traditional box speakers (infinity Kappa 7's I think) and the Rotel was far superior, because of the bass performance and the Anthem emphasized the weakness of the infinity's.

If you are considering new prices of $1000 to $1200, then buy a RB990BX and an MCA 2 used like I did for $875 (to my door) and try them out. There ARE better amps out there, but few as reasonably priced.
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