2. amps-preamps
  3. 1335135393

C'mon name that amp ...please?

Hi All,

For months now I have been considering a new amp. There have been too many choices, but this thread will probably make it worse. Here is the info that you need: Room size 22x40x10 (8,800 ft^3) speakers are 7 driver WWMT with 4 Ohm imp. (min 3 max 5) the preamp is SS with 115 Ohm output imp. I would like an amp with great dynamic ability along with excellent mids and highs. I've been considering amps from ARC, Pass, Modwright. Please, if you have any ideas just a quick reply. My budget is up to 5-6K and used is preferable as I feel most of us Audiogoners take good care of our stuff. I am currently using a Wyred 4 Sound ST1000 which is a high powered Class D amp that does have great dynamics, but is not quite there for me in the highs.
koestner

Showing 5 responses by koestner

koestner OP
694 posts
 
The speakers are Montana XP and it's not that the highs are overbearing, but the Class D amp has limited trailing decay of cymbals and stuff like that.
koestner OP
694 posts
 
Vic... DIY is not really for me. I'm more of a LSEDI kind of guy. (Let Someone Else Do It) I'm just not certain of my power requirements. I was able to audition a Class A 30 watt (Belles SA30) and it seemed to be on the lower edge of power output required. The Pass XA30.5 does put out a bit more as it slides into AB so that may be the answer. The Coda 15.0 seems best, but it's probably a room heater and idles at about 700 watts.
koestner OP
694 posts
 
What do you guys think of the ARC HD220 hybrid amp? That was the ARC model I was thinking of in original post. I have read the Audiogon review where the guy loved it and then 4 months later didn't, but I suspect he is a true "tuber" and embraced the added dynamics and assumed clarity for a short time only.
koestner OP
694 posts
 
Guys,
I've been switching back and forth between the ICE amp and a Cary SLI-80 integrated. They both have virtues the other one doesn't. This is probably an age old question that has been asked and answered a million times. I think I'm wasting your time. Thanks for all the responses, but I have to audition more amps in my system to get my answer. I should have known this from the start. Thanks again.
koestner OP
694 posts
 
Thanks everyone, I will report back, but it may be a while as getting amps to audition in my home is not an easy task, especially since I want to get one used.
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