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Good Subwoofer Amp

I have a decent system, I run 4 high box satellite speakers that are built with very high Dynaudio drivers, electronics etc. I also have 2 custom built subs, both closed system design. One running a custom 15" driver that cuts of 16db per oct at 40hz, and a 12" sub that handles from about 30hz to 250hz.

Anyway I have a pair of 7270 McIntosh amps to run the high end, and use a C-39 preamp. I was using a Carver 350 watt a channel amp bridged to run the subs. Well after 15 years it has decided to go south. What would you guys recommend as a good bass driving amp that does obviously need the clarity of a high end amp to drive the high frequencies, yet has a lot of punch . I need at least about 250 watts at 8ohm , 400 into 4ohms, or a decent 500 watt mono block, or amp with a lot of headroom that runs cool.

I would lost something that is not a bank breaker in terms of cost. I am very aware of many high end amps that would fit the ticket. But what is the feedback on an Adcom or similar amp?

Thanks everyone!
djw_hog
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porschecab
336 posts
 
I would consider a few different amps.

The Parasound HCA-2200 is an unbelievable amp for subs, loads of power and current! The other would be the Citation 7.1.

Both are in the sub $800 range, and both are great stereo amps, that also push subs quite well.

The other RARE option, would be the Soundstream amps, the DA-1, and DA-2. The 1, if I recall, is only about an inch and half tall, high current, loads power, and FABULOUS amps.
Those, if found, sell for less than $300!

Dan
abex
322 posts
 
I had always thought that Subs and Bass drivers are the easiest loads to drive.

I have a set of speakers coming that I can Tri-amp and have been trying to figure out what might be the best and most cost effective amps to use.

For the bottom end I ideally would go for an amp that has a high Damping factor rating.

In the past I thought that Adcom got things correct in the Bass department.There was or is a set of Muse's on Agon that would also fit the bill.The reveiws I have read where positive results in the Bass department are as follows:

Thresholds
McCormicks
Aragons
Muse
Adcoms
Parasounds
Brystons

There must be more!
djw_hog OP
2 posts
 
Does anyone out there have a Parasound HCA 3500 or a 2500II for sale or have any feedback on these amps?

Thanks!
kgb540
125 posts
 
Check into Crown or QSC pro amps. They will drive any sub all night long and beg for more. Some models do have fans but they are generally very quiet. Good luck!
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I use a Bryston 4B rated at 250wpc. It runs fairly cool and has great control over my NHT 12" passive sub. The 7B would handle just about anything thrown at it.
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