Hafler Series Trans Nova 9505 vs Yamaha M80 Power Amps


Looking at both in my area.  Both advertised at $1k and in great shape functionally and cosmetically.  The hope is to find a quality power amp that can drive about any speakers, including my Thiel CS1.6's and Monitor Audio Gold GS20's, bringing out the very best in them.  Any input/personal experience with either is much appreciated!  

johnnotkathi

I had a newer Transnova running the bass panel of my Maggie MGIIIa and it did a great job with that. Depending if you are open to other suggestions or not, there are a lot of amps in that price range that would also work. Example - Adcom & Rotel are off the top of my head. 

@sunshdw definitely open to suggestions.....need highest quality and ample juice to get the job done in that price range....also must be able to operate steadily  <4ohms...thanks!!

The yamaha, better built, probably hold its value longer, if not increase. Granted i've never been a fan of any halfler's just to dry, unmusical sounding for my tastes. also been years since i heard either.  

I would go with the Hafler. Superior in every sense other than marketing budget.

I have experience with both. The Hafler would be my choice, for a few reasons. (1) You can use any heavy gauge power cable of your choice, as it has an IEC connector, as this does make an improvement (2) Yamaha (as many Japanese power amps) has switching for multiple pairs of speakers, which in my experience degrades the sound (3) the speaker terminals on the Yamaha if I recall, accept only bare wire, or pin connections (4) Yamaha has input attenuators, which elongates the circuit path and not needed (5) The Hafler, imo, was a better sounding power amp. There are many others you can consider. Where are you located? My best, MrD.