Hafler Series Trans Nova 9505 vs Yamaha M80 Power Amps

The TransNova Haflers were designed by Jim Strickland of Acoustat, not David Hafler and those Acoustats (TNT 200 & TNT120) were great amps.  I would take the Hafler over the Yamaha all day…..

But another amp that I really like at 1/2 the price is a B&K EX442 or 442 Sonata.  Very powerful and tubelike.

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond, much appreciated!

@mrdecibel thanks for the info and am in the Phoenix area....

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.

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

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.  

@johnnotkathi 

Well the brands we mentioned should do the trick so good luck on your search!

@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!!

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.