2. amps-preamps
  3. 1120074280

Help...Need a New Amp

My 20 yr old Adcom GFA 555 power amp just died. I have been in the process of ugrading my system over the last few years, but have not upgraded my amp. I have B&W N805s bi-wired with Cardas Cross, a Sunfire MK II sub, Bryston BP 25 pre amp, and an older Sony ES CD player. My tastes range the gamut, from classical and opera to rock. The system is used 50-50 between music and video. The question is what amp shall I buy? ...used is fine. Been reading a lot about Bryston, Classe and Krell. Looks like I can get second hand amps from all 3 around my price point of 1200-1500. Is there any amp I should stay away from from these manufacturers?....Is it better to spend more money to get more power (ie 200wpc) or a better amp with less power. I am assuming that in this price range I should notice a huge difference over the Adcom. Can anyone help?
mrrobbiem
tobias
1,534 posts
 
There's a nice-looking OCM (Belles) listed just now... wish I had room for it...
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
After plugging in an old Counterpoint amp a few months back, I'd have to say go find a good used one and enjoy music. It was eye opening to me that a 20 year old design could sound as good as it did. There were a few NP-200s here on Agon going for scratch and you will NOT find a better sounding amp then one of these for the price.

Happy Listening.
mrrobbiem OP
1 posts
 
Thank you all for the great responses! I'm definitely going to look into Mccormack. I have been toying with the idea of a new amp anyway for the last two years. Now with the Adcom gone I have no choice, but it did last me 20 years, so no complaints. Its nice to see all the support from the more experienced Audiogon members, it is a great help. I'll let you know how I made out. Any other suggestions or tips would be appreciated as I am relatively "green" at all this.
bemopti123
303 posts
 
DNA 225 cannot go wrong with this amp. I have had it for about 4 years. This is the one amp that has always stay put through all changes I have had in my system. It is the only one I paid almost full retail price and guess what? I never had buyer's remorse with it. Fast, dynamic and utterly musical, as well as being fairly neutral, but NEVER cold. If you like your music to sound exciting, there is very little out there for the said price that can equal, and obviously never better it. If you acquire it, remember to get a decent power cord and you will be set, until the next upgrade comes around....while always keeping it. A great match after it, would be an awesome tubed preamp.

Counterpoint? Hum, no. Reliability issues. McCormack amps going to the frier? Never. Oh, great upgrade and modifications available my Steve himself.

The OCM 500 is also a decent amp for the price. David Belles is one of the most unrecognized genius of the business. Cannot complain, if it was for star power, all his designs would cost thousands more.

GL with your hunt.
bufford
42 posts
 
Definetly check out McCormack. I've had the DNA-1 and just got a new DNA 225 Great value and you can easily talk to Steve, if you need advise!
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