I had a X250 and now the JC1's. I think the parasounds are an all-around better amp. I don't have stats but understand that the JC1's drive them very well... |
Pass Labs are way more cool, figuratively at least. |
We just started carrying the Nuforce line in Canada so you may want to take the following with a grain of salt.
I'm also driving Soundlab A1's; until recently with the JC 1. It's a great combination that's worked well for the last few years and recommend it strongly. I had an ML 334 prior to the JC 1 and they just didn't have the power to drive the speakers at the sound level I most often listen.
About a week ago i hooked up some Nuforce 9SE V2 amps; it surprised me that they could drive the A1. Plugged straight into the wall, it was about even, although the bass on the 9se v2 was clearly in a different league, but once i plugged the 9SE V2 in into a PS Audio Powerplant 300 it was clear these amps worked very well in my system. Give the NUforce a listen; the US dealers have a trial program, assuming you're in the States. |
There is an auction for a Symphonic line RG-1 at $800 with no reserve. I have owned 2 of these. They are OUTSTANDING amplifiers. Period. Smooth, quick, and exceptional control over drivers. IMHO leaps and bounds over the 3 you mention. 100W class A is not as "tiny" as it sounds. These amps will put out at least 65 amps of current. Mine produced almost 70 amps. i actually heard two of these with A-1's and it was a knockout! I did not like the Halo with them although a Simaudio W5 stereo sounded very good.
Jeff |
Thanks for all the responses. I have heard good things about the nuforce line. I am in the states and might have to set aside some time with them. I was afraid the Levinsons @ 250/channel might not be up to the task but they are a quality piece so I thought i would ask. Any other amp suggestions would be appreciated used in the 3 to 4K ball park. |
If you are looking for an amplifier that has enough power and will perform exceptionally well with the Soundlab's for around $4,500 used, then you owe it to yourself to audition a pair of Bryston 7B-SST monoblock amplifiers. I used to own Pass Labs X-600 monos, which cost over twice as much, and the Bryston amps were a definite improvement in my system. Plus, they come with a 20 year warranty which doesn't hurt down the road if you want to trade up again. |
if you're considering Pass Labs amplifier, then you're probably better off if you get the latest .5 amps.
X350.5 or even X250.5. Although I never compared how the older series amps sound vs the newer x.5 series, word is the newer ones are more natural sounding. I own X250.5 and it is a great amplifier. Drives my B&Ws no problems.
In the under $4k range, used, also consider McCormack DNA-500. |
Hi Brimac. Jason at NuForce does not recommend plugging their amps into power conditioners. I'm delighted to hear that the PS Audio 300 power plant is compatible with them. What else is plugged into the PS Audio PP? |
Hi Yoby,
I was talking to Jason last week, and he recommended the Black Noise Mains Filters from Italy. I've asked him to send one so I'll report on that experience when it's in system. Perhaps it's my electricity, but the Power Plant really raised the already excellent performance of the Nuforce amps to an even higher performance level. The soundstage just exploded in width and depth, and imaging became pinpoint. Impressive!
I also have an Audio Aero Cap mk 11 CDP plugged into the Power Plant. |
If you choose to consider Class D amps, do visit the Cullen Circuits website and peruse his "Wyred for Sound" monoblocks. I recently bought a pair of the "Ice Cube SX-1000"s and am very impressed. 1000W/channel into 4 ohms, well-built and quite attractive in an understated way. They are dead quiet in balanced mode and sound terrific. At $1199 each they are a huge bargain relative to other high end amplification. |
i have had the jc1 , ml335 , pass x350 , krell 300cx but now i keeping the ml23.5 . Thanks |
91605,
What has been your experience with the past amps you have owned and what do you like about the Ml23.5? Thanks for the input. |
hi lance , please click to see at :
(http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/amplifiers/mark-levinson/PRD_115909_1583crx.aspx). |
Nice, thank you very much. |
