2. amps-preamps
  3. 1039019614

Maybe my comparison was too specific...

I started a thread the other day to which no-one replied...perhaps I was too specific.

In the thread, I asked if anyone had compared the Primare A20 to the Classé CAP-101. I assume, by receiving no replies, that no-one has directly compared the two products.

If this is the case, would anyone please give me some insight on the sonic characteristics of the Primare A20. I plan on running a pair of NHT 2.5i's (rated at 86db/w/m). These speakers are a bit 'hot' on the top end, have somewhat of a recessed midrange, and can boom in the lower frequencies if not properly controlled.

I have listened to a the Classe CAP 101 along with a lower-end NHT floor-standing speaker, but the Classe seemed to be a bit 'flat' sounding.

Any info on either of these two products will be greatly appreciated.

I currently have a Rotel RCD 971 source and an external MSB Link DAC III, half Nelson is on the way. This will be my source unit.

thanks again.

Stephen
loose

Showing 2 responses by loose

loose OP
239 posts
 
I appreciate the responses.

Perhaps i wasn't too clear about what is currently going on...

I plan to keep the NHT's, which, although having a hot top end, can sound very impressive for the money with the current amp/ preamp or integrated.

I will not be switching the NHT's (not anytime soon) as I feel that, for the money, there are few speakers that offer the full range sound that they do. Admittedly, there are speakers within their price range that do things better...bt they always compromise something too...whether it be bass response or dynamics or whatever...something is always lacking.

Despite the fact that the NHT's do not have the ultimate transparency, I feel that (for the price i got them), they deserve to be kept.

Now, as far as amps go...I'm not sure how to take your responses...

What aspects of the Classe products do you not like? And the Primare - what dont' you like ?

What would you recommend for my particular speakers?

I firmly believe that with proper matching, i can find an amp that will smooth out the highs and tighten up the lows...it is certainly not inconceivable.

I'm sooo confused because of all the choices out there!!
loose OP
239 posts
 
Well, I have used Adcom with an older pair of NHT's once upon a time...

but I can tell you, the NHT's would without a doubt perform better with higher end electronics...

I disagree with your formula. I feel that source and pre-power should be of utmost concern, with speakers being a bit 'lower on the food chain'. My rationale for this is that no matter how good the speaker, it will only reproduce what it's given.

I'm not sure why so many people discredit the NHT's. Under the right conditions, they can be really, really surprising. Very razor-sharp and detailed. They are built to be very precise, which is their claim to fame. They are also imaging champs. No offence, but I find most people who discredit them have not heard them with the proper equipment or have not heard them at all.

Without a doubt, the NHT's CAN and WILL benefit from electronics that are a notch up from Adcom and Parasound.

So, in a nutshell, the Primare is more forward sounding than the Classé? Is it more open and airy? I was not particularly thrilled with the Classé CAP101 until the MSB link DAC III was coupled with it.

But i want an amp that can stand on its own merits and not have to rely so heavily on source equipment, if you know what i mean.
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