Need help. I need recomendations for amp, or amp/preamp


Hi I have a pair of Unity Audio Fountainhead floorstanding speakers (Pyramid design-3 drivers, nominal 7ohms, minimum 5 ohms. I need a amplifier, or amp/preamp, integrated, solid state, or tube for them. Reviewer said they need at least 50 watts. Anyone know these speakers and what would sound great. Cost is an object, used maybe?

jljon

You can’t really go wrong with the original Parasound Halo A21 amplifier. I like it more than the newer A21+. They have a meaty sound that isn’t achieved at the sacrifice of resolution, and can drive nearly any speaker with ease. 
 

Pair one with the Schiit Freya S preamp and you’ll have excellent sound well within your budget. 

Parasound produces an extensive range of high quality SS power amps, as well as preamps & integrateds.  They frequently engage legendary engineer John Curl to help design their products.  In addition to multiple power rating choices, they offer multiple price lines, and multiple channel configurations.

 

Here ya go! If you just need an amp, these sound great and you should never have to worry about not having enough power.

https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/ps-audio-stellar-m700-mono-power-amplifier-black-pair-m-700-used-3/

Noticed you asked the same question over at ASR. Their review of the m700 was tepid at best but the proof is in the listening not the measurements.

For value and sound quality, the Marantz PM7000N is tough to beat. The NAD C388 maybe Class D Hypex, but with well implemented power supplies and 150/250 w/Ch 8/4 Ohms, a modular upgradeable architecture, it also is hard to beat.

Kinki Studios is an undiscovered gem.  I have one in my second system.  I run tubes in my primary.

Take a look at a Schiit Ragnarok integrated. 60 watts a channel at 8 ohms and 100 watts at 4, all solid state -- AB, not D amplification.

I don't have this model, but have been very impressed with the sound quality of the amps and preamps I've purchased from them.  And, in your case, it leaves a healthy amount of money in your pocket. They also have a two week trial period (starting after you receive it) with a 5% restocking fee if you send it back.

 

Price could range up to $2500. Can you give some suggestions for "not mass market..quality power."

Musical Fidelity M5si or even the M3si or a Rogue Sphinx.

There’s a nice McCormack DNA 125 with the coveted SMcAudio upgrade that bring this amp to near SOTA performance levels available on USAudiomart for $1750, which is a relative bargain given the pricey upgrades we’re done in January 2022.  Pair this with something like a Schiit Freya (whichever version suits you best) and you’ll have a very nice setup. 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649847769-smc-modded-mccormack-dna125-power-amp-excellent-condition/

If you might prefer an integrated there’s a Hegel H160 also on USAM if you can stretch a little, but I’d go with the pre/amp combo above, and it’s cheaper.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649878883-hegel-h160-integrated-amplifier/

Best of luck in your search  

 

Price could range up to $2500. Can you give some suggestions for "not mass market..quality power."

Based on the design type alone you’re going to want a solid-state amp of 100 WPC minimum. 

Not a mass market receiver 100wpc. Quality power. 

Based on the design type alone you’re going to want a solid-state amp of 100 WPC minimum. 

"Cost is an object...."

That says nothing about your budget. One person's "cheap" can be another's "too expensive."  Care to set a range in actual dollars?

There is a Pioneer Elite SX-AJ-6 receiver available now on eBay. $250 + $61.45 shipping from West Virginia. Looks real nice!