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Newbie -- expert thoughts on PA2400 vs GFA5400?

Hi,

I have a relatively simple system:
1) Pre-amp: Anthem AVM2 (although I've been using a Nakamichi AV8 as the pre-amp / processor and I'm actually quite pleased with it. Surprisingly, despite the MSRP price difference, to my ears given my set up, I think the Nak results in a better experience).
2) Amp: Adcom GFA-5400
3) Source: Sony CDP-X111ES CD player
4) Speakers: KEF C75

Question: a Harman Kardon PA2400 is available. Any thoughts on this amp over my GFA-5400? I'm pretty happy with the way the Adcom sounds (it's one made in Japan). But sometimes, I wonder if a little extra headroom would make for better sound.

At $250, would the PA2400 (also made in Japan) be a good replacement? Or will it unlikely give me anything better given my current setup (ie - limitations)?
saru

Showing 2 responses by rlwainwright

rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
I used to have an H/K Signature 2.1 amp (110 watts per ch, 5 ch.) and really liked the sound of that amp. And now it seems I should have kept it, used ones go for $850 on Amazon - I sold mine for $500 a couple years ago.

The Signature amp is better than the PA amp you are considering. You might want to consider one of the other H/K amps that have the ultra-wide bandwidth and high current capabilities. Here is a Citation 16 stereo amp that is a real beast:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1327786578&/Harman-Kardon-Citation-16A-ste

I replaced my H/K with a Butler Audio TDB-5150 and it is a *great* amp. Go to ButlerAudio.com and see for yourself...

-RW-
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
If you can snag an H/K Signature 2.1 for $500, do it! It is a very high-current design and sounds marvelous. You could easily use that amp for a year and then sell it for what you paid...

Happy New Year!!

-RW-
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