Picking a power amp

Go with the speakers first.  Which speakers you choose will impact your pre amp and amp choices.  Not just power ratings, but the amp technology.  (tubes vs SS, class A vs class A/B vs class D, etc.)  

Rogue 120  Monos The older ones.

I have more expensive amps and still can recommend them

For sure settle on speakers first.  You mentioned that it's a modest system which doesn't say what's your budget for speakers and amp.  Sharpen your pencil and you will get some very useful advice from the members.  Also are you only looking new gear or would you consider used?

@jeffbij

+1

Speakers first. Audion extensively. Find speakers that you emotionally connect with. Spend a bit more on these than on other components. Then, once you have the speakers you want to optimize the electronics to give them the kind of signal they need. 

I recommend dynamic box speakers... not anything exotic... why, best sound for the money... least finicky. With your budget you don’t want something difficult to power that makes other costs to increase, or only works with special amps.

Go listen, dealers, find local high end audio friends. Don’t be afraid to listen to very  expensive systems to find your sound. Once you identify "the sound" you will be able to assemble a system that sound like that with just a little less detail and bass... on a day to day basis, it will not be that obvious. Put in the work and you can get assemble a tremendous system for the budget. But you have to know what you want. 

Thanks,

I’am trying to keep the cost of the power amp and speakers under 10,000.

The reason I was thinking of getting the power amp first is that to me it will be a factor in which speaker I get.

I heard some Klipsh chorus 2’s once with a Mcintosh tube set up(don’t remember which power amp,but the pre was a c-22) and it sounded really good to me for rock.

I also really like what I have heard of the Sonus Faber’s,is there a model under 5,000 used that would be suited to cover rock as well as other genre’s

Also, don't under estimate the effect of the room will have on your choices.  You mentioned that it is 12x20.  Will you be putting the speakers on the short or long wall?  What else is in the room?  Carpeted?  Lots of windows?  Any acoustic room treatments? How far away from the walls can you place the speakers?  etc.

Can you post any pictures of your room in your Audiogon profile?

All of this can have a big effect.  For example, if the speakers must be right up against the wall, that is going to limit your choices.  (No electrostatics or Magnepans for you. )  

Thank,I will try and post a picture of the room.

The reason I was thinking of getting the power amp first is that to me it will be a factor in which speaker I get.

No.  As others have said find the speakers that really “do it” for you first and then find an amp that synergizes sonically and can drive them properly.  You should share what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you and you’ll get much better recommendations here.  And are you looking for new or used?  Do you want to keep your current preamp?  Not enough to go on as it stands. 

Thanks Soix,

I just got the mx110,so yes I want to keep that.

The Adcom power amp sounds ok,but it seems to get thinner as the volume go's up.

The bass seems weird,I don't know if it's the amp or speakers.Some songs I know have a lot of bass seems to be lacking in bass.

I'am retired and drove a truck for the last twenty years,so the last thing I want to do is drive into Chicago to shop speakers.

I think I will just get what I know I like and go from there.

I like the Klipsch chorus 2's and Forte 4's.

So I going to shop for a pair of them.

I also want to keep looking at the Sonus Faber's,I know some of them require a lot of amp.

Nothing is going to impact the sound of your system more than your speakers. All of the other components lead to them but ultimately, your speakers will define the overall sound of your system. Go and listen to speakers. A lot of them. Find what sounds best to you and buy them. Then figure out the rest of your components.

rmdmoore

Yes ,that's what I'am hearing,no pun intended.

I will probably make a post in the speaker section to try and narrow it down by cost and size.

Thanks 

Amps and speakers need to work together.  The comments in this thread recommend choosing speakers first and then amps to drive them, which makes sense.  However, it’s your system and your hobby so do what you like!  :)

The tubed Mac amps you mention should work well with the classic Klipsch speakers.  

There is a current production MC275, but a MC225 or MC240 would be 50-60 years old.  Vintage gear can be fun and sound great, but be aware that older equipment requires maintenance, either by yourself or someone you trust.  So be sure you’re up for that before making the choice.   Also note that the MC225 uses a less common power tube (7591) so replacement options are limited.  I used to own one I wish I hadn’t sold as it sounded quite nice.

I’m not familiar with the Mac SS amps in your post.  My guess is that Sonus Faber speakers would be happier with SS amps.

Agree with the comments about speakers 1st.  Since you don’t want to travel to try them out there are several direct to consumer manufacturers that will ship speakers to you directly.  You can buy, try for a set number of days and return for free.  Some charge a fee to return.  Check the details.  Arendal, Ascend, Polk and SVS to name a few.  Would also suggest a pair of subwoofers too.  That way you don’t have to worry about how low the speakers play.  You can focus on the mid range and high end sound.  Hearing speakers play in your room with the equipment you’re keeping is key to you being happy long term.  Trust your ears and stay within your budget.  Once you have your speakers you can choose the amp that powers and pairs with them best.  Enjoy your new musical journey! 

Check out ATC speakers- great value for the money, sealed box so easy to match with a room, and very dynamic. Check out Schiit for amplifiers- Wotan or Vidar. You will be well under the 10 grand for amp and speakers.

Speakers first.

It should be obvious by now.

Speakers first.

You won't regret it.

+1 @jallan ATC and Schiit yes!

I agree, if you’re replacing the amp and speakers at the same time, most people prefer to select or determine their top 1-3 speakers before purchasing an amp. However, if you’re interested in a tube amp like CJ or MAC, it may influence your speaker selection to some degree. Specifically, how much power is needed to drive the speakers and possibly that “tube” sound impacting the sonic characteristics of the speakers. Just keep this in mind when you audition speakers. 

Since you mentioned CJ, a used Classic 60SE or new Classic 62SE is a great place to start. They offer that classic CJ sound at a lower price point. If you need more power, you could consider the 100 watt Classic. Hope this helps. Enjoy the journey. 

I have an audio refinement pre and amp you might be interested in as I replaced them with an Atoll IN200 evo integrated amp.  Both are quite impressive sounding.  I use them with ProAc Studio 148 towers, which were basically replaced by the ProAc DT8.  The Atoll IN200 evo is one of the few integrated amps that still offers a tape monitor loop feature to run room processing and / or an equalizer.  

The Adcom power amp sounds ok,but it seems to get thinner as the volume go’s up.

The bass seems weird,I don’t know if it’s the amp or speakers.Some songs I know have a lot of bass seems to be lacking in bass.

@twangy57 

It’s the amp.

the last thing I want to do is drive into Chicago to shop speakers.

I think I will just get what I know I like and go from there.

I like the Klipsch chorus 2’s and Forte 4’s.

So I going to shop for a pair of them.

There’s nothing wrong going for what you know you like. In fact it saves a lot of time and eliminates a lot of uncertainty and hand-wringing.

I also want to keep looking at the Sonus Faber’s,I know some of them require a lot of amp.

With rare exceptions, all speakers like "a lot of amp", whether or not they actually require it.

For speakers I was thinking Klipsch for tube amp or Sonus Faber if SS

I’m not too familiar with either brand of speakers to be honest, but shouldn’t it be the other way around? Tube with SF and SS with Klipsch? And of course always pick speakers first, then find amps that make them happy. Good luck!

I would like to thank everyone for the suggestions so far.

I must say since I recently got the auralic Vega 1 streamer,I'am rather surprised how good my old amp and speakers sound with some recordings.

Last night I put on Shadowfax's Angle's flight and I actually laughed out loud at how good it sounded.

Then I got on a roll of listening to all the material from that era.

Al Demeola,Jean Luc ponty(Renaissance actually brought a tear to my eye},

Tried some bluesy jazz too.Jack Mcduff Walking the Dog sounded great.

So I'am excited and look forward to upgrading my speakers next,and will go from there.

Thanks.

OP

Klipsh speakers are nice and you seem to be eyeing them. they sound great and sensitive so most amps will work with them, even if they are bit low powered TUBE.

as others have posted, listen to them first. but if you need to take leap of faith, then get the biggest one your budget will get you.  another set of speakers are Mofi 888 source point speaker. i heard then sourcepoint 8 and that really is good. Lastly, since you are sticking to Mx110 pre, then i also will suggest the ATC SCM 19A active or for a bit more scm40A.  i heard them and they are very very good dynamic speakers.

for Amps, i am a PassLab guy. Xa25 is my recommendation. or X150.8

for tubes I suggest the Line Magnetic amps that uses 845 tubes. they are a powerhouse of SET. (disclaimer, they run HOT).  all the amps above i own

another amp that may be interesting are Gan Amps. i have not heard one but they say that it has the sound of a tube like

Listen/ Audition as much as you can before you make a jump

A McIntosh amp would be a perfect match for your McIntosh tuner/preamp. 

@twangy57   A set of Forte IV and this amp will sound nice. https://aricaudio.com/super-kt88-120-se/

joeycastillo

Thanks,I will look into the Passlab,I think they might be out of my budget.

In my mind I'am thinking I should go with a solid state amp to help get some clarity with the Mac tube preamp.I will have to study on that.

stereo5

Yes,I know but which one.

With the Klipsch I was thinking 225 as that is supposed to be the sweetest,and it should work with the high sensitivity of the Klipsch.

I know JBL isn't highly regarded  here,but I have a great memory of hearing a Mac 2205 into a pair of Jubals., 

fthompson251

Thanks,I have not seen this before.

I will have to read up on them.

I've been enjoying my MC2205 since 1987. You can't go wrong if you can find one in good condition. Check Audio Classics in Vestal, NY. They are awesome!

100boardwalk

Thanks,

How do you feel about the Mac 7270.

I know someone nearby that has one he bought from Audio Classics,and has the paperwork showing the checklist from 3 years ago.

He is asking 2850

what do you think?

The Klipsch and Sonus Faber are really different sound signature speakers, in general, really depends on what sounds good to you.  Sonus Faber tend to need more power, have a warmer sound, Horns are way more efficient, crisp sounding.  If ther is anyway you could audition both would be ideal.  I would lean toward Sonus Faber all day but that’s based on what I like.  Lots of different models to chose from.  Mac gear would work well with either, if you went amp first, I’d go Mac SS amp, you will get some tube magic with the pre. 

mm1tt77

Thanks for the info.

I have heard Klipsch Chorus 2's with a tube Mac set up and loved it.

I will try and get somewhere to check out the Sonus Faber in person.

Unfortunately I have not heard a 7270 in many years, so I'm not able to give you a meaningful review. I believe it is very well regarded, and at a conservatively rated 270 watts/ch, will easily drive most speakers in your price range. I'm confident that there will be great synergy with your Mac preamp. If you have the opportunity to audition it, it might be worthwhile. I saw one on US Audiomart for $3500, so somewhere around $2400-$2800 seems reasonable if in good electronic and cosmetic condition. Good luck!

100boardwalk

Thanks,I guess I will nail down my speaker choice first as to better match the power amp to them.

Others have recommended ATC, why not have a look at the ATC active speaker range. Big savings on amplifiers and speaker cables. Just a thought.

lordmelton

I just bought a MacIntosh mx110 so I guess I going to be using that for the time being.

Thanks

One downside of Klipsch speakers is the sensitivity. Any noise in the system will be amplified by the speakers. You need something with a low noise floor. 

I have owned Lascalas forever and have been a Klipsch Heritage fan, forever. I have met, twice in my lifetime, PWK, and have so much respect for him. I do a lot of tweaking and damping on the entire line, because unfortunately, I feel they need it. A great design, just making them cleaner, based on my ears.... I gave up on tubes a long time ago. I will not get into those reasons here, as there are many who are recommending tubes to you. Based on what folks like, it just goes that way. What I can say to you, and anyone for that matter is, you must determine "what sq characteristics" are most important to you, from your recordings, and your system. Yes, it is all about YOU. BTW, I too, am a huge Di Meola fan. My best always, MrD.

Unless it's a tube amp, they all sound the same, regardless of price.

Unless it's a tube amp, they all sound the same, regardless of price.

Nonsense.

mswale

I have never really heard that before,although it makes perfect sense.

More sensitivity =more noise'

I have started to move away from Klipsch,I haven't total scratched them off the list though.

Thanks

mrdecibel

I still want to demo a pair of Forte 4's,but there are so many speakers i will have to see what else I like.

As far as tubes vs SS,I'am will be using my Mac mx110 for a while but have no aversion to a SS power amp.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

"More sensitivity =more noise'  Don't believe everything you see.

More sensitivity =less power you need to make higher db,

I run a monster pair of JBL 4435's with a first watt j2 25watt class a amp

and it has more than enough power for me in a 30x20 room.

The speakers are first as it will tell you how much power you need.

Not a lot of love here but consider a Bryston power amp. Highest quality backed by 20 year warranty and great sound. I’ve been running my 3b since 1982 and it still sounds great. 

Also, if your current preamp doesn’t have eq consider an out board unit to dial in bass when you want to. Schiit makes a reasonably priced unit. 

@emann50 

+1 on Bryston. I had a 4B here for a while and I was quite pleased with it. Excellent bass, plenty of slam, I was actually surprised by how good it sounded. It was an early model, built like a tank, and a breeze to fix yourself in the unlikely event something went wrong. I agree that these amps deserve more respect than they get these days.

I don;t have any experience with Bryston,but will be looking at all I can afford once I pick my speakers out.

Thanks.

Don't buy anything......................................until you audition the new KLH Model 7's....due out next month. 4K and the best sounding speaker in that price range. Then buy your amplification.

mbmi

Thanks,

If I'am still in the market I will look at it.

Ok,I’am back,

I have purchased a pair of Dynaudo Focus 360 speakers.

I should get them in a week or so.

I would like to get a few suggestions on amplifiers that may help me enjoy these speakers.

I now have a Mcintosh mx110 tuner/preamp into a Adcom 545 amp.

I guess my first question is,is this safe to run the Adcom until get another amplifier?

I gather from what I have read so far,these speakers like a lot of currant.

My listening area is 13x20.,and I listen to 70% rock,pop,blues,and 30% jazz and classical..

I also have took a quick look on some audio forums,and one amplifier that seems to be mentioned often is the Parasound Halo 21+.

I would like to keep the cost under 5000,and 3000 would be even better.

I also would ask any Mcintosh fans,if a 7270,or the newer 303,would work with this system.

Thanks.

I started another post,since this one is old.

Thanks