2. amps-preamps
  3. 194087-203505

Picking a power amp

Hi folks,

I'am trying to pick a power amp for a modest system(15,000)

My listening area is 12x20.

I have a MX110z tuner preamp,and a Adcom 545 100wt per channel power amp now.

I just got a Auralic Vega g1 and it sounds great to me.

I'am using tidal to the the streamer and like it a lot.

It is time to pick a power amp or speakers.

I currently have 25 year old Polk m10's and since getting the auralic,I'am fairly surprised how much better they sound.

I don't know whether to get speakers or a amp next,to get to the next level.

Amps I'am considering are Mac 225,240,275 if tube or Mac 7270 or 2205 SS.

I'am also considering AR,and CJ if I could find something 2,000-5,000

For speakers I was thinking Klipsch for tube amp or Sonus Faber if SS,if I can find a model that can do rock and used under 5,000.

I listen to 40% rock 40% pop,blues,soul 20% classical,jazz.

Any thoughts on where to go next.

Thanks

 

twangy57
jeffbij
141 posts
 

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.)  

hiend2's avatar
hiend2
477 posts
 

Rogue 120  Monos The older ones.

I have more expensive amps and still can recommend them

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
290 posts
 

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?

ghdprentice
7,623 posts
 

@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. 

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