2. amps-preamps
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So, again, a question concerning amps.

I may be young. I may not have $25000 invested in my system. But why is it that no one on this forum ever answers my questions. Ever. I feel totally ignored. It really is a downer, considering how much people seem to post about everything else and everyone else.
I have Infinity Kappa 600s and 400s, front and rear, respectively. THese are 6-ohm, biwireable speakers. My center is a slightly older and less fancy Entra by Infinity. Soon will be upgrading to a Martin Logan Cinema.
Am looking at amplifiers. WIll be using a Harman/Kardon AVR 430 as a processor.
Have quality power delivery and cabling. Am very serious about this whole thing.
Since I have only one room right now, I am concerned with Home Theater as well as peerless musical performance.
I have been looking at amplifiers from Sunfire, Aragon, B&K, Parasound, older Classe, Older Krells, etc.
What do you people think? Comments on amp performance? Negatives? Positives? Etc?
I do not have a dealer for any of these folks around.

HELP!
breitlingdj

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,111 posts
 
So, uh, you mentioned 'peerless performance'.

For that you will need tubes.

The amps all reviously mentioned are good transistor amps, but they take a backseat to tube amplifiers, which offer smoother (more musical) sound, with greater detail in the instrument timbres and also in the soundstage definition. Transistors are easier to own and use, but think of it like a high performance sport car as opposed to a Chevy sedan. For higher performance, you might have to tinker more, but the rewards are profound.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,111 posts
 
Hi Lazarus28, I agree that both technologies have the *potential*, so far I have yet to hear a transistor amplifier that has been convincing to me. I've played string bass since 7th grade, even played with the Minnesota Orchestra, so I feel like I have been a bit difficult to convice when it comes to audio reproducers.

I would love it if a transistor amp would do the job for me! It hasn't happened, which is why I make amps. I find that, even on a budget, a used Stereo 70 or such can be much more convincing overall then transistors. That same budget usually does not allow for full bandwidth speakers either, so the deep bass issue is moot. However, I know of a few tube amps that are unchallenged by the best of transistors in that department...

So, not a tube vs transistor deal, just my 2 cents.
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