2. amps-preamps
  3. 1068473970

Subwoofer Amp Recommendations

I've added a stereo pair of VBT Magellan passive subs (fantastic, BTW)to my 2-channel system. VBT recommends using their 200S amp, which I have---and it is good---and I could get another for stereo, but as I'm using a Tact 2.2x, I don't need the crossover/volume functions in their amp, and would rather not have to put the signal through another set of electronics.

My considerations have ranged from the new Carver Pro amps (but I'm not happy about their connections as I'd need new cables or adapters) to used Adcoms/NADs/Aragons. I've also considered PS Audio and Sunfire, but not sure if I need to spend that much just for a bass amp.

A friend suggested the new Panasonic 45 digital receiver which takes a digital input (saving me the expense of a DAC, but I already have an extra anyway).

Your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.
richards

Showing 3 responses by ritteri

ritteri
223 posts
 
If Aragon is in your list, dont even consider the others, I feel Carver and NAD are poor choices to even consider. Aragons are truely flat to 5hz with a great damping factor and excellent slew rate. Their design is also top notch and they are also a great amp to upgrade internally too if you ever felt the need. 8008BB or Palladium's would be the top 2 choices, both are balanced designs and accept xlr inputs. Palladium's are incredible amplifiers and excellent bass module amps being fully stable at any impedance load. And they actually put out more than their conservatively rated power fullbandwidth, both channels driven with very low THD and TIM.
ritteri
223 posts
 
Slew rate is very important in my book. It has to do with the dynamic ability of an amplifier and how quickly it responds to sudden changes in signal.

Being flat down to DC I feel also is a good indication to of how well an amplifier can reporduce low frequency signals. Many amplifiers in the bottom of the frequency spectrum slope off in the last octave slightly giving a "dry" thin sound. But I have found that amps that can reproduce a flat signal down to DC basically have much better detailed bass that is rich sounding.

And just because an amplifier is rated to respond down to DC doesnt mean it can reproduce the signal in a linear fashion.

I personally wouldnt suggest an amp thats 25 years old btw. My father had an old pair of those he sold about 10 years back. Nothing special at all.
ritteri
223 posts
 
Not too shabby on paper, but the Kenwoods had problem with induced noise and had a very poor quality control on their mfg. tolerances. Kenwood=cold solderjoint problems. And an amp thats 25+ years old isnt going to get any better. If they were truely that great, they would still be making them, or something that resembled their original design concept.

BTW slew rate is just as importnat for a bass as it is for midrange or treble. I personally like detailed bass that integrates seamlessly into the rest of the audio spectrum. Its a given fact that alot of amps with low slew rates have muddy bass in comparison.
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