2. amps-preamps
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Sunfire TGA5200? Did I make mistake vs Para A51?

OK, I've just ordered a new Sunfire TGA5200 for a ridiculously low price of$1300 (2800 list). I was going to buy a used Parasound A51 or Cary Cinema5 (2300), or even step it up a bit to a Theta Dreadnaught (around 2900), but felt I couldn't pass up the deal, and it saves me some cash to maybe upgrade pre/pro or cd/dvd, or add standalone integrated for 2 channel music. I am much more concerned with two channel music than HT, although I of course want my HT to sound good. It's just not critical. My current system is B&W N803/HTM1/DS7/Sunfire Sub, powered by a Pioneer vsx49tx receiver and fed by Pioneer dv47a. I thought that adding some serious power, especially at 4 ohms, would make a clear improvement. However, my concern is that maybe th Parasound, et al, would have been worth the 75%-100% cost differential over the Sunfire. Did I jump on a good deal at the expense of serious SQ?

Thanks, and looking forward to the broadsides, lol!!!
jeffkad
getech's avatar
getech
5 posts
 
Yes you did.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,602 posts
 
Wait the Sunfire arrives and see how it sounds to you....you might like it.
jimjoyce25
215 posts
 
My experience is with Sunfire 300s (purchased used @ $800 each). Running one of these amps in stereo is suboptimal: The channel separation and overall sound is much better if you run one channel through each amp. If you then add a superior power cable (in my case Marigo Ultra 5s, more expensive than the amps themselves), these amps become nothing short of sensational.

Being a relatively commercial brand, Sunfires don't fare well on this board. But in my system the Sunfires replaced two mono tube amps from a very highly regarded boutique manufacturer. In fact, there was simply no comparison, the Sunfires were that much better.
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