2. amps-preamps
  3. 1019586969

Testing Your Amplifier Experience/Recommendation

A challenge, not to mention my undying appreciation, to those of you with mucho experience with amplifier/speaker matching. I own a new pair of NHT 2.9 speakers. I need an amplifier, and prefer a tube sound to bring out the midrange in the 2.9s. HOWEVER, for various reasons I am looking only at solid state amps. I intend to drive them with a tube pre to be purchased once I decide on the amp.

I listen in a "medium" size room, to classical - both orchestral (Mahler, R. Strauss, Wagner, etc) and chamber; jazz - both electronic and acoustic; and various pop or latin stuff. So, from very loud, to soft.

I have narrowed down my choices to the following, and your challenge is to recommend one over the others, and why (and no, unfortunately I am not able to audition any of them without buying them first):

1. Audio Research D200
2. Marsh A200S
3. Bryston 4B-ST
4. Blue Circle BC22
5. Edge M6

Your recommendations are immensely appreciated, since without an amp, my speakers are rather worthless, and I would like to start listening again. That's more important than anything, but I would like to make a good choice.

Thanks!!!!!!!
seldenr
4 responses Add your response
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Still another amp that should be far superior to his current list is the Odyssey Stratos at $995. Check out the reviews at odysseyaudio.com.

Fantastic amp.

There, bowbow. That should make you feel better.
bowbow
123 posts
 
$4500 ?? Everything on his lists sells used for under $1300. Sure the DNA-2 is better, but so are lots of amps at that price. Let's not blow his budget. If you want an alternative, then Sim does make nice amps and the W-3 would be in your price range used and is constructed basically the same as the W-5, just less power. It is also in the same 120 watt range. I do agree that your personal taste does matter in which one you choose. I would search out reviews on them all. Will be the same as asking us. Everything on your list is fine.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Sorry, but I don't really care for your list of amps. It's not a bad list but it's not...

For perhaps the same price range, you could purchase a used (I think it's still for sale in audiogon) McCormack DNA-2 Rev A amplifier for $4200. There's not much out there that comes close to the sonic abilities of this amp.

Perhaps a good match for the 2.9's would also be a used Moon W-5 for around $2500. Both of these amps are very fast amps, but the DNA-2 Rev A is even faster without any flaws and has plenty of power for anything you intend to do.

-IMO
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Well the Marsh and Bryston are 200 watt amps, the others are all around +/-120 watts. The Bryston 3B-ST is probably more comparible to the others.

I can comment on the Bryston and Blue Circle. In comparison the Bryston will have sharper bass, more neutral towards the highs and is a little "cooler" than the Blue Circle. The Blue Circle will have more "warmth" and a little more personality.

The BC22 is probably more "there", like sitting in the front half of a concert hall for an orchestra or band (or the Bryston is more distant / sitting nearer the back). The BC22 goes great with the BC21 Tube preamp if you have not choses a preamp yet. If you try this setup, also use the BC95 interconnects as the pre/power link cable.

It is all a matter of taste which one you choose. They are both nice amps. I prefer the Blue Circle, but I also have box seats overlooking the Baltimore Symphony stage, so I like that immediacy, like the conductor gets. If you more of a person who likes the music a little more cool and distant, then maybe the Bryston is a better choice. Good Luck!

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