2. amps-preamps
  3. 191434-23267

What Power Amplifier Should I Buy?

I am looking to increase my system power. I currently am using a Bryston 2.5B cubed, which is specified at 135 Watts/CH. I am using Revel f208 speakers crossed over at 120 Hz to a 15" HSU sub. The f208 speakers have 88.5 dB sensitivity (Amir measured 88-89dB SPL at 1W into 8 ohms). I sit about 7.5 feet away from the speakers and listen up to 92 dB SPL, but mostly stay between 80-90 dB SPL at my listenin g location.

I have not had power issues. I've never seen a clipping light. I just want more oomph. I've never had a power amp with more power than the 2.5B cubed.

My budget is about $5K. I have been looking at some used 4b cubed amps.

My preamp is a vintage ML No. 38s. Digital from Bryston BDP-3/BDA-3 combo. Analog using Koetsu RS and Shelter 901 cartridges into an SUT (20x) followed by a very vintage Paragon System E used as a phono preamp (I have fully repaired this preamp, particularly the power supply).

I like the sound of the 2.5B cubed. I had a Cary 120 tube amp for some time, but grew tired of the heat and the continuous maintenance, including the insane prices for tubes. I did not experince that great "tube sound" that others rave about. I sold the Cary and went back to the 2.5B cubed.

Will the 4B cubed disappoint?

What other amps should I consifder, new or used?

Thanks for your help!

 

kevemaher

Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

Once the A21 warms up for a couple hours it just sings. I prefer it to the $6K Coda No.8.

I never heard the A21, but I was very impressed with the A21+. For the cost it was an excellent amp. I sold that to get the CODA #8 and thought it was more detailed and as powerful as the A21+. I now have the CODA #16 which is better than the #8. The Benchmark LA4 with the Parsound is a great combo. The Holo Serene preamp is another similar option.

Using a stereo amp as monos is not a good idea. Better to get dedicated monos. I would get the stereo 4B3 over 2 2.5’s. A lot of technical explanations on Audiogon about why this is the case.

I am selling my Sanders Magtech amp (500 W) which I think is as good and maybe preferred over the 4B3. Definitely great on Maggies but I am not sure about the Revel and Sanders synergy. My Sanders was not as good as I expected on my Yamaha NS5000 but on my Magnepan LRS+ it was amazing.

 

The 4B3 should be good on Revel. I used to have the 4B-SST and then the 7B-SST on Revel Salon 1. It was not perfect but not too bad. The extra power of the 7B-SST was noticeable on the Salon 1. Such killer bass on that speaker.

 

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

The CODA 07x preamp also has dual XLR outputs (I think it also had an RCA).

It is a warmer tubey sounding preamp than the LA4. I kept the LA4.

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