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!

 

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hk_fan
467 posts
 

I've had a Levinson preamp (326s) and it did not have the bottom end kick that others do.  It does other things well, but that's not a strong suit.  If the pre is holding back the low end it won't matter what amp you put behind it.

johnnybwood
17 posts
 

Sub, or better still subs in stereo are going to make a marked improvement in your system. That’s where the oomph is! Cheers 

tweak1
3,667 posts
 

Your amp MIGHT not be the cause of lack of umph. My recent experience with my ~3 year old Emerald Physics 3.4s (12" coaxial driver) in a large room I long felt that I needed subwoofer reinforcement UNTIL...

This is a mind blower and YMMV (though I doubt It) I recently addeed a single Vera-Fi Snubway (search forum for comments), admittedly plugged into a Core Power 1800, itself plugged into a 20amp dedicated line is, in a word, unbelievable. Since inserting it (it simply plugs into the wall or whatever PLC you might have- MSRP $295!!!) ) I rarely miss having a sub

HTH

dukebdevil
17 posts
 

IMO 15" HSU sub is for home theater. Your Revel have two 8" per enclousre(consider large for most tower designs today) mid/woofers.

Two easy experiments. Listen to some music on just the HSU.
next, defeat the EQ and let the Revel run full range without the HSU. I am sure that you will hear much more attack and punch. discernable bass notes.  Add back the HSU crossing over around 40 and then play with xover point,  slopes and flattening out your response curve.

if it doesn't get as loud as you like, then consider the bigger Bryston or speakers that are more suited to your music.

disclosure- I run my SVS sealed micro (twin 8") up to 120HZ and let my Martin Logan ESL-x (2@8" each) go full range. I would like to add another micro for stereo sub. I EQ out some hot spots with the SVS app. I also have a 15" yamaha horn loaded PA for loud listening :)

Depending on the genre and your preferences- there is bass punch and there is bass thump.

zlone
679 posts
 

All good suggestions here, but I browsed the 2009 Stereophile review of your preamp, and the overall impression I get is that it is ‘polite’. It sounds to me like you want something a bit more dynamic, so it might be worth some investigation. As for an amp recommendation, I can only recommend Coda, as that is what I have. Find a used #8. I would look at the preamp first though.

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