For driving inefficient speakers I bought a Perreaux 2150B. $900 on eBay. Power in watts: 340/680/920wpc@8/4/2 ohms. Weight 65 lbs. This would really wake up your Revel's!
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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@8th-note +1 |
I've enjoyed this discussion. I have built my own full range speakers in the past. I understand how difficult a task it is. I can get one of the Hypex modules and check it out. Past that I really can't afford even one item you've recommended. Fixed income , yada, yada. I do wish I could grab the gear you've recommended, but I just can't. |
Oh, by the way, the Klipsch Cornwall is the most "civilized" of the classic Klipsch speakers, and in stock form has more or less flat response. The latest model is expensive, but there are lots and lots of beat-up old ones around (which are cheap), and modifying Klipsch is a cottage industry. Basically, you put in felt lining and fiberfill (or use NoRes automotive damping pads), reinforce the cabinet a little bit, and use better caps in the crossover. That’s it. All done. Way better than any speaker with a whizzer cone. And super efficient around 95~97 dB/meter/watt. I once owned the little brother, the Klipsch Forte, which has a 12" woofer and is about 2/3rd’s the size of the Cornwall, and that was pretty decent too, after I modified it with good caps. I was surprised how flat I got the Fortes after I twiddled with the crossover a bit. Since you’re into EQ, you might also be surprised what you get with an old Cornwall or Forte. By contrast, modifying classic Altec or JBL is a serious project that requires serious crossover mojo. Not for the faint of heart and definitely not for the beginner. Klipsch is way easier since they are basically simple speakers that respond positively to even minor upgrades. You might question the horns but the 12" or 15" woofers are the real deal. P.S. Beware of modifying Klipschorns, LaScala’s, or Heresies. Those have much more uneven responses and modifying them changes their basic character. I think Paul Klipsch wanted to try his hand at a mainstream "hifi" speaker, and he came pretty close with the Cornwall. In other words, they’re 80% there, and just need a little nudge to get to 90% to 95% there. |
Hi @lynn_olson Are you familiar with JBL 4430/4435? https://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/jbl/4430-35.htm They have a smooth sounding horn section compared to other vintage speakers. |
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