2. amps-preamps
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What type of Amp for Ohm Walsh F-5015s?

AudigoN Team,

Looking for some thoughts on amplifier choice for Ohm Acoustic F-5015 speakers that I will be getting shortly.  Would these sound better with a class D amp or a class AB amp? 

I have some space restrictions (17 inch deep open wood shelving with a back wall) that are limiting my amp choices absent a furniture change and I don't want to do that unless totally "painted into a corner"  John, the owner of Ohm told me that I should have at least 200 watts at 6 ohms to power the F-5015s.  The powered subwoofers built into these speakers come with class D IcePower amps with line level inputs, so the amp that I obtain must have two line level subwoofer outputs.

The two units (2 line level subwoofer outputs, 200 watts around 6 ohms, less than 17 inches deep, don't run hot) that have come up in discussion with John and Evan at Ohm are the class D NAD M32 and the class AB Parasound Halo INT6.  I have read that the INT6 doesn't run too hot, so it hopefully would be ok in a piece of wood furniture.  After my discussion with Ohm, I saw that the class D Peachtree Nova 500 could possibly work based on the specifications, but can't seem to find any reviews on this higher power Peachtree amp.  Another wild-card that would be much more expensive and offer higher power output would be the NAD M12/M22 v2 combo.  I am aware that you likely get what you pay for and that the NAD systems are higher priced, especially the non-integrated combo.

Would appreciate your thoughts / amplifier guidance and any additional suggestions.
michiganbuckeye

Showing 2 responses by dep14

dep14
336 posts
 
While OHM's love power (and I agree) with the 5015's I believe the can's will be cut-off at 80hz and those class D amps will push the subs nicely.

I've been quite surprised how the OHM's really do showcase different amps.  I happen to have a Pass Labs 250.8 and it really does work great with the OHM's.  I would take advantage of demoing amps to see what you really like.  

I've had a few amps in the system and it's amazed me how different each have sounded.  Good luck, those speakers you have on the way are beasts!  What finish did you go with?
dep14
336 posts
 
@mapman  I have often thought that a tube pre-amp with a Class D amp might make a lot of sense.  Conceptually it makes a lot of sense to me as opposed to a tube pre-amp with a tube-amp.. that always makes me wonder what flavor are you getting from the tubes?  Plus I like bass, but I want it relatively tight.  

@michiganbuckeye I would consider the 5000's neutral.  Keep in mind the adjustments on the back do make a difference.  For instance with my pass labs preamp and amp, I prefer the mids and treble in the (+) position (mid-bass and bass are left neutral).  For a while I had a mark levinson integrated amp I was trying.  It was clearly a brighter presentation than the Pass, I ended up turning the treble with it to the neutral position.  

I also happen to be in Michigan.  Drop me a PM if you are interested in a listen.

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