What used amp should I pair with my newly acquired Monitor Audio GR60's?
Save your pennies on old average stuff and jump into the 21st Century with a GaN amp. I have not heard this one, but it should run circles around any of the old amps in your price range https://premium-audio.com/gan-audio-amplifiers.html |
I had a pair of Emotiva XPA 1 gen II a while back very briefly. I wanted the power for a pair of newly acquired BG Corp Radio 520 loudspeakers as I only had low powered tube amps at the time. I could get moderate volume from a 45 watt push/pull EL34 based amp but obviously needed more. The Emotivas really disappointed me. I was able to compare them directly with a Theta Intrepid and Cambridge Audio 840W. The Emotivas were quite lacking in inner detail with a rather flat 2D soundstage. Image outlines weren't distinct and the bass was on the full side but lacked definition. All this with some very good cabling and I did try them out on Meadowlark Herons (Hot Rod version) as well. I have nothing but contempt for the Emotivas (though must admit I haven't heard their XRP line of amps). Sorry for the harsh criticism but really, they are not worth the money and you can do soooo much better for less $$$. You have some really nice speakers according to the reviews I read on them. I haven't heard that model but I thought the Silver 9i from many years ago was quite good. Pretty much all receivers (especially their preamp section) are way below what those speakers deserve. Of course, I don't know what qualities you are looking to showcase in your system so maybe I should inquire about that before I say much more. What qualities are important to you in sound and which aren't quite so much? |
So, right now I'm using my Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX as a pre-amp. Taking in the digital from either my PC or ChromeCast Audio. Going pre-out to a Yamaha RX-777 I picked up for $50 on Craigslist. I pulled the couplers on the Yamaha from between the pre-outs to the main-ins, and ran the pre-outs from the Pio to the main-ins on the Yam. So I bypassed all the circuitry in the Yam & using the Pio to control the volume. I also turned off all the speaker outputs on the Pio to reduce heat & other electrical interference as much as possible & running in direct mode on it (not sure if it makes a diff when running through the pre-outs on it). It sounds great. I still want to do some A/B comparisons. I also picked up a Denon 4311 just because it was dirt cheap around me. Going to play with that also & try & compare. Not sure it will be worth trying to do some bi-amping or try-amping with any of these configurations, but I thought I might try it with the Denon since my bi-amping zone 2 speaker outputs aren't working on my Pio. Currently looking into an Emotiva UPA-200 someone is selling locally here for $175. Not sure if it's worth it or not yet. Got any thoughts or opinions on any of that? Thanks. |
thanks. I will look into it. Someone else mentioned I should check this out: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649730297-belles-soloist-5-amplifier-completely-refurbished-all-... what do you think & how do you think it would compare to the other? thanks. |
At that price point I have found the Jaton Operetta AV 5140 to be an excellent all-around performer. I prefer a more detailed sound with sharper image focus/outlines and a tighter bass. These Jatons are frequently available in 4 or 5 channels so you could use 1 amp to biamp your speakers, which is exactly what I did with very good results. Sonically, these amps are (for the price new) quite detailed and rather neutral though the bass may stand out a bit, not being exaggerated, but having more weight and slam than many I've heard. I think power rating is 70w/8ohm 140/4ohm and has been plenty for me with several speakers with average efficiency even when played quite loudly. For what they sell for on the used market, I can't imagine you could do much better. There is an upgraded 2 channel one on USAudiomart for only $300! And in all honesty, I felt it bettered a Cambridge Audio 840W which I'd been using until I got the Jaton. The Jaton was a bit more detailed and seemed more transparent. Both are monsters in the bass department. Appearance-wise, especially in pics, they do look like very little more than a small step up from some A/V receivers but in person, they are quite substantial. For the money, I think you'll be very satisfied. |
