Thanks for the suggestion, Miner42. It looks like I could buy that combo new from a sealer with a warranty, etc. for about the same price if I decided to do so, but...I think I want to try something different. That, and the fact that the amp is pretty large and I currently have limited space will keep me looking elsewhere. But, I do appreciate the heads-up!
G |
Thanks Dayglow! I'll look into those and keep them in mind. Do you know of or have any experience with the Anthem 225? |
Hi all,
Thanks for the input. I will take all your considerations into account.
Geph0007: do you agree with Dayglow, that the Exposure may not be enough power if I decide to upgrade my speakers in the future? Might the Anthem 225 be needed, and Asa a result a "better" choice, or...do I really also just need to listen to each of them? I am gonna try and do just that soon. There is shop by me that carries both of them, so at least I can do an in-store listen.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! |
OK, so I checked out the Quad and AVI Lab and...here's the deal: my wife hates how they look! ; ) I am not exactly drooling over the aesthetics either, but...I could sacrifice style for sound. That said, I'm not the only one who has to stare at them everyday, so...unfortunately, those are no longer options. Someone in another forum just suggested TEAC AI-2000. Apparently, it is somewhat new and part of their Distinction series which is a line that attempts to bring some of the quality of their Esoteric brand stuff down to the masses at a more affordable price. Let me know. Other than that, I think I just need to go do some listening while keeping an eye out online for deals. |
OK, so...I checked out the Anthem 225 (on better speakers and with more expensive cables than what I have at home) and...eh, I was a bit whatevs. It sounded ok, but not thrilling. I read a comparison of the Anthem and the HK990 that favored the Anthem. Now I am just as confused as ever! If the HK is similar to the Anthem, or according to two other people online, the lesser of the two...then I probably will not be thrilled with it either. I dunno. Still wondering if anyone has heard the TEAC AI-2000? I may try and make it out to demo an Exposure, but the place is a bit far from me, so not sure when I'll get there. Anyone have any other ideas, answers, suggestions, or comments to confuse me even further?! ; ) |
Yeah, that has been suggested but I owned a few NAD components in the early 1990s and they always had some sort of problem and wound up in the repair shop, so I am a bit leery of going there again. Although, that WAS a long time ago. I'll look into your suggestions in any case. Thanks! |
Hi Erikt,
I saw that, however my speakers limit is 150w. And, at this point unless I find an insanely good used deal, I am leaning on new or used from a store where I can get a warranty - which is doubled when I buy with AMEX. Plus, I can audition with my system, in my house, to be sure an amp is a good fit and that I really like it. If I decide I don't...I have 30 days to return or even...up to 90 days w/AMEX buyer protection, so...prob where I am headed at this point unless some insanely good deal materializes that is too good to pass up. Thanks for your tip, though! I appreciate it! |
Thanks for all the advice everybody! My plan is to still go out and listen to some amps as soon as I can, which looks like not this weekend, but next. I value all your input and opinions and will take everything into consideration as I continue my search.
Thanks again,
G |
Thanks, Stinky5!
I did a lot of looking into the Outlaw and eventually decided against it. I can't remember the reason, but I have looked and re-looked at a lot of things and then crossed them off my list one by one for various reasons. Not really into the Emotiva line, and as far as I can tell (from their web site), the Odyssey has no line outs for headphone amp and recording, so that is not an option for me. I'll continue my search...
Cheers! |
I'm going to try and make it out to a place that carries a lot of the brands mentioned in this thread - hopefully within the next two weeks. Thx! |
OK all,
Looks like I will most likely be going with the new (just announced yesterday!) Rogue Audio Sphinx (assuming I like what I hear!). According to the specs, It has everything I am looking for, and based on some of their other products I have heard, in-store and at my friend's house...I am fairly confidant this will be the one for me. The local store should have them in-stock in about three weeks.
I'll keep ya posted...
And...thanks to all of you for the help, comments, and advice! |
Hmmm. I just revisited the web site to the local store that I THOUGHT had both amps available to do a side by side, but I guess I was mistaken. They only carry the Anthem. So...not sure I can do a side by side comparison. Shoot! In any case, I was reading another thread in another forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1334659/integrated-amp-suggestions-2000
One guy was talking about the Exposure clipping at high levels and getting so hot you could not even touch the volume knob. Others who owned it said they experienced no such thing. What is your take? Did you ever experience anything like that?
Finally, my Rotel is only 40W/channel and it gets pretty loud and mostly holds together, so...I am wondering/assuming the Exposure would be fine with my B&Ws. However, if I do go with the Exposure and I find it lacking, could I not just ad an amp using the pre-out at some point in the future? And if so, my only question then would be: would there still be some way to use a headphone amp or would I loose that option? My guess is I would loose it since I need the record out to rip vinyl and with the pre-out going to an amp...there would be no way to use/add a headphone. Am I correct in this?
And, one MORE thing: have you heard the Unico Primo? If so, do you also agree it might be too soft for Rock music? I am wondering as I saw a 3 year old demo online for sale in good condition from a dealer for almost $1000 less than a new one.
Get back to me and let me know. I truly appreciate all your help! |
