I like my Clayton M100,
I used to have:
MF A300 (nothing special),
Electrocompaniet ECI 2 (with ProAc's it was outstanding combo in its price) |
I am currently using a MF A308 integrated with B&W N803. You might consider upgrading to the MF KW500. |
I have been using the GamuT D-100 Mk.3 for about 2 yrs. and I still love it. I drive it with the DeHavilland Mercury triode tube preamp resulting in very smooth natural full bodied dynamic music. |
Gryphon amps - Pure class A - top of my list
Pass X series second
Thats it |
Before you spend big bucks, you must listen to Bryston's 7Bs (ST or SST). Some speakers like the B&W just need to be "spanked". If bass control is what you crave, the 7Bs have it in spades. Except for the bass, it is quite nuetral. You can however probably get away with a lower pwr Bryston amp for the 803s. |
Scratch the 7b's dude...no! Class C/B at best, not Class A(someone got a good incentive payout to write that review)
You'd be much much better biamping those 803's, using a parasound bass amp on the bottom, and a more refined pristine amp up top for mid/treble. Actually, of all the combo's I've tried with the 803's, biamping works best! |
The velvety golden glow of my Rowland 7M monoblocks makes me purr with contentment. . . except for that not so fine day when the nail of my left thumb lost an unfair game of 'shock absorber' under one of the cooling fins of the 140 pounds behemoth. That was when I discovered that, for some odd reason Aluminum seems to have been created harder than nail and flesh.
One year later, the nail fully regrown and nicely healed, I went back to purring with blissful contentment. |
The Halo JC-1s were before the tax man came along. But they should really come packaged with an air conditioner unit. I'm glad we still have relatively cold temps up here in Toronto. Come summer, these things would have been blazing even in low bias. High bias would probably be good for grilling steak. |
McIntosh MC501 Monoblocks driving B&W N802's w/REL Stadium III sub, solid performers top to bottom in a very large room. A relative bargain @ $8200. Stereophile comparisons to Halcro dm58 @31k/pr. |
Clayton M100s. See Bound for Sound and IAR.
Much better than the well known brands. Will drive anything. |
I am using Steve McCormack's DNA-500 to drive my Legacy Whispers (lots of drivers, 4 ohms) and couldn't be happier. Only amp I've heard that comes close sonically is the BAT VL-600SE. Mac 501's didn't touch it, nor did Parasound, Rowland or Krell. I was a little hesitant after all the rave reviews for the amp, but got one to try and am not letting go. Haven't heard anything that touches it under 15K except the BAT at 11,300. DNA-500 is 7K list, 500w/900w and loads of current. Remarkable sound - you will be surprised if you hear it! |
Fplanner, which Rowland did you compare against the McCormac? |
Fplanner -- Just curious as I too am in the market for an amp in this category, are you referring to the Halo JC-1's that you compared your DNA500 to?
For what it's worth, I think I've got my selection narrowed down to the PASS 250.5, Mc DNA500, and the Gamut D200III. Hope to audition the Gamut in the next few days. Will post my impressions...
Anyone care to comment on the above 3 amps? |
I am pretty happy with my venerable Classe'Twenty-Five driving my Maggie 3.6R's. Plenty of power and punch(500wpc into 4 ohms). Transparent enough to reveal whatever changes you make in the front end. Available used from time to time for about $1250. A real bargain if you ask me. If you want to spend some bucks, 8k will get you a new pair of BEL 1001 MkV's or you might find a used set of Theta Citadels. |
I heard the Rowland 501's and to my ears, they didn't have quite the "involvement" of the DNA. The Halos were also very good, but again, to my ears, didn't quite have the breadth of soundstage or smooth intimacy as the DNA. Please note that I didn't spend HOURs on these comparisons and this wasn't at all a "scientific"-type comparison. I posted this info just as an aid to others who might be considering 1 of these brands - certainly NOT to start a huge discussion or uproar. There are obviously many models from all these brands that have their own unique characteristics and when you are in this price range, they all sound good - its just what sounds best in your system to your ears.
Thanks for understanding. |
FPlanner, I am not surprised about your Rowland 501 findings. I heard the 201 and found it it delicate but slightly surfacy. |
Thanks Fplanner for your honest, candid reply. |
I love my Herron M150 mono amps on my Alons. Never heard them with B&Ws, but have heard the Herrons with Audio Physic Avanti IIIs and Pro Ac Response 3.8s. Outstanding dynamics and bass control, especially when paired with a Herron preamp. I think they just sound like "music"...effortlessly natural.
I've heard the Gamut is synergistic with B&Ws. |
|
Everyone agrees to disagree. Proving it's the sound you favor as being the best amp for your system. |
Ayre. The stuff sounds wonderful, is built like a tank, and the company is great to deal with. All their stuff is top notch, but their preamp the K1xE and their universal silver disc player are far and away the best. It's amazing how much music there is on the silver disc. |
Another vote for Odyssey Extreme Mono Blocks! I really like mine. |
Rowland Model 10. I actually prefer the sound of this to the newer designs, just a little bit. The Model 10 is out of production, yet it is not that old. So it presents an opportunity to find one in the used market without a lot of mileage on it. |
I have been using tube based pre amps and power amps for almost 20 years. That being said, I just bought a pair of Apogee Stage speakers and quickly realized my current (excuse the pun) amp was not going to fit the bill for powering these current hungry speakers. My last SS amp was a 1988 Krell KSA 100 MKII so I thought I would again try one of those amps for these Apogee speakers seeing that this was the amp of choice back then for the Apogee speakers. To my surprise this Combination is a lot of fun. The impact, dynamics, detail, base does put a smile on my face when listening to this system. I donÂ’t think I will be selling my tube-based system anytime soon, however, I now see why there are ss lovers. I never could see why anyone could/would like ss sound, but now I can at least appreciate the virtues of ss amps. The Krell KSA series were real brute amps and can now be bought pretty inexpensively. Good luck with your search......Bob |
Cary CAD500MB......500W SS Mono's, they make me happy |
Krell FPB400cx makes my Thiel CS6s very very happy, they sing softly and sweetly when asked to do so and will rock the house when gently coaxed with good material and a twist of the volume knob. |
|
I feel the Sypmphonics line , makes some of the best amps available. |
05-12-05: Drken
There is no better amplification for B&W Naut that Kraft/symphonic line. This is coming from some one who worked for a B&W dealer. This is a german line of equipment that is awsome!
Drken (Threads | Answers)
Thread i found on the Symphonic Line to try to help some. |
I feel www.aberdeencomponents.com's modified amps are some of the best amps available. |
Ayre V5X on top, Levinson 332 on bottom of biamped system. Goosebumps and chills and sweet music.... |
clasee cam 350 mono's
muse mono's
pse studio v |
Try and listen to Chord...I replaced the Nuvista CD and Trivista amp with Chord Blu/Dac and CPA 2200 pre / 1200C power. The difference was astounding. Hooked on Chord, I recently upgraded the pre to the new 3000 which is magnificent - so I am now selling the CPA2200 pre. Im looking for the Monoblocs soon. With your budget you would be able to find a nice used pre/power combination. Try them, you will not be disappointed. |
I've got the small MBL mono blocks, 8011AM. Don't let the size fool you, these boys are really powerful. I think these amps are a hidden gem. They've outperformed everything I've heard including some very expensive amps (darTZeel for example), and some hyped ones (ASR Emitter II Exclusive). They work great in other setups as well, an all-MBL setup like mine is certainly not required. For example, another guy in this town bought them for his Wilson WP7 and he claims they are stunning in his setup.
Anyway, if you can, lend them an ear and see what you think. :) They're breaking your budget a bit unfortunately, but if you can find them used they should be right on the money. |
I think I have read that B&W uses Krell at their plant to test their speakers. I have heard Rotel with B&W's so I imagine any conventional amp will drive the speakers adequately.
I have used Aragon and Krell to drive Maggies and a few other speakers and want a Plinius amp next.
Depending on your room and how hard you want to drive the speakers any amp with aprrox. 100watts plus would be adequate unless you have a concert hall.
I would make certain to match gain levels of your equipment to make certain that you do not run flat of power using the pre-amp to get the most from your equipment. Seems strange the MF would not push the speakers adequately ,but maybe there was not enough power. |
Essence Emerald Amps, both an Essence II Stereo and Emerald III Reference Monoblocks. I have heard dozens of amps in my system and once I heard these I stopped looking for the Holy Grail of amps. I sold every other SS and tube amp I had. |
Rlawry, which SS and tube sacred cows has your Emerald put to shame? Do give us details. |
My Jeff Rowland model 8 with choke power supply still makes me smile after all these years. I recently did a AB with a 501 and IMHO my 8 was just in a different league. Far more resolving and with a much better control of the bass. The 8 also threw a far deaper soundstage and was much sweeter in the highs.
The only problem you will find is finding someone with a choke supply 8 for sale. |
I just upgraded from a Krell 400cx to a new Krell EVO 402 and the improvement is very clearly audible and more musical (without any loss of that famous Krell "slam" whatever that is).
good luck. |
Hi, I have been watching this thread with some interest. I switched from Musical Fidelity to Blue Circle and I have been extremely happy; so much so that I am trying to work for the company. Blue Circle has two amplifiers that should fit your needs perfectly; the BC 26 MKII is a solid state design and is under 6000 and the BC 202 which is under 6500. Both have more than enough power and will represent a dramatic improvement over the Musical Fidelity. I especially like the BC 202 but it is a hybrid. Check out the Blue Circle web site. I don't know where you are so I can not recommend a dealer in your area. |
Guidocorona, their names shall ever be anonymous. What difference does it make? Let us just say they are some of the biggest names in audio. Just use your imagination. |
I'm using a Pass Labs X250 to drive a pair of Martin Logan reQuests and could not be happier.
TomDac
MartinLogan Club
|
cj Premier 350 is on my short-list! |
Is there something that hasn't been mentioned yet? |
Class D,T,Ice; power switching amps. Back in 05 I stated the Son of Ampzilla was my favorite. Fast forward to 07, I now have a Class T (Audiosource) 200w/8ohms. It is a better amp, period. Just listen to one, see what you think. |
A friend of mine lent me a McIntosh MA-6200 70 wpc which I did not necessarily want to swap out my Carver M-4.0t for, since it was recently refurbished and modded. I loved my Carver.
I also was reluctant as my Gallo Ref. 3.1a's love power and my Carver is 375 wpc where the MAC is 70 wpc.
With prompting I finally did. The Carver is not going back into my system. My Rogue Audio Magnum 99 has to work extra hard to keep my Gallos happy through the MA-6200 (using as amp only). Therefore I am upgrading to a MC-7300. The richness and fullness of the MAC is well, music to my ears.
I have a Rega Saturn and Linn LP12 for sources, play primarily classic rock but enjoy almost everything else on occasion too.
Cheers. |
Give a listen to Classe CAM-400 mono-blocks. Depending upon
your tastes in music, they pair very well with the B&W's
in listening I've done. My personal favorites are Edge
amps. As you go up the line, they just keep getting better
in every conceivable way. The G8 meets your price point by
a safe margin new. The massive jump is the NL10.1 or in my
case, the NL12.1's. Both can be had used in or near your
price point if memory serves (A-gon ads I've seen).
I've yet to push the 12.1 I own to the wall or hear it
distort, get grainy, etc.... It has "pits of hell bass"
that is tight and accurate while still delivering
wonderful mids and highs that just go up and up...
My second NL12.1 shows up tomorrow; I'm going to vertically
bi-amp my main L/R speakers. Questions? Let me know....
(Not a dealer, rep or other affiliate, just love their amps) |
The H2O Signature 150
I have to admit; I've always had a thing for a well done class A transistor amp or a good valve unit. While I've also been a big fan of the price/performance ratio class D provides, I've never met one I could live with long term. That is, until I received a prototype amp from H2O. Instead of going wax poetic about what it does well, and why I like it - the bottom line is that it is a transistor amplifier that tickles my fancy to the point to where my search for an amp for the main system has come to a close (well, for now - you know how it goes). |
Thank you Rlawry, unfortunately anonymous comparisons are not even worth the weight of the electrons used to display them on a computer screen. |
Rumadian, you heard the prototype H2O? So did I. If I were to hear that now, I would judge it rather harshly. Maybe that is a bad choice of word. It was anything but harsh. It sounded like a very good class A amp.
I bought the third generation of the H20 Signature monos. Since then, I upgraded the module, and caps in this well reviewed version, under direction of it's creator. Now I have this insanely dynamic, deeply penetrating, crazy real sound out of my 1 ohm speakers.
Guidocorona, aren't you going to visit me? I will have a pair of Scintillas for sale soon. |
