2. amps-preamps
  3. 132340-105350

Amp selection for someone on a modest budget...

I'm slowly upgrading my system on a modest budget and I'm looking to add a power amp next. I have Revel Performa3 F208 speakers that I'm looking to drive with this/these amp(s). I would like to get an amp(s) that I could keep if I upgrade to other speakers in the future but that isn't a deal breaker. My room is 14' deep and 30 feet wide. I listen at about 11' feet from the speakers. Future upgrades will include additional Performa3 speakers but this amp won't drive these. My current receiver is a Rotel RSX-1055 which I am also looking to upgrade in the future. New or very slightly used is preferred. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
tesi
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
I’ll second the Schiit Vidar suggestion if you’re not a tube freak (like me), as I’ve recently become a Schiithead…bought a Loki EQ (amazing…seriously), and have a Freya on the way (hope it’s good…man…new gear anxiety sucks). There’s a review from Steve Guttenberg on CNET where he points out that a Vidar, Freya, Elac (speakers) system could be hard to beat for some small money (and he reviews a Freya and a Vidar)…like 2 grand for the whole damn thing (although cables and front end stuff would add to the cost as, after all, you need to put a signal through the pile).
ronniemo
5 posts
 
Rogue Cronus Magnum 2. $2495. Great tube amp that doesn't sound tubey. Check out reviews. It weighs 60lbs. It;s a beast!!!

auntjenof2
42 posts
 
I just nudged a buddy to try a tube amp in place of his Pass amp. We found a refurbished Music Reference RM-9 MkII. This thing has balls. It measured 130watts/channel, has adjustable feedback, 10,000 hour tube life, easy to bias, built like a tank. It has that great tube midrange and incredible solid state like bass. There is one up for bid on eBay right now that looks really clean. You could have Music Reference bring it back to new for $600. Not a shill, just a big fan of Music Reference and Rodger and Tony. 
tesi OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the additional suggestions. I'm looking at which ones I can demo in-home before buying in order to make my decision. Thanks again.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
I just remembered A Parasound 125 watt amp (HCA 1000A maybe?) I owned years ago that sounded great. Built like a tank.
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