Adcom, B&K, or Rotel?????????


I need to buy a new amp and have been think about one of the following Adcom 555/5500 or 545 100-200watts b&k 442/202 150-200watts rotel rmb 100(these are mosfet 125 watt amps from mid 1990s) I know the b&k very well and like its sound (I love good tubes but can't afford them plus it needs to work it home theater) So if anyone out there has heard the others please let me know how they sound....... email or post thanks, glenn1000@yahoo.com
glenn1000
Depending on your budget, you could get a used McCormack DNA 0.5 (100WPC) Standard or Deluxe version or even a DNA 1 (175WPC) Standard or Deluxe and it would absolutely blow away the three brands you mentioned. If you are curious, look all around the both the print journals and Internet review sites for the glowing reviews. It gets even better with the McCormack gear though. Steve McCormack, the original designer and all around good guy has started a little firm call SMcAudio that's doing upgrades at different price levels for each of the amps in the DNA line. So you could invest a little bit in a DNA 0.5 now (you can probably find one for around $750) and gradually improve the already excellent sound through upgrading. If you are curious about the upgrade options go to www.smcaudio.com. Or, you could just call Steve himself and he would be more than happy to discuss your options. Anyone else have an opinion about McCormack gear?
I would take the B&K over Rotel & Adcom but what about others like McCormack, Bryston ST series, older Classe. All of these would be better than the B&K stuff (IMHO) - Maybe too high for your budget but worth a look as excellent options???
Sean, I'd be interested to hear about the modifications you've made to the B&Ks. If you don't want to clutter up this thread you can email me through member lookup. I currently own a B&K AV6000II. Probably not the best but I like it. It drives a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 60s. Don't know how it compares to Adcom or Rotel. But it is definitely better than the NAD 2400 it replaced. My one complaint is that is seems a little slow dynamically. Some of the problem was alleviated when I replaced the stock power-cord with a Custom Power Cord Company Model 11 cord.
If you're listening to amps in the price range of Adcom and Rotel you might want to also audition Parasound. John Curl designs, very good build quality and sound for the money and relatively easy to find used. I agree with the previous post about the quality of McCormack amps. I replaced a Parasound HCA-1000 with a McCormack 0.5 Deluxe of the same rated power and the difference in quality was amazing but, then, the used price of the McCormack was double the used price of the Parasound.
If you're listening to amps in the price range of Adcom and Rotel you might want to also audition Parasound. John Curl designs, very good build quality and sound for the money and relatively easy to find used. I agree with the previous post about the quality of McCormack amps. I replaced a Parasound HCA-1000 with a McCormack 0.5 Deluxe of the same rated power and the difference in quality was amazing but, then, the used price of the McCormack was double the used price of the Parasound.