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Power amp Suggestions for Dunlavy SC-IV

I'm picking up a used pair of SC-IV for a mastering room in my home. Admittedly I'm from a Pro Audio and Recording studio background and am largely unaware of many of the obscure and esoteric audiophile brands and topologies. I was planning on powering them with a Bryston 4B initially, but started looking at used amps and was overwhelmed by the selection. Using the 4b as a point of reference what other amps would people recommend <$2k used.

Some that I have considered are the Krell KSA 250, Older Levinson ML3.
I even have an old set of Marantz Model 5 monoblocks in the storage room, though I suspect they are way too under powered for the Dulavy's.

Thanks and forgive my ignorance.

trin
trinculo
unsound
7,315 posts
 
John Dunlavy liked: Rowland, Edge and Spectron.
tsciame
88 posts
 

I used to own the Duntech Marquis which had similarities with the SC –IV. (Duntech was Dunlavy’s original company…) I drove them with a vintage McIntosh MC7270 (2x270watts). I would also recommend the MC2255 (2x255w) as an excellent high power vintage amp. Both can be had in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.

Good luck
Tony
pryso
1,912 posts
 
trin, I have Duntech Princess, the older sibling to your DAL SC-IV. After trying many amps over the years, the best match I've found is the Halo JC-1 monoblocs. Unfortunately they are way above your budget, even used.

Your speakers will be revealing so I offer two cautions. In spite of their rated efficiency, they will benefit from higher power. I would begin with 100 wpc with tube or 150 wpc SS as a minimum. Also, many SS amps will be revealed for their brightness, edge, and/or harshness.

A few specific amps I think do well are VTL 225 and Cary SLM 100 for tubes or RE Designs and Classe for SS. Certainly quality amps from ARC, conrad-johnson, McIntosh, etc., (no personal experience) would also be candidates.
zieman
339 posts
 
T, Dunlavys are a very high efficiency design. You will be pleasantly suprised how well the old Marantz amps will do. You will however need a subwoofer, set at 60hz, maybe higher. Use the amp budget for that.
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