Pundit
Post by raveydave on Jun 14, 2020 11:55:36 GMT 12
Felllow Lanterneers,
A recent folly strategic speaker investment has found me needing a (much) more powerful amp. 😳
I’m looking for something solid state, classy/vintage/not ugly, powerful and (most importantly) unconditionally stable into difficult loads (say 2-4ohms).
The Meridian & Quad amps in the title spring to mind (I’ve passed a couple up over the years, wish I’d grabbed them when I had the chance!) - but please let me know what you’ve got.
I’m not quite ready to get into the latest Class D technology, or P.A. industrial/commercial options, just yet. Welcome recommendations (I know we can’t help ourselves - but there is nothing on trademe that I would consider suitable at this point, apart from a Linn 2250), but really just reaching out for any stuff that might be lying around idle at your place.
Trying to keep around the $2k-ish price point, as I’ll probably need to source a complimentary preamp as well.
Please PM me if you don’t want to air your unwanted laundry here. 😀
Greatly appreciated.
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Post by michaelw on Jun 14, 2020 12:25:13 GMT 12
what speakers will you be driving ?
the quad 909 is one of the best amps they ever made but is best with stable 8 ohm-ish loads.
at around $2k also look at a class a/b rotel - good sound, bulletproof build, drives anything
if you need a preamp too, a more affordable alternative may be a big ass integrated amplifier ?
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Pundit
Post by raveydave on Jun 14, 2020 12:50:00 GMT 12
what speakers will you be driving ? LOL, I’d rather not say, as I fear it would derail the thread into a speaker discussion. 😉 Thanks for the Rotel recommendation michaelw, I do prefer the simplicity of an integrated amp. I just cant get excited over their design aesthetic (obviously, apart from the gorgeous silver Michi gear). I am pretty sure a QUAD 99/909 would do the job here, and they appear to change hands around the desired price point. Likewise, the big Meridian amp seemed like a contender; smallish form-factor and seemingly unflappable. Does anyone know anyone, that knows someone, that might have something suitable? Thanks!
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Post by michaelw on Jun 14, 2020 17:00:51 GMT 12
think focus not derailment, 
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Post by colinf on Jun 14, 2020 19:00:37 GMT 12
There’s a Bryston 2B SST on TM at the moment, if you can stretch to it. Quad 606 sounds more transparent than the 909, there is no Quadlink board with its opamps in the input stage on a 606. Also, BHC Aerovox power supply caps allow it to have lower distortion.
AMR-iFi R&D
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Post by jon on Jun 14, 2020 19:42:24 GMT 12
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Pundit
Post by raveydave on Jun 14, 2020 20:42:52 GMT 12
Thanks colinf, good to know about the (subtle) difference between the two.
I also know punters have a preference for the Huntingdon assembled models.
So yes, a 606 would definitely do. Anyone got one they want to part with (here in NZ?).
Thanks for the suggestion Jon. They are handsome looking amps; especially love the toggle switches and VU meters.
I’m really after something with classic (read: second hand, collectable) appeal, that will hold its value, in case I need to abandon this endeavour quickly.
I know that means I’ll end up paying a bit more on the way in, I’m sure. 😀
Cheers lads.
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Pundit
Post by raveydave on Jun 15, 2020 15:14:58 GMT 12
... a more affordable alternative may be a big ass integrated amplifier ? Has anyone had first hand experience with the retro-styled Yamaha integrated amps? There is an A-S2100 on TM at the moment. Not hugely powered, but apparently these amps are stable down to 2ohms. I've put that Bryston on my watchlist as well, thanks colinf. I've never heard one, but they seem to have a rock solid reputation. Apparently this one is the baby of the range!
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Post by michaelw on Jun 15, 2020 18:41:44 GMT 12
i reviewed the original cd-s2000/a-s2000 combo for audioenz in the distant past,
they were nicely built, aesthetically pleasing with good ergonomics.
sonics were bright and edgy, with a touch of hardness at high volumes through the balanced input or muddled with single ended connection.
competent products but not worth $6k the pair back in 2008.
last year i heard one of the new a-s amps between a cambridge audio streamer and a pair of big golden ear speakers.
the sound was big and dynamic but still bright and transistory.
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Pundit
Post by raveydave on Jun 15, 2020 18:46:03 GMT 12
Great info, thanks Michael.
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Post by sub on Jun 15, 2020 18:53:00 GMT 12
Cooksferry should come in here, he owns, or did own, a Yamaha A-S1100
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Post by michaelw on Jun 15, 2020 20:46:32 GMT 12
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