2. amps-preamps
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C'mon name that amp ...please?

Hi All,

For months now I have been considering a new amp. There have been too many choices, but this thread will probably make it worse. Here is the info that you need: Room size 22x40x10 (8,800 ft^3) speakers are 7 driver WWMT with 4 Ohm imp. (min 3 max 5) the preamp is SS with 115 Ohm output imp. I would like an amp with great dynamic ability along with excellent mids and highs. I've been considering amps from ARC, Pass, Modwright. Please, if you have any ideas just a quick reply. My budget is up to 5-6K and used is preferable as I feel most of us Audiogoners take good care of our stuff. I am currently using a Wyred 4 Sound ST1000 which is a high powered Class D amp that does have great dynamics, but is not quite there for me in the highs.
koestner
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Go for a great hybrid amp for the great sound of tubes without the hassle and heat. The Aesthetix Atlas stereo amp is wonderful as is the Moscode.
koestner OP
293 posts
 
What do you guys think of the ARC HD220 hybrid amp? That was the ARC model I was thinking of in original post. I have read the Audiogon review where the guy loved it and then 4 months later didn't, but I suspect he is a true "tuber" and embraced the added dynamics and assumed clarity for a short time only.
koestner OP
293 posts
 
Guys,
I've been switching back and forth between the ICE amp and a Cary SLI-80 integrated. They both have virtues the other one doesn't. This is probably an age old question that has been asked and answered a million times. I think I'm wasting your time. Thanks for all the responses, but I have to audition more amps in my system to get my answer. I should have known this from the start. Thanks again.
jdoris
852 posts
 
I have a Montana EPS2 and Pass INT-30A combo, which I like very much (it certainly has sweet mids/highs), but I suspect the pass 30s would be light on thump in your room. A lot of people around here have said the 60s are not hugely different than the 30s, which suggests the 100s, but I'm guessing they are out of price range, even used. (Mark at Reno hifi a great resource for Pass, btw).

As Robsker notes, I think it is worth calling Peter at PBN. I think he sometimes has deals on his amps, and he is a good guy to talk to; I suspect you could hit your pricepoint. Interestingly, Peter builds big A/B amps for his speakers, which is some evidence it might be the way to go. I ran my EPS2s with a big Odyssey, and while I prefer the Pass (as I ought, for the price difference), I miss the authority on the lows.

Let us know what you do.

John
martykl
3,563 posts
 
The Aesthetix Atlas Stereo is a high powered hybrid amp that you might want to check out. Not only is it -IMHO- a fine sounding high output power amp, it's also unusually flexible in that it includes a very versatile low cut x-over function should you ever choose to bi amp.

IIRC, it's +/- $8k new, so a used piece (if you can find one) probably lands in your price range.

Good Luck.

Marty
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