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Amp recommendations: Wanted, Bass and Dynamics

I have a Music Hall CD Player running through a Channel Island passive preamp and ultimately out my Spendor FL9's.
Audioquest Diamondback ic's, Wireworld and MIT speaker wire.

Very musical, with extremely natural soundstage, but I'm lacking the dynamics, bass, and bit of articulation I've grown accustomed to in my previous system.

What used amp upto $1500 do you recommend to keep the musicality, but add a lot of punch, bass presence and articulation? Leaning toward a lot of power.

Marsh 400s
Musical Fidelity A3CR
Bel Canto EVO 200.2
PS Audio HCA-2
Krell KSA 150
Monarchy se100 monos
Rega exons

Others??? There are so many options, but I have a limited selection to audition. This is where your opinion comes in. All ideas welcomed.
hmbrewd
socrates
247 posts
 
Once I finish evaluating the Bel Canto evo200.2 I will be posting my thoughts (a review) of it in a shootout with the PS Audio HCA-2, Musical Fidelity A3cr and the Odyssey Stratos. I heard the Krell at a dealer, but don't feel qualified to involve it in the shootout. I could include a McCormack DNA1 and Classe Audio CA-201 monoblocks as it relates to the other amps above but as well, and aside from making the shootout longer then it is already, I would not doubt be stoned to death for my brutally honest impressions.... :)

If you can wait a week I might be able to help out! Feel free to drop me an email anytime.
imin2u
392 posts
 
I agree with Tok20000; 1) Do not expect low freq control with the Monarchy se100 monos and 2) That the Krell runs too hot.

I disagree with Winoguy17 about the McCormack DNA. I find the sound too similar to the sound of the Marsh 400s. (I just don't like it). You'd be better off with the Musical Fidelity A3CR.

I have owned Bel Canto EVO 200.2's and now have two PS Audio HCA-2's. I needed both Bel Canto's and I find I only need one HCA-2. The most low freq control and non-colouration of sound comes, hands-down, with the PS Audio HCA-2.

I have never heard the Rega exons.
polara
72 posts
 
what about odyssey -i have new mono blocks with extreme upgrade -klaus is coming out with a passive pre for them so they might work for you.
run cool,very good & tight bass and jump with life.
you can give klaus a call and ask if they will work with your pre-hey its only a buck-lol
dbw1
161 posts
 
One other suggestion - MIT speaker cables can sometimes limit dynamics and punch, not just the upper frequencies.
lolshansky's avatar
lolshansky
2 posts
 
Crown Studio Reference I or II (formerly Macro Reference)
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