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Budget amp for NS-1000. Rotel, march or parasound?

Just got a pais of yamaha ns1000 for use as studio monitors. I tested them with a parasound halo a23, hca 2200ii and a rotel rb970bx. Both parasounds were good, with room for improvement, the rotel was bad. 

Now i dont want to get the a23 because the price is not good around here, I own the hca2200ii with another system and my options are a rotel rb990bx, a march a400s and a parasound hca1206 bridged. Im leaning towards the march but is it good? Both rotel and parasound are cheaper, is the rotel a better option? Thanks 
jmabe
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
After reading this thread:

http://www.hometheaterequipment.com/mono-stereo-amps-59/crown-audio-xls-drivecore-series-amplifier-o...

I’m pretty much sold on Crown amps... I must try them. Now, I feel I must follow Audiogon forumers advice as it has always been good advice (which I not always followed), so I have the option of getting a XLS 1500 used ( I have no issues with used gear, but what possibly is PA gear is another story...) or a new XLS 2500 for a 70% higher price. (roughly 600 vs 350 dollars).

My question is, the 2500 is good or should I stick to the 1500? Remembering my Yamaha is rated 100w max and I’d hate to overload it with this pro gear experiment...
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
So, I tested the XLS1500 and it's nice, but now I want to test another high end amplifier. Should I go for Marsh A400S, Rotel RB1080 (roughly same price) or Rotel Rb990BX (Half price)?

I need maximum detail and plenty of bass... 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 

 I've owned 3 pairs of these, the NS1000’s can sound a bit in your face, but still need an amp with great bass control or they can sound a bit fat down low.

A good smooth solid state, with high class A bias would be good to keep the in your face sound under control. Maybe a good (reconditioned) second hand Krell KSA-50 or KSA100 fan cooled very high class A bias. And yes the Halo A21 or A23 which are also high bias.

Cheers George

jmabe OP
34 posts
 
I had the Parasound A23 lying around here so decided to give it a go with XLR cabling and good speaker cables. I really felt the in your face feeling you described, highs were unbearable, really sharp, some bass but not worth it to be honest.

Plugged the Crown XLS 1500 back and it sort of feels like heaven. Everything is more controlled. Of course the floor noise was there when I connected it and the interface was off, but whatever, I think it's worth it. 

I think I'm done trying amplifiers after this, maybe if I get a Crown XLS 2500, but I'm wary of blowing the speakers using that much power. 

I got a Dynaudio Center LR120 (or C120) to go with this setup. I sort of owe my audio dealer (the A23 is his), feel like I should buy something from him, but what I really want is to get another cheap Crown and rack on top of the one I got to drive the Dynaudios. 

thanks for all the advice...

if it helps, some good songs to test speakers are made by the artist Woodkid. Try Iron or Run boy Run, really hard for these to sound sublime...
meerzistar
232 posts
 
Music Fidelity A3cr and A3.2cr are good valued amps. One might be the ticket to relaxing highs while tightening up bass with the Yamaha's.
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