Needing advice
As usual a big +1 for @gdnrbob! Steve and Co. are upgrading my DNA-1 as I write this. The last time I had it upgraded was 16 years ago. It has sounded great since then, but Steve plans to do very extensive upgrading as much has been learned and tech. has improved over the years. I can't wait to hear music through it once it returns. If you would go that route, Steve will want to know about your system details to be sure his modifications are geared to optimize your system performance. This is SMc Audio's site address: http://smcaudio.com/ Good luck! |
I would look at the Hegel H80 Integrated...someone is selling one here for $950. It's 75wpc is capable of driving those ESL's (91db). The Hegel is very well reviewed. Also, someone is selling a Classe CA-100 $899 This is a stereo amplifier only it needs a preamp but for $899 its a great sounding stereo amplifier that will drive those ESL's np. Matt M |
In the price range you are looking at. Without going vintage which can be hit or miss. I have noticed some used Rotel amplifiers on Ebay that might work for you. The RB-1080 is nice but can be bright. Class A/B 200 wpc. at 8ohm and built like a tank. If you have a little patience I’ve seen them go for $300. But since you said "60/40 movies with your surround system", There have been a few Rotel RMB-1575’s available at your price point. And having 6ohm ESL speakers that will drop to 4ohm’s at times I read. They might be a nice fit. Five channels "All driven", rated 250/500 wpc at 8/4ohm should give you power and detail enough. And an easy load for the amp to run. And then you could upgrade the power to your center and surrounds as well with the remaining three channels. |
Craig, When I listen to the ESL’s they do sound pretty darn nice with the NAD 368, 80 Watts $895 w/o media streaming card), though better with the 388. https://nadelectronics.com/product/c-368-hybrid-digital-dac-amplifier/ If you haven’t listened to Rogue Audio out of Pennsylvania, their Sphinx would drive the ESL’s very nicely (no DAC, but has headphone amp & phono preamp & can work with theater by setting volume but that’s another thread). THEIR MARKETING IS VERY VERY BASIC LOOKING BY THE WAY, so ignore that. The Cronus Magnum II (out of your price range which is $2500 absolutely blows alway the ESL’s. Even blows away the ESL 9’s, and 11’s too :) The Sphinx is hybrid integrated, 100 WPC, at $ 1500. Also has outputs for Subs. http://www.rogueaudio.com/PDFs/Sphinx%20v2.pdf |
