2. amps-preamps
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Amp, On A Budget?

I'm building a 2 channel system on a pretty tight budget, think I've done good so far, but need help with an amp!

Source is lossless from PC to JKDAC32 DAC (awesome budget DAC.) Speakers are DIY Statements (awesome speakers, cost about a grand to build, people compare them to speakers that cost 10 times as much and more.)

I'm trying to get the best amp I can for ~300.00, the remainder of my budget. I'm seeing older Adcom, Carver, Parasound, Rotel, etc. in my price range, used of course.

I know this equipment isn't up to the standards of most of the gear discussed here, but any suggestions on which route I should take for a 300.00 amp?
dmusgrave
kotta's avatar
kotta
638 posts
 
I'm presently using a little 50w Rotel 951 which is a really sweet amp. (This was after I replaced the power cord w/a fixed 14-2 cord, gold plated RCA input jacks, and gold plated spk. binding posts. Used solid core wire w/Johnson solder. WOW...what a difference! You would not believe the sound improvement this made. Since you seem to be a handy person, consider these mods if you're amp doesn't have decent connectors.) Not knowing the power you req., I'd say try to find a Rotel amp. 951/971/981/991 Older RB-970/980/990. I spoke w/ a very experienced/knowledgeable audiophile and in one of our conversions he said the RB-980BX was a gem. Don't forget the support you may need from the Manufacturer. Rotel and Parasound. There are so many choices!!! If a Marantz SM-17 comes along....I've been always wanting to try this amp out! Good Luck w/your search. Bill
rlwainwright
1,901 posts
 
Dayton APA-150: 75 watts/ch in stereo, almost twice that when bridged in mono. Hi-current design. $119.00 incl. shipping, on sale now!

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla&utm_term=%7Bkeyword%7D

-RW-
rlwainwright
1,901 posts
 
Or, Dayton DTA-100A $93.99 incl. shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004JK8BDK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

-RW-
rlwainwright
1,901 posts
 
Or Emotiva.com UPA-200, 125 watts/ch., $299 incl. shipping. 5 yr. warranty...

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/upa200

-RW-
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
I second the B&K St140 suggestion if only because they (the gold handled ones) look so cool...not sure about the issues from age however. One of the most overlooked Adcom amps is the 5300 (85 watts per into 8ohms). I like it better than the 535 I or II both of which I've owned and enjoyed. It has better low end than 535s and smoother sounding to my ears. It's built like a tank and although not as refined as some pricier stuff, I think it's a ridiculous bargain for a MOSFET amp...I use one for some extension speakers, studio monitoring, and backup for my main (tube) amp...I think it cost $150 or so from Ebay. Maybe less, and certainly less than a 5400 or 5500 or nearly anything else from Adcom.
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