Topic: time for a new amp

[MattD]

A friend of mine is buying my PS Audio HCA-2, so I'm looking for something new in the same price range ($800, $1k max). Someone suggested the Bel Canto s300 as a similar amp in terms of both performance and price. I've found that I like the Class D amps (like the HCA-2 and the Channel Islands monoblocks), so that sounds like a good suggestion. Can anyone suggest a few others in that price range for comparison?

Thanks!

[BC]

Some brands to check out:

Carver
Adcom (not quite up in that $$ range, but great bang for the buck)
Classe
Parasound
Mccormack
Bryston

Happy shopping!

[MattD]

+T for the reccomendations, Ben! Aside from the Bel Canto s300, I liked what I saw of the Parasound Halo A23 (or A21 if I can find a good enough deal), the Classe CA-2100 (but that's WAY too expensive), and the Bryston 2B SST.

I'll have to read some reviews and hear what others have to say. Perhaps I'll get a chance to demo one or more when I move into my new place next month.

[Daryan]

Build a hypex amp.  Go to diycable.com and order the kit.  All you will need is a chassis to hook it up.  A steal at 750 for what you get.  I would estimate equivalent to probably ~2000 and up.

[MattD]

Build a hypex amp.  Go to diycable.com and order the kit.  All you will need is a chassis to hook it up.  A steal at 750 for what you get.  I would estimate equivalent to probably ~2000 and up.

It appears to be a monoblock, so that's really $1500, which is out of my price range. Also, I consider my own labor to be a "cost."

[scervin]

Build a hypex amp.  Go to diycable.com and order the kit.  All you will need is a chassis to hook it up.  A steal at 750 for what you get.  I would estimate equivalent to probably ~2000 and up.

That is the 350W, you can make the UCD400 (200W) at a much lower cost.  I've heard bad things about the stock Hypex PS.

sc

[cshepherd]

What kind of speakers will you be using?  Do you know what their efficiency rating is?

Chris

[MattD]

Von Schweikert VR-1. 89 dB @ 1W, 1m. Power is not an issue, as they can handle 8-200 W. I am staying away from tubes because I know I'd never be satisfied.

[cshepherd]

Von Schweikert VR-1. 89 dB @ 1W, 1m. Power is not an issue, as they can handle 8-200 W. I am staying away from tubes because I know I'd never be satisfied.

I think 100 watts would be plenty with those speakers.  Smaller amps often have a better sound than a high wattage amp in the same line.  Your speakers are efficient enough to work that in your advantage.  FWIW, our reference system is a 30 watt amp matched with 94 db speakers.

Chris

[JasonSobel]

I use the Channel Islands VMB-1 monoblocks with the VR-1's.  The VMB-1's were the precurser to the D-100's, and are very similar in sound, but only 40 watts.  they're a great combo with the VR-1's.  I got mine used for $600.  if you watch audiogon, and if you're patient, every so often a pair comes up used.

[MattD]

Jason, funny you should mention those. The friend who's buying my HCA-2 is giving up his CI blocks. He also has a pair of VR-1s. I've borrowed the amps, and actually didn't hear to much of a difference between them and the HCA-2 at low levels. At higher levels, it seemed like they were straining a bit, whereas the much more powerful HCA-2 was handling the demand with ease. Good recommendation (and you found a nice purchase price)!

[JasonSobel]

Jason, funny you should mention those. The friend who's buying my HCA-2 is giving up his CI blocks. He also has a pair of VR-1s. I've borrowed the amps, and actually didn't hear to much of a difference between them and the HCA-2 at low levels. At higher levels, it seemed like they were straining a bit, whereas the much more powerful HCA-2 was handling the demand with ease. Good recommendation (and you found a nice purchase price)!

interesting.  I've never heard the VMB-1's strain, but then, I don't usually push the levels too much (my landlord lives upstairs with his 6 year old daughter).  I'll be interested to see what you end up with, though.  good luck with your search

[Nick's Picks]

just a tad outside your range, and I know you didn't want tubes, but a Manley Stingray would certainly sound nice w/those Vr1s.  its a PUNCHY amp for tubes.  40wpc.
sell your preamp and then you can afford it?


honestly ...I think you'll have a hard time coming up w/a significant upgrade to the HCA2 in your price range.  I'd just stay w/what you have until you can add another thousand to your range.

[Nick's Picks]

or, buy some VR2s.
that will certainly change things around w/your setup.

[MattD]

New from PS Audio. I guess they didn't want Bel Canto getting all of the action on the ICE power amps.