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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: Blake Williamson on August 03, 2004, 12:06:56 AM

Title: I need amp advice
Post by: Blake Williamson on August 03, 2004, 12:06:56 AM: hello all,
I am searching for an amplifier for my home audio system. I am interested in something "somewhat" high end inside of the $4,000 dollar mark. I have been researching for a few weeks and have come across two amps that I am particulary attracted to. The first is the Bel Canto EVO2 (www.belcantodesign.com) It has 120 wpc and is purely digital. A nice feature is that to bridge the power for mono block usage, you push one button. Then you get something like 400wpc. So I could add another in a few years and really have some power! The other amps I am juggling are the rogue stereo 90 and the rogue tempest II (www.rogueaudio.com/Products.htm) I have heard the stereo 90 before and I find it to be round and musical...plus it looks cool. Does anyone out there have any experience with any of these three amps? Is there any particular reason I should or should not go with the integrated tube (tempest) over the regular tube (stereo 90)? And lastly do you think a pure digital amp or a tube would go better with my system?
Here is what I have now:

Receiver:Marantz SR9300 (www.marantz.com)
sacd/cd/dvd:Marantz DV8400
Front Channel Speakers:Eggleston Works Fontaine series (www.egglestonworks.com)
Rear/center channels:B&W natilus series

I understand everyone has different ears, and it all depends on what you like...I'm just curious what opinions audiophiles with more experience than me have. Thanks for the help!!
-Blake Williamson
blake@livetaping.com
Title: Re: I need amp advice
Post by: Wiggler on August 03, 2004, 05:49:14 AM: I'd go with a warm amp for the Egglestons they are so percise that I think some warmth would help.
I have the Eggleston Andra II's and use a Mcintosh Mc352 and find it to be plenty of power but sometimes wish I had a bit more warmth.
I plan on getting a tube pre to help smooth things out currently using solid state Mcintosh C41.
Check out the Balanced audio technology and Levinson stuff if you can good luck.
http://www.balanced.com/
You might want to check with Jcallery on this board I think he purchased the Bel canto amp for use with some Andra's.
Title: Re: I need amp advice
Post by: jpschust on August 03, 2004, 07:57:45 AM: one of the warmer amps i always had my eye on was the belles 350A which is right in that price range.
Title: Re: I need amp advice
Post by: BC on August 04, 2004, 01:58:11 AM: some brands to check out:

Parasound
Bryston (these are used by many pro mastering studios)
Adcom
Musical Fidelity
BAT
VTL (Vacuum Tube Logic)

Happy shopping!
Ben
Title: Re: I need amp advice
Post by: Lil Kim Jong-Il on August 04, 2004, 08:55:14 AM: Every few months there are Conrad Johnson Premire 12 monoblocks on audiogon for aroung $3600.