I'm looking at improving my headroom of my system for 2 channel stereo listing. I live in a condo so I don't necessarily need anything louder. I just want some better sound from my Yamaha RX-V630.

I'm looking at Adcom GFA-5400/GFA-5500,Rotel RB-1080/RB-1070, NAD C272, Emotiva RPA-1, Used Carver TFM-35x/55x?

Any suggestions?

I'm looking at improving my headroom of my system for 2 channel stereo listing. I live in a condo so I don't necessarily need anything louder. I just want some better sound from my Yamaha RX-V630.

I'm looking at Adcom GFA-5400/GFA-5500,Rotel RB-1080/RB-1070, NAD C272, Emotiva RPA-1, Used Carver TFM-35x/55x?

Any suggestions?

A used Rotel RB1080 can be had for under $700

Take a look at these

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

Click on "Specials"

Take a look at these

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

Click on "Specials"

They don't look bad at all.

They don't look bad at all.

Excellent build quality too.

Speaking on the Carvers...there are lovers and haters...I'm in the former. If you like warm/tube-like with plenty of headroom you'll be happy. Great dollar per watt ratio. I've been told the x versions were unmodded to reach THX specs, but also been told there's no difference.

The Emotiva RPA 1 is a great amp, it's been favorably reviewed and many have stated that it rivals amps costing many times more.

I've got an Adcom GFA-555 II that I snagged on ebay for $350 shipped. I absolutely love the amp and getting one would save you some money as well. They show up on eBay in great condition all the time.

What speakers will the amp be powering?

Rotel, Outlaw, maybe ever Parasound if found at that price. I have the Rotel RB-991, 200watts per channel, can be picked up for about $500-$600 mint on ebay or audiogon. I drive Paradigm Studio series, excellent combo, IHMO.

There are a number of amps around that price. In addition to those mentioned, there are worthy offerings by Parasound, Acurus, McCormack, B&K, et al.

And, of course, there are the pro amp offerings that seem to be the rage. Mucho power and headroom well within your budget.

Since you live in a condo and seem to imply not being able to turn it up too loud, perhaps there are better avenues to better sound than a power amp.

I have a Rotel RB1070 connected to a Yamaha receiver and I love it. I started listening to 2ch music again...
This is how much I like it: I just ordered a Rotel RSX1057 receiver to replace the Yamaha!

I'm also looking for 2 ch amp.I'm actually looking into either the PS Audio trio a100 or the Rotel rb1072.It will be added to a rotel rsx1056.I just dont know which yet.

A classic audiophile 2 channel amp to look at is the Bryston 2B-LP which is still being produced for studios today. You should be able get one for $400-$500 used and depending on the age of the amp the balance of its 20 year warranty.

If you require an integrated amp then have a look for the Bryston B-60 which incorporates the 2B-LP amp to a very good BP-20 pre-amp for around $700-$800 used if you look hard enough.

For reviews of both go to the Bryston website. Good luck and good listening! :)

I've got a Sunfire Symphonic Reference amp in perfect working condition that I'm looking to get rid of. Its a very musical 250w/ch.

My choice is I use a pair of Powered Genelec 8000 Series speakers to run off my cd deck. It just rocks. Totally Neutral frequency response and sounds like nothing you ever heard!

I picked up the NAD C272 for $800 and connected to my Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver to run a pair of Sonus Faber Grand Piano's. It's a very good combination. I will replace the Yamaha with the Denon AVR-3808CI as soon as it's released in July. Happy amp hunting.

D.

Take the receiver out of the audio chain and connect your CDP directly to an integrated tube amp. Very good quality integrateds can be found on audigon for less than your budget, and they will blow you away.

The Onix SP3 can be found for $500 and up and is a superb way to get into tube audio. Jolida can also be an excellent bargain.

Don't get hung up on wpc, my SP3 at 38 watts puts out more volume than I can handle.

If you're going the solid-state route, the NAD 272 and Rotel 1080 are definitely your best choices. Tube amps have a different sound (which some people like, be sure to audition first) but they are also usually more expensive for the same quality amp. There is nothing wrong with the two I mentioned above, you'll love either one but I would test them out with YOUR cds to see which you prefer.

i'm on hte same boat, i can get a NAD 218thx for around 400.....

My personal choices would be:

- Used parasound HCA-2200 mkii or Halo A23
- Used PS Audio HCA-2
- New Magnum 200S from www.d-sonic.net

I'm looking at improving my headroom of my system for 2 channel stereo listing. I live in a condo so I don't necessarily need anything louder. I just want some better sound from my Yamaha RX-V630.

I'm looking at Adcom GFA-5400/GFA-5500,Rotel RB-1080/RB-1070, NAD C272, Emotiva RPA-1, Used Carver TFM-35x/55x?

Any suggestions?

serrada,

What speakers will you be driving with this amp? Do you have any size/dimension/heat constraints for the amp?

What is currently wrong with the sound from your Yamaha? You may just be dealing with some setup issues right now - perhaps a new amp will not help things.

- Steve O.

I cannot recommend a better 2-channel amplifier in that price range than the Parasound Halo A23. This amp is gorgeous and sounds beautiful too. Unbeatable in my opinion.

Might want to check out the B&K 125.2 S2 as well. I'm using this with the matching preamp (Reference 5 S2) and the sound is fantastic. These can be had for less than $800 brand new.

I cannot recommend a better 2-channel amplifier in that price range than the Parasound Halo A23. This amp is gorgeous and sounds beautiful too. Unbeatable in my opinion.

I fully concur. That looks like a lovely amp. Nad is not to shabby either the c272 that is take a look at the rotel offerings as well.

I'm also looking for 2 ch amp.I'm actually looking into either the PS Audio trio a100 or the Rotel rb1072.It will be added to a rotel rsx1056.I just dont know which yet.


I have the ps audio trio (about 3 weeks) and i love it. I have it pushing gallo reference speakers and they sound so much better than when the 661 was driving them.

My choices for 800-1,200 bucks:

1.- Parasound Halo A23
2.- Odyssey Karthago
3.- Rotel RB-1080

I say go Adcom. I have a GFA 5503 (3 channel version of the 5500) that I picked up for under 600 and I love it.

I have the ps audio trio (about 3 weeks) and i love it. I have it pushing gallo reference speakers and they sound so much better than when the 661 was driving them.
How would you describe the trio in laymen terms.As you know i was looking into these.What is the 661?

How would you describe the trio in laymen terms.As you know i was looking into these.What is the 661?

661=yamaha rx-v661 receiver, sorry about that.

to me the trio has a slightly warm yet very detailed sound, especially the highs. IT also pushes the bass in my speakers very well.

The amp really allows my speakers to shine when i'm listening to something like Dylan's freewheelin' on SACD. The way the acoustic guitar comes through so clean and natural and you can hear each note' it's unbelievable.

Also the amp is pretty much dead silent and stays cool which is big for me because the 661 could get quite hot.

I am buy no means an audiophile but i did quite a bit of research (reading and actually going to places to listen) before i bought all my pieces. I ordered the trio based on readings that my speakers seem to pair well with digital amps. I saw ps audio had one b-stock (they also have a 30 day return policy) and gave it whirl. It's staying put. hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

also just wanted to mention that the parasound halo was also a great sounding amp. I liked it better than the rotel and nad(s) i heard though spearitsound has a good deal on a used rotel 1080 right now

661=yamaha rx-v661 receiver, sorry about that.

to me the trio has a slightly warm yet very detailed sound, especially the highs. IT also pushes the bass in my speakers very well.

The amp really allows my speakers to shine when i'm listening to something like Dylan's freewheelin' on SACD. The way the acoustic guitar comes through so clean and natural and you can hear each note' it's unbelievable.

Also the amp is pretty much dead silent and stays cool which is big for me because the 661 could get quite hot.

I am buy no means an audiophile but i did quite a bit of research (reading and actually going to places to listen) before i bought all my pieces. I ordered the trio based on readings that my speakers seem to pair well with digital amps. I saw ps audio had one b-stock (they also have a 30 day return policy) and gave it whirl. It's staying put. hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.
thanks,i've been thinking about getting an amp and have been looking and the low profile cool running amps are what i want.I've looked at ps audio,bel canto,and rotel rb1072.Stil havent decided yet if i wil get one or not right now.My receiver is doing a prety good job right now,so we'll see.

well belcanto makes wonderful stuff. A dealor is trying to convince me to spend the extra cash on one, another name mentioned to me is plinius

$700 is a good price range for a high end pre-owned amp. I would look at a used GAS Ampzilla, Soundcraftsmen, SAE, Sumo, Threshold, or Bryston amplifier...

Wow, seems like a no-brainer to me. The Parasound Halo A23 is absolutely phenominal. The good looks and warranty also goes a long way and makes the decision quite easy to me. I do understand it's all subjective to ones ear, but do give it a listen.

I would audition the Odyssey Audio Khartago.

I would suggest looking at the QSC PLX2 1804 poweramp. The power into an 8 or a 4 ohm system is incredible, and they are fairly cheap. As far as the fan goes, if you're listening to music, you won't hear it. especially if its not next to your ears. They can be picked up well below your limit.

Sound quality is nice. They are very linear (20-20 at -.5dB) and distortion is nice and low. With the exception of a few small connectivity hurdles you will jump through w/o any problems you'll surely love it, and your only concern will be driving your speakers too hard! (Accidentally ruined a surround on one of the base drivers of my 803D's oh well, still under warranty)

Well i'm also on the market for 2channel amp guys around $700(new preferably)
Here's what i'm looking at
Parasound A23 $771 (local price)
Parasound 2125 $700 under
Adcom GFA 5400 $680
Nad C272 maybe

For the price and reviews i think the A23 is the best sound & performance deal. Someone also suggusted Odyssey I dont know much about them

Look at the upcoming Decco from Signal Path (same guys who sell Era speakers).

Look at the upcoming Decco from Signal Path (same guys who sell Era speakers).

The Decco looks like a very cool product, but not one that would meet the needs of the OP. The Decco is an integrated amp with DAC and 50WPC. Perfect for an office, bedroom, or simple and intimate 2 channel setup. It doesnt serve the same function as these 125W-250W high current amps.

Here's another vote for the Parasound Halo A23.

I've had mine for about six months now and still absolutely love it!

Great sounds and great looks, too.

The Decco looks like a very cool product, but not one that would meet the needs of the OP. The Decco is an integrated amp with DAC and 50WPC. Perfect for an office, bedroom, or simple and intimate 2 channel setup. It doesnt serve the same function as these 125W-250W high current amps.

Really?

I'm looking at improving my headroom of my system for 2 channel stereo listing. I live in a condo so I don't necessarily need anything louder. I just want some better sound from my Yamaha RX-V630.

Seems to me like he just wants something better sounding. :confused:

Aragon 8002 for sale now (under $700) in the For Sale section of this site.

Your best bet is to buy a used Amp, they as good 20 years old as they are 1 year old.

Look at the upcoming Decco from Signal Path (same guys who sell Era speakers).

Thanks for the suggustion. I'll serious consider it for my second 2channel setup. Not sure if it will be a good idea for some less efficient speakers I was looking at. But for a second setup worth looking into for sure.

Any comments on the other amps i mention beside the Halo?

Does anyone own or know of ATI how good are their amps? Just stumbled across them.
the 1602 and 1802 in particular.

I now have the experience to give a vote for a Rotel 1080.

Rotel stuff is nice, but cant get them locally. So what about the ATI? or Odysessy Audio

The Parasound Halo A23 is on my short list. Under $500 on Agon sometimes. Cannot beat that IMO.

Im going to echo some others and recommend either the Rotel RB-1080 or Acurus A200...both well under $700.

Regards,
Ricky

Parasound makes good sounding amps for a reasonable price and they may still have a 10 year warranty. I have two older Parasounds: the HPA-1000 and the HPA-1203 and both have served me well. The 1000 is around 10 years old and has never had a problem but I did have to send the newer 1203 back for warranty replacement of the power switch.

My front channels are currently routed to the Pass Aleph 5; it is superior to the Parasounds but above the price point. The Alleph 3 is in your price range but power is limited to about 30 watts, all class A. I would probably opt for the Parasound over the Aleph 3.

Cheers,

Does anyone own or know of ATI how good are their amps? Just stumbled across them.
the 1602 and 1802 in particular.

They are VERY good.

nad c272

I would suggest looking at the QSC PLX2 1804 poweramp. The power into an 8 or a 4 ohm system is incredible, and they are fairly cheap. As far as the fan goes, if you're listening to music, you won't hear it. especially if its not next to your ears. They can be picked up well below your limit.

Sound quality is nice. They are very linear (20-20 at -.5dB) and distortion is nice and low. With the exception of a few small connectivity hurdles you will jump through w/o any problems you'll surely love it, and your only concern will be driving your speakers too hard! (Accidentally ruined a surround on one of the base drivers of my 803D's oh well, still under warranty)


DID YOU AUDITION THE RMX SERIES ALSO? THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME LINEAR SPECS BUT ITS A SWITCHER AND I WAS WANTING TO KNOW THE SOUND DIF ( IF ANY) .

STAY AWAY FROM SUNFIRE UNLESS YOU LIKE TUBE SOUND . PERSONALY ITS LIKE SOMEONE IS STANDING IN FRONT OF YOUR SPEAKERS . MAKE SURE YOU GO TO A SOUND SHOP AND LISTEN TO TUBES AND SS BEFORE YOU BUY ONE

I'm also looking for 2 ch amp.I'm actually looking into either the PS Audio trio a100 or the Rotel rb1072.It will be added to a rotel rsx1056.I just dont know which yet.

i got the Trio C-100 about 2 months ago (it's the pre and power amps in one chassis). i'm absolutely thrilled with it. oodles of effortless power, and a crystalline, engaging sound.

To Rocky or anyone else in the market for a 2 ch. amp around $700, the Emotiva stereo amp is the only amp I would buy new It's received excellent reviews and has been compared to much more expensive amps. In my opinion the Bel Canto eVo 200.2 amp is one of the best used buys out there. They often sell for $700 to $800 and aren't that old, in addition they were Stereophile Class A rated for two years and won several component of the year awards. Another geat sounding amp in your price range is the McCormack DNA 0.5, it's sound quality was and still is unmatched by many amps under 2k.

I auditioned the NAD C272 and the Rotel RB-1080, walked out with the C272, it's an excellent choice with great value. To my ears.

But I advise you to not take any of our opinions whole heartedly. But as a list of what you should try to audition, everyone has different tastes in audio gear, what sounds best to you is up to you.

And there are some great choices in this thread for your price range.

Used Musical Fidelity A3.2

does anyone know about the cary caa-1 class d amp?

I would also say the NAD C272 for a new amp (I never see these for sale used).
And for used the Parasound A23 as well. I bought it used but am now getting a new NAD 7 Ch amp that I'm going to be using. I don't really want to get rid of the A23 though. I recently sold an Anthem MCA5 amp I was using with it and I liked the A23's sound over the Anthem.

I own a Rotel RB1080 and i would never recommend it to anyone.except for use as a doorstop :eek:

Another vote for the Parasound Halo A23. :)

NAD C272 is your best choice, bar none at this price.

My vote goes to the Rotel or the Adcom GFA5400. I like the sound and minimalist look of the Adcom, purchased mine from fleabay @ $300 shipped.

Vote for Parasound Halo A23. There is a guy selling one on the gon right now for pretty nice price.

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstran&1203010207