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Amplifier for Revel Salon2 for 10K or less.

38K views 459 replies 61 participants last post by  AcuDefTechGuy 
#1 ·
Im looking to buy an amplifier for my new Revel Salon2s. Budget is about 10K , Obviously I prefer to spend as little as possible as long as it doesn't effect the sound quality.

It can be a pair of monos or a stereo. 300wpc or more. I prefer an amp that excels or at least does better than average in all areas. I listen to a wide range of music but mostly classical musci and classic rock.

Please mention if your recommendation based on personal experience.

Im open to al brands.

I checked all other threads including Revels owners but didn't find a sufficient answer.

I appreciate your input. You are welcome to send me private messages. I live in Westchester NY.

Thank you.
 
#2 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by babak147  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22301797


Im looking to buy an amplifier for my new Revel Salon2s. Budget is about 10K , Obviously I prefer to spend as little as possible as long as it doesn't effect the sound quality.

It can be a pair of monos or a stereo. 300wpc or more. I prefer an amp that excels or at least does better than average in all areas. I listen to a wide range of music but mostly classical musci and classic rock.

Please mention if your recommendation based on personal experience.

Im open to al brands.

I checked all other threads including Revels owners but didn't find a sufficient answer.

I appreciate your input. You are welcome to send me private messages. I live in Westchester NY.

Thank you.

You mention a $10k budget yet over and over and over, double blind studies say one can't tell the difference between expensive and less expensive Amps.

 
#4 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeMan458  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less/0_100#post_22301804


You mention a $10k budget yet over and over and over, double blind studies say one can't tell the difference between expensive and less expensive Amps.

Just wondering, what is "less expensive"? Like does this include say a $45.00 cheapo amp vs "expensive" $1000.00 +?


I see it as like $2000.00 amp vs $12000.00 amp is the same sound, but there is no way very cheap amps can compare.
 
#5 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by WagBoss  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302007


I see it as like $2000.00 amp vs $12000.00 amp is the same sound, but there is no way very cheap amps can compare.

It's been proven, over and over and over again, when a double blind test procedure is used, the individual being tested, cannot accurately choose beyond that of random chance.
 
#6 ·
You can check out the Bryston Amps. Rock solid w/plenty of power. The 14B SST-2 is $9,550 and 600 wpc. Or the 4B SST-2 $4995 300WPC. All Bryston amps carry a full 20 warranty which is the best in the business. Also if you want to sell the amp in the future the warranty what's left goes to the new owner. This gives a Bryston amp a higher resale value down the road in case you want to get something else. These amps won't break a sweat running your Revels.
 
#7 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeMan458  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less/0_100#post_22302055


It's been proven, over and over and over again, when a double blind test procedure is used, the individual being tested, cannot accurately choose beyond that of random chance.

What I am asking is, does this include like crap amps such as a $20 car deck/amplifier? What is the "minimum" cost for "all amps sound the same" to be accurate?


Or are you saying I could go buy a piece of garbage like http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1344822730&sr=8-9&keywords=stereo+receiver and it sounds as good as a $9550.00 Bryston 14B?


I'm pretty sure the blind tests are all done on "decent" amplifiers.
 
#8 ·
I was hoping the question the op asked would be answered without the obligatory amp debate coming up. Honestly, no offense to the person who brought it up but do you feel like you are bound by some kind of duty to stop people from purchasing five figure amps? It seems to make your blood boil. Just curious why there needs to be a caped crusader who pops up in these threads.
 
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#9 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by WagBoss  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302145


What I am asking is, does this include like crap amps such as a $20 car deck/amplifier? What is the "minimum" cost for "all amps sound the same" to be accurate?

I don't know what the exact price comparison is. My recollection is that the Amps being compared are the regular Joe kind of Amp such as an Emotiva vs a Classe Amp. I do know the tests are being done on home audio amplifiers as opposed to an amplifier one would find in their car. Once the curtain is drawn and the person who claims to have Golden Ears is asked, their accuracy falls to statistical chance.
 
#10 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Class A  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302060


You can check out the Bryston Amps. Rock solid w/plenty of power. The 14B SST-2 is $9,550 and 600 wpc. Or the 4B SST-2 $4995 300WPC. All Bryston amps carry a full 20 warranty which is the best in the business. Also if you want to sell the amp in the future the warranty what's left goes to the new owner. This gives a Bryston amp a higher resale value down the road in case you want to get something else. These amps won't break a sweat running your Revels.

Agree the 4B will drive them just fine, it is a great amp. I bought one after using one to audition Studio2s.
 
#11 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by g_bartman  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302208


I was hoping the question the op asked would be answered without the obligatory amp debate coming up. Honestly, no offense to the person who brought it up but do you feel like you are bound by some kind of duty to stop people from purchasing five figure amps? It seems to make your blood boil. Just curious why there needs to be a caped crusader who pops up in these threads.

No, I'm not a crusader. To anybody who asks a question in the fashion asked, it's reasonable to make the comment I made, that's the why? It would stand to reason that anybody who buys this price of speaker, would ask the person they're buying the speaker from; what Amp best drives these speakers? Agreeing with you, if after reading my comment, it's none of my business what they choose to do.


As to an Amp choice, it better be a high current Amp.


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#13 ·
A pair of Emotiva XPA-1 mono blocks would be more than enough to drive those Revels to insane output. I just hope the OP isn't one of those that think the bass will be tighter, the highs will be more airy or crisp, or the midrange will open up with improved resolution by adding an expensive/higher power amp.
 
#14 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeMan458  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302238


No, I'm not a crusader. To anybody who asks a question in the fashion asked, it's reasonable to make the comment I made, that's the why? It would stand to reason that anybody who buys this price of speaker, would ask the person they're buying the speaker from; what Amp best drives these speakers? Agreeing with you, if after reading my comment, it's none of my business what they choose to do.

As to an Amp choice, it better be a high current Amp.

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Hi , Thanx for your reply, I asked the question from the seller and the response was Krell 402e , Mark Levinson N532 .

Im a noob and Im completely open to suggestions and respects opinions of you who are more experienced and knowledgeable than me.

Seeking advice here also has the benefit of suggestions witha some minor brand loyalty but no financial interest.
 
#15 ·
Krell, Mark Levinson, McIntosh, Bryston, Parasound Halo.


Of course, if you ask Kevin Voecks, the chief @ Revel, he will say Mark Levinson, Lexicon, ATI (who makes some amps for ML & Lexicon per their specifications).


For me, the 20yr warranty of Bryston steals the show if you must spend $5K or more.


If not, just get the ATI AT3002 for $1850 (equivalent to ML532). Except the ML is 100% prettier. The ATI is 7yr warranty & ML is 5 yr warranty.

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers/ati-at3002-two-channel-x-300-watt-amplifier-b-stock-120-v.html


The sound of the AT3002 will be as grand as any $10K amps you will find.


But if you believe in amp signatures and all that, you might as well believe in bi-amping and all that.



So just get the AT3005 (equivalent to ML535) for $3K and bi-amp your Salon2.

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers/ati-at3005-two-channel-x-300-watt-amplifier-b-stock-120-v.html


In case I haven't mention this like 100 times
, ATI makes some amps for Harman (Mark Levinson, Lexicon, JBL), Theta, Cary Audio, & B&K.
 
#18 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by babak147  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302897


Seeking advice here also has the benefit of suggestions witha some minor brand loyalty but no financial interest.

With your above in mind, your speakers need lots of power as they're a nominal 30A and I'd suggest each speaker get it's own amplifier. The Krell 402e is a current hog. Yes this will require pulling permits but that's a good thing as it assures the electrician is going do things up to code. Beware regarding your circuit box. If you circuit box is not up to existing code, the permit department can/will require you to install a whole new service box in to bring your electric service up to current electric codes. I'd have an electrician out first to do an evaluation so you're aware of costs as upgrading your service box to existing electrical codes is a good thing, not a bad thing.


I'd give Mark Levison a call to see what they have to say in mating their No. 532 up with your Salons as based on what I've read, power wise, they're a bad choice.


Hope the above gives you insight to your question as I know it's more a non-answer than a direct response to your question.


And yes, grumpy old men are the good guys as they won't steer you wrong; that's what makes them so grumpy.


(Helloooooo, Mr. Wilson! Oh good grief Martha.)


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#19 ·
I just don't see the point of spending umpteen thousand dollars on an amp when an amp that costs less than a grand will sound exactly the same.
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by flyng_fool  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22303140


I just don't see the point of spending umpteen thousand dollars on an amp when an amp that costs less than a grand will sound exactly the same.

I agree, but.......


Some people don't even believe a $10K Mark Levinson sounds "good enough" or is "powerful enough".



So anything less than $2K or even $3K will automatically sound like crap to them even if they have never seen the amp.



Screw any DBTs that prove people can't even tell the difference between a $300 amp and a $10,000 amp!


People will believe whatever they want to believe. No changing anyone's mind. If they have the money, they will spend.


I think it's 100% ridiculous to say that a 300wpc Mark Levinson or Marantz or Lexicon or any other quality amp isn't powerful enough.


The only amps powerful enough for some people are the same amps they just so happen to own. Truly convenient.



ML, Lexicon, ATI are good enough for Kevin Voecks, the head guy @ Revel, just not good enough for some reviewers who think they know something.
 
#21 ·
I have heard the Peachtree Grant that sound great, but its a Integrated.

Doesn't hurt to give it a listen.
 
#22 ·
Nothing in the world can defect the law of physic.

You can’t expect some tiny capacitors in the output section and expect it to provide enough current for the bass.


Not sure why, but it cost money to design properly and put in the correct components.

Its sucks, because I like to save some money.
 
#23 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by dwong  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22303266


Nothing in the world can defect the law of physic.

You can’t expect some tiny capacitors in the output section and expect it to provide enough current for the bass.

Not sure why, but it cost money to design properly and put in the correct components.

Its sucks, because I like to save some money.

With all respect towards your above, when people can, isn't that why everybody is buying a pair of high quality 15" subs, to take the pressure of bass amplification off their speakers and amplifier?



As to the design aspect, amplifier technology is old science, not new science and amplifiers and their designs are more commodities as opposed to leaps in technology; standards in circuit design. My opinion, mostly what you're paying for is the business/engineer's lifestyle (profit) as opposed to parts and design.


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#24 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by AcuDefTechGuy  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22302960


BTW, congratulations on your new Salon2.


I knew you were in the hunt for $20K speakers. Also Peachtree amps?


What did you compare the Salon2 to before buying?


B&W 802D2? KEF 207/2?
Thanx , I listened to Kef 207/2 B&W 800D Salon2 and Studio2 , Adam tensor Gamma, Wilson Sophia 3, Mcintosh XRT1K , JBL K2 S9900 , .....

I ended up buying these showroom models at 50% off MSRP. They are in storage as I havent moved into my house, Now Im looking for Amp/Amps to drive them.

Your input is appreciated.

Babak
 
#26 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by babak147  /t/1424367/amplifier-for-revel-salon2-for-10k-or-less#post_22303364


Thanx , I listened to Kef 207/2 B&W 800D Salon2 and Studio2 , Adam tensor Gamma, Wilson Sophia 3, Mcintosh XRT1K , JBL K2 S9900 , .....

I ended up buying these showroom models at 50% off MSRP. They are in storage as I havent moved into my house, Now Im looking for Amp/Amps to drive them.

Your input is appreciated.

Babak

I'm really jealous you got 50% off on your Salon2; wish I were as lucky as you. I paid more for the 802D2, and they don't retail $22,000 like the Salon2 either!


Obviously you will get all kinds of persuasion and dissuasion regarding amps. But who would you believe more? The chief designer of your Salon2 Kevin Voecks or someone else?



When one of the magazines asked Kevin Voecks to select an amp to be reviewed with his Salon2, Kevin picked an ATI amp because he knew well that it would sound beautifully with his Salon2.


The ATI AT3002 is $1850 @ 26% off (msrp is $2500). Not 50% off like you're used to
, but pretty good.


As Kal Rubinson (editor of Stereophile & AVS member) and many others will tell you, the biggest impact on sound is the speakers, not the amps.


The important thing with the amps is abundant power, whether it's ATI, Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Theta, Cary, Anthem, Parasound, Classe, McIntosh, Bryston, Passlab, Marantz, Boulder, etc.


I know the ATI, ML, Lexicon, Theta, and Cary Audio are fully balanced designs and are built in California.


I power my Salon2, B&W 802D2, Orion3, and KEF 201/2 with all ATI amps, and they sound beautifully.


Irvrobinson also uses the ATI AT3004 to bi-amp his Salon2, and he loves it.
 
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