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Amplifier suggestions for PSB Stratus speakers ?
Well , it's became obvious that my 105w/ch B&K AVR202 Receiver just can't make my PSB Stratus Silver i's come alive like they should , even if it is a VERY high current receiver.
So , I thought I'd see if any of you guys would like to add your opinions and experience and reccomend a 2ch amp that may be a good match for these speakers.
These speakers are somewhat power hungry, and need TIGHT control over a somewhat warm midbass. I'm thinking a minimum of probably 200w/ch at 8 ohms. I'm thinking amps along the lines of Classe , Bryston , or B&K maybe .... You know , amps that are known for high current and tight , authoratative bass. I simply DESPISE cold and sterile sounding amps , so please keep that in mind. My budget is around $600-$700 , and used is what I'm thinking.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
So , I thought I'd see if any of you guys would like to add your opinions and experience and reccomend a 2ch amp that may be a good match for these speakers.
These speakers are somewhat power hungry, and need TIGHT control over a somewhat warm midbass. I'm thinking a minimum of probably 200w/ch at 8 ohms. I'm thinking amps along the lines of Classe , Bryston , or B&K maybe .... You know , amps that are known for high current and tight , authoratative bass. I simply DESPISE cold and sterile sounding amps , so please keep that in mind. My budget is around $600-$700 , and used is what I'm thinking.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
I would suggest a good 3 channel amplifier. The problem with the stratus speakers is that at certain frequencies, the impedence drops down to around 2.5 which can cause problems in receivers esp. ones that are powering 5-7 channels. I would suggest a used 3 channel amp from ATI or Parasound.
I have the same speakers with NAD C272 amp & C162 pre amp. Beautiful warm sound. Since you are considering used, try "dmc-electronics.com" You could try a refurbished NAD C372 integrated amp for $699.00. A refurbished C272 is $549.00
I have PSB Stratus Gold i's and they sound real sweat with Adcom GFA-555.
I would suggest a good tube amp, but if budget is a concern you can go with the NAD C372 suggested, but I highly recommend the new C355BEE. Don't know what is it about NAD and PSB, but their synergy is apparent.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerelect /forum/post/12859318
I have PSB Stratus Gold i's and they sound real sweat with Adcom GFA-555.
I would suggest a good tube amp, but if budget is a concern you can go with the NAD C372 suggested, but I highly recommend the new C355BEE. Don't know what is it about NAD and PSB, but their synergy is apparent.
I agree that PSB speakers have always sounded good when used with NAD equipment , however the Stratus series is VERY power hungry , and NAD's most powerful amplification is only 150 w/ch at 8 ohms ....
I really need an amp that is at least 200 w/ch at 8 ohms.
The Adcom GFA 555 is a high current amp that is known for good bass qualities , however after owning two of these amps some years back , I can say they are just too cold and harsh sounding for speakers as revealing as the Stratus series is in the mid-range.
Thanks for the replies , any other suggestions ?
I really need an amp that is at least 200 w/ch at 8 ohms.
The Adcom GFA 555 is a high current amp that is known for good bass qualities , however after owning two of these amps some years back , I can say they are just too cold and harsh sounding for speakers as revealing as the Stratus series is in the mid-range.
Thanks for the replies , any other suggestions ?
Check tube amps, they can do more with less watts. If you have $4500.00 you can get a Unison Unico 200.
Coming back down to earth...Emotiva is out of the RPA-1 2x200, but around April they should have the new version. If you cannot wait, they have a 7x200 MPS-2 at $1699.00 including freight. You probably have heard of Emotiva, they are affordable and highly rated.
www.emotiva.com
Coming back down to earth...Emotiva is out of the RPA-1 2x200, but around April they should have the new version. If you cannot wait, they have a 7x200 MPS-2 at $1699.00 including freight. You probably have heard of Emotiva, they are affordable and highly rated.
www.emotiva.com
You guys are NOT reading my original post at all ...... My budget is going to be $600-$700 for a used amp.
Tubes would literally melt down trying to deal with the demands of the Stratus line of loudspeakers. I'm looking for powerful and dynamic , well controlled , solid state amps ......
Quote:
Originally Posted by PR Audio /forum/post/12862038
Check tube amps, they can do more with less watts. If you have $4500.00 you can get a Unison Unico 200.
Coming back down to earth...Emotiva is out of the RPA-1 2x200, but around April they should have the new version. If you cannot wait, they have a 7x200 MPS-2 at $1699.00 including freight. You probably have heard of Emotiva, they are affordable and highly rated.
www.emotiva.com
You guys are NOT reading my original post at all ...... My budget is going to be $600-$700 for a used amp.
Tubes would literally melt down trying to deal with the demands of the Stratus line of loudspeakers. I'm looking for powerful and dynamic , well controlled , solid state amps ......
B&K has great amps. I would say stay within the B&K family. You have two options. One, the 200W amps from B&K have lots of juice. So I would look for a used B&K 200W amp. Two, Get a B&K 125W amp. Bi-Amp the Stratus Silvers. They need lots of power. Use the internal amps on the receiver for the HF and the external amp for the LF.
Good Luck.
Edit: I really don't think that an affordable tube amp will have enough power for those Silver I.
Good Luck.
Edit: I really don't think that an affordable tube amp will have enough power for those Silver I.
Your post was read, you are going for a miracle at your price point!!!! Mentioning Unison was a light hearted comment. Lighten up...
Also, you mentioned considering Adcom GFA-5500 again, but because it being harsh wouldn't. Adcom GFA-5500 is a $1499.00 amp, that is available in the used market for around $750.00...OUT OF YOUR BUDGET!!!
In the new A-Stock market, Emotiva is as inexpensive and good it will get for 200W solid state. I mentioned tubes, because you can get lots of power with very few watts.
After you posted this tantrum, someone mentioned B&K; also completely out of your budget for what you are looking for.
My best recommendation is for you to visit the used market websites, like www.audiogon.com , and also inquire with a few b&m stores like www.upscaleaudio.com , and www.saturdayaudio.com , who have demos and customer trade-in units that might be in your price range.
Checked for you on various site, and the least expensive solid state amp with 200wpc I could find was $1450.00 used. Certainly hope you find that miracle you are looking for, but for $700.00 it will be hard to find a decent amp and a lot of research is involved.
Quote:
Originally Posted by meansrt /forum/post/12863561
You guys are NOT reading my original post at all ...... My budget is going to be $600-$700 for a used amp.
Tubes would literally melt down trying to deal with the demands of the Stratus line of loudspeakers. I'm looking for powerful and dynamic , well controlled , solid state amps ......
Your post was read, you are going for a miracle at your price point!!!! Mentioning Unison was a light hearted comment. Lighten up...
Also, you mentioned considering Adcom GFA-5500 again, but because it being harsh wouldn't. Adcom GFA-5500 is a $1499.00 amp, that is available in the used market for around $750.00...OUT OF YOUR BUDGET!!!
In the new A-Stock market, Emotiva is as inexpensive and good it will get for 200W solid state. I mentioned tubes, because you can get lots of power with very few watts.
After you posted this tantrum, someone mentioned B&K; also completely out of your budget for what you are looking for.
My best recommendation is for you to visit the used market websites, like www.audiogon.com , and also inquire with a few b&m stores like www.upscaleaudio.com , and www.saturdayaudio.com , who have demos and customer trade-in units that might be in your price range.
Checked for you on various site, and the least expensive solid state amp with 200wpc I could find was $1450.00 used. Certainly hope you find that miracle you are looking for, but for $700.00 it will be hard to find a decent amp and a lot of research is involved.
You will be hard-pressed to find a Classe or Bryston amp that isn't a 100 years old for $600-700. Maybe a refurbished unit from the likes, but certainly nothing current.
You could get into a used Sherbourn amplifier for around $1300 if search and wait long enough. Or a used Rotel amp.
As a PSB dealer myself. The PSB's don't rely so much on synergy with a particular brand of amp. There are a lot of good choices out there. Some have already been mentioned. Others worthy of mention are Parasound and Sunfire.
You could get into a used Sherbourn amplifier for around $1300 if search and wait long enough. Or a used Rotel amp.
As a PSB dealer myself. The PSB's don't rely so much on synergy with a particular brand of amp. There are a lot of good choices out there. Some have already been mentioned. Others worthy of mention are Parasound and Sunfire.
Actually B&K amps on the used market are quite within his range, especially if he is willing to bi-amp and just get a 125W x 2 amp. I looked at Audiogon to verify.
Here you have a very good idea, this might do the trick.
Quote:
Originally Posted by brubacca /forum/post/12865948
Actually B&K amps on the used market are quite within his range, especially if he is willing to bi-amp and just get a 125W x 2 amp. I looked at Audiogon to verify.
Here you have a very good idea, this might do the trick.
And you sir are out of your mind .... Adcom GFA 555s regularly sell for $300-$400 on Audiogon, and most 200w/ch B&K amps sell for $500-$700 ... ALL in my price range.
My " tantrum " as you put it was posted because of people like you , who post things without really knowing what they are talking about. Thanks for your opinion , but please stay out of my thread, as I need help from people who are in touch with reality.
Thanks
PS : Now see , this would be what you call a tantrum , not my earlier post ... LOL
My " tantrum " as you put it was posted because of people like you , who post things without really knowing what they are talking about. Thanks for your opinion , but please stay out of my thread, as I need help from people who are in touch with reality.
Thanks
PS : Now see , this would be what you call a tantrum , not my earlier post ... LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by PR Audio /forum/post/12865696
Your post was read, you are going for a miracle at your price point!!!! Mentioning Unison was a light hearted comment. Lighten up...
Also, you mentioned considering Adcom GFA-5500 again, but because it being harsh wouldn't. Adcom GFA-5500 is a $1499.00 amp, that is available in the used market for around $750.00...OUT OF YOUR BUDGET!!!
In the new A-Stock market, Emotiva is as inexpensive and good it will get for 200W solid state. I mentioned tubes, because you can get lots of power with very few watts.
After you posted this tantrum, someone mentioned B&K; also completely out of your budget for what you are looking for.
My best recommendation is for you to visit the used market websites, like www.audiogon.com , and also inquire with a few b&m stores like www.upscaleaudio.com , and www.saturdayaudio.com , who have demos and customer trade-in units that might be in your price range.
Checked for you on various site, and the least expensive solid state amp with 200wpc I could find was $1450.00 used. Certainly hope you find that miracle you are looking for, but for $700.00 it will be hard to find a decent amp and a lot of research is involved.
Thanks Brubacca and PR Audio .... I may just stick with B&K then, as it is very much within my price range. I was just wondeing if I had alternatives at about the same used price points ..... It's looking like I probably do not , outside of Adcom that is. The only Adcom I ever liked was the GFA-5802, and that thing is a whole house heater
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Not questioning your knowledge, and yes, I might have alot to learn, that is why I keep reading. Personally, a newby when it comes to separates, and I have tubes as I find them more efficient. Anyways, it looks like you find a flaw in every product, and that might be holding you from finding that deal you are looking for.
Here is one last suggestion, don't know what is the used market price, but it's new price is around $950.00. So, my best guess is that used, if able to find, should be in your price range...Rotel RB-1080 2x200W
Quote:
Originally Posted by meansrt /forum/post/12867452
Thanks Brubacca and PR Audio .... I may just stick with B&K then, as it is very much within my price range. I was just wondeing if I had alternatives at about the same used price points ..... It's looking like I probably do not , outside of Adcom that is. The only Adcom I ever liked was the GFA-5802, and that thing is a whole house heater![]()
Not questioning your knowledge, and yes, I might have alot to learn, that is why I keep reading. Personally, a newby when it comes to separates, and I have tubes as I find them more efficient. Anyways, it looks like you find a flaw in every product, and that might be holding you from finding that deal you are looking for.
Here is one last suggestion, don't know what is the used market price, but it's new price is around $950.00. So, my best guess is that used, if able to find, should be in your price range...Rotel RB-1080 2x200W
Man ..... You really did nail it with that post PR ! I am very picky when it comes to my home audio preferences... Heres' why : I've had at least 6 systems in the $50,000 to $150,000 price range , and all of them ended up being synergistically matched very well. That is to say I owned systems capable of making even the tiniest differences heard bwteeen gear changes.
I no longer can enjoy that level of spending in this hobby , but I still want good all around sound. Unlike many in this hobby , I believe apmlification makes or breaks a system. It's so VERY easy for an amplifier to stray to one of the two camps .... Bright , fast , harsh , forward , edgy, and hard to listen to , or overly warrm , bloomy , lacking dynamics , bass sloppy , and lacking detail and resolution.
Most amps fall into one of those camps or the other ... The ones that do not , usually cost A LOT OF MULAH !!! Occasionally , there is an amp that is reasonably priced and yet comes in somewhere in the middle of these two camps , but NOT VERY OFTEN.
It was about 8 years ago that I was last involved at all in high end home audio. At that time , the very few amps I can remember that straddled that line affordably were : B&K Reference Series , Adcom GFA-5802 , McCormack, and a few others. Parasound and Rotel fit the bill price wise , but I always found them to sound too forward and bright for my tastes.
The entire purpose of starting this thread is to see if there are any amps that have came along in that 8 years I was away, that may also fit my needs ....I can always just find a used B&K , but I just wanted to see what I may be missing.
I no longer can enjoy that level of spending in this hobby , but I still want good all around sound. Unlike many in this hobby , I believe apmlification makes or breaks a system. It's so VERY easy for an amplifier to stray to one of the two camps .... Bright , fast , harsh , forward , edgy, and hard to listen to , or overly warrm , bloomy , lacking dynamics , bass sloppy , and lacking detail and resolution.
Most amps fall into one of those camps or the other ... The ones that do not , usually cost A LOT OF MULAH !!! Occasionally , there is an amp that is reasonably priced and yet comes in somewhere in the middle of these two camps , but NOT VERY OFTEN.
It was about 8 years ago that I was last involved at all in high end home audio. At that time , the very few amps I can remember that straddled that line affordably were : B&K Reference Series , Adcom GFA-5802 , McCormack, and a few others. Parasound and Rotel fit the bill price wise , but I always found them to sound too forward and bright for my tastes.
The entire purpose of starting this thread is to see if there are any amps that have came along in that 8 years I was away, that may also fit my needs ....I can always just find a used B&K , but I just wanted to see what I may be missing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PR Audio /forum/post/12870398
Not questioning your knowledge, and yes, I might have alot to learn, that is why I keep reading. Personally, a newby when it comes to separates, and I have tubes as I find them more efficient. Anyways, it looks like you find a flaw in every product, and that might be holding you from finding that deal you are looking for.
Here is one last suggestion, don't know what is the used market price, but it's new price is around $950.00. So, my best guess is that used, if able to find, should be in your price range...Rotel RB-1080 2x200W
I'm using a Parasound HCA1200 running my Stratus Gold's and highly recommend this combo. I have a pair of Stratus Silver's as well and the Parasound with the Silver's is also a very nice combo.
How bout the McCormack DNA-1?
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
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