Hi. I am trying to find a used solid state amp for $200 max that achieves a smooth, fatigue and grain-free sound that is also reasonably transparent, with a clean, tight but realistic low end, and a good soundstage with palpable imaging as well.
I know this is a pretty daunting challenge, but I must try.
My primary source is a Micro-Seiki BL-51/Grace 707 II/TK7e setup with a transparent clone of an EAR 834.
My preamp is a PS Audio IVH which has both active and passive mode.
My speakers are a pair of Acoustat Spectra 11's (4Ohm,83dB).
Any suggestions?
I know this is a pretty daunting challenge, but I must try.
My primary source is a Micro-Seiki BL-51/Grace 707 II/TK7e setup with a transparent clone of an EAR 834.
My preamp is a PS Audio IVH which has both active and passive mode.
My speakers are a pair of Acoustat Spectra 11's (4Ohm,83dB).
Any suggestions?
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Well, I have found an Onkyo M-505 Ultimate Stereo Power Amplifier, but no one has been able to tell me what it sounds like outside of using it with a tube preamp.
That's a neat looking amp, but it's pretty old now and will need a resto. Reminds me of a Hafler DH200/220. Is 100w/ch going to be enough for your speakers?
I was going to suggest a Hafler DH500, but you're not going to find one restored for $200.
jeff
I was going to suggest a Hafler DH500, but you're not going to find one restored for $200.
jeff
I was planning to restore it, and 100 watts is sufficient. But I must have an amp that is free of grain and fatigue.
He already has a broken Onkyo M-505, don't direct him towards a Hafler which can be complicated to troubleshoot. 😛
If you don't mind clones, NAP250 MOD on aliexpress/ebay is probably the smoothest sounding amp under $500 I've tried. Make sure to get the ones with toroids, the version with SMPS sounds lacking.
Well, I bought the Onkyo for exactly $200 shipped! I will be posting a review of it in the next few months.