Opinions on 200w x 2 amplifiers

Posted by Scott Redman [IP: 208.6.201.197] on July 25, 1999 at 18:27:03
Using Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows 98):

Hello All,

I am in the process of putting together a new audio-only system. I am also in the process of building a new pair of speakers. I have been bitten by the DIY bug, and am building a pair of MTM monitors. Nominal impedance is 4 ohms. These speakers use the Seas P17 poly mid-bass, and Seas Excel tweeter.

Along with the monitors, I am also building a pair of "subs" for lack of a better term. Each of these subs will house 2- 10" woofers (again, 4 ohms nominal impedance).

This system is going to be vertically bi-amped, using a Marchand XM9 to handle the crossover duties between the subs and the monitors.

Now to meat of the question. I am in the market for 4-channels of amplification to drive this setup. I either need (2) 2-channel amps, or a 4-channel amp.

As for 2-channel amps, I have the following on my shortlist:

Acurus A200
B&K ST3030II
Rotel RB991
Adcom GFA-5500
Parasound HCA-1500

All of these are right about $1k each. Or, another possibility is the ATI-1504 4-channel amp.

My musical tastes are soft(er) rock, like Big Head Todd, Phish, Blues Traveler, with an ocassional indulgence into Rush ;) I also love jazz and classical. Looking for something that won't be too bright.

Of all the amps listed above, I'm a little leary of the Adcom, mainly due to reviews I have read about the 5XXX series. Some feedback I have gotten say that the B&K may be for me - a little warmer sound than the rest, almost tube-like.

Unfortunately, I don't have dealer in my area for 1/2 of these brands, and no dealer that carries at least 2. A/B testing is all but impossible.

The ATI seems like it would be the best buy at $1,400 and a few reviews I have read are encouraging. Still, I'm a little if-fy on this one.

HELP!

Scott

Follow Ups:

• Opinions on 200w x 2 amplifiers - Alan L. Maier [SysOp] 23:03:56 08/01/99 (0)

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