OK I have 500 bucks to play with

[vintage-yungin]

So whats a decent newer amp--nothing vintage I can get for 500 shipped?,I been thinkin about this one:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1204812260

but I'm not sure yet any opinions on the PS audio 200C?

and how about suggestions?

I need something with 200 WPC at 8 ohms or more I know thats pretty narrow for 500 bucks but help me out here guys,it gets worse I dont want to settle YET for an adcom GFA-555 and I HATE the looks and don't much care for the sound of NAD gear also so any suggestions to something of this description?

Shawn.

[vinyldavid]

What about a Pioneer SPEC 2?

[ccheath]

What about a Pioneer SPEC 2?

I tried getting SPEC 2 off ebay. I did bid $425 on a BROKEN Spec 2. Someone outbid me on that. I was the 2nd highest.:grumpy:

Although it's possible if the timing is right to get Spec 2 for $500. Good luck, gonna need it.:yes:

This is what I find so far. That's over $500
http://cgi.ebay.com/PIONEER-SPEC-2-STEREO-POWER-AMPLIFIER-L-K_W0QQitemZ220194243548QQihZ012QQcategoryZ50593QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[vintage-yungin]

Have one sitting in the living room right now,gotta be better then that, I liked my soundcraftsmen more then it even after the full rebuild.

Shawn.

[vintage-yungin]

maybe this

http://cgi.ebay.com/Proton-D1200_W0QQitemZ150209063013QQihZ005QQcategoryZ3978 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[jimfet]

I'd go for it. They are very nice amps with plenty of head room. Hell the power doubles at 4 ohms. That proves that. I wouldn't advise a spec. Very low headroom. I used to have a Spec 1 & 4. The 4 was rated at 150 wpc in 8 and only 180 wpc in 4. Sold a ton of spec 2's, the head room just ain't there.

Now a Nad or a Proton, if you can find a 200 wpc. Their rated headroom is an amazing 6 & 7 db.

[Inspiribomb]

Note how he said NOT VINTAGE, which the SPEC 2 most definitely falls into. Also, good luck finding one anywhere near that price in decent condition.

That's a tough price point to get 200 WPC, but it can be done. My recommendation - go onto Audiogon, search Solid State Power Amps under 500 and see what pops up. You might look into these:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1204027502

I use the NHT equivalent to drive my subs. Nice and slim, run really cool and sound very good. Not much to look at, but they get the job done.

[redcoates7]

Man, that's too bad about the Adcom aversion. Tehy're not much to look at maybe, but the GFA555II and GFA5500 are some of the best bang-for-the-buck amplifiers anywhere!

I've also used a Rotel RB-980 (I think) In the past. Nice sounding, but not nearly as pretty on the inside as the Adcoms...and isn't it what's inside that counts :)

[vintage-yungin]

I did find a nice set of nuforce monoblocks on A-gon but they had a sale pending I believe.

There is still a few things I'm selling so hopefully I can work my way up to a grand at least,if I can move my Thiels and my Autometer gauges then I should have around 700-750 more putting me around 1200.

Shawn.

[vintage-yungin]

Well that was short lived,I did find a set of nuforce mono's only 100wpc but i would sacrifice that for a nice set of nuforce one problem! THEY ARE SOLD!

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1204682049

[Inspiribomb]

Hey Shawn, do more research into Nuforce before jumping on them. I nearly bought a pair, but changed my mind. They are expensive for what you get. I think you'd be better off with the Adcom, if you can get over being less than enamoured with their looks.

Bumping your budget up to $1000 opens up a lot of opportunities, I think you'd be better off saving your pennies, you'll be happier in the long run than settling for something now.

[vintage-yungin]

Any opinions on the Denon POA-2800?

Shawn.

[vintage-yungin]

I may end up with an adcom because all aside they are great amps for the dollar but I don't want to buy something and have it only be a little better then what I had, I figure I will just search and save then when I find a nice amp that I'm confident will be nice after researching I will hop on it and if I don't I'm looking at a Adcom GFA-555II or 5500.

I just want to get an amp that basically puts my soundcraftsmen gear to shame,I actually really want PS audio Delta 250 mono blocks there is a set on A-gon right now for $1050 OBO

Shawn.

Hey Shawn, do more research into Nuforce before jumping on them. I nearly bought a pair, but changed my mind. They are expensive for what you get. I think you'd be better off with the Adcom, if you can get over being less than enamoured with their looks.

[vintage-yungin]

I may also buy this non-working NAD C270 it's only 5 bucks plus shipping and if i can get it going i will give it a try I have yet to hear a C270.

Shawn.

[basite]

try looking for a parasound...

a Halo A23 should fit in your budget.
exellent amp, great performance...

and that PS audio is pretty darn good too :)

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[SleeperSupra]

I may end up with an adcom because all aside they are great amps for the dollar but I don't want to buy something and have it only be a little better then what I had, I figure I will just search and save then when I find a nice amp that I'm confident will be nice after researching I will hop on it and if I don't I'm looking at a Adcom GFA-555II or 5500.

I just want to get an amp that basically puts my soundcraftsmen gear to shame,I actually really want PS audio Delta 250 mono blocks there is a set on A-gon right now for $1050 OBO

Shawn.

Adcom will NOT put the Soundcraftsmen to shame. I know this first hand...

[vintage-yungin]

You had an MA-5002?

Shawn.

[Cpt.Beaky]

I'll second the Parasound recommendation. I've been very happy with my older HCA series Parasound gear.

[vintage-yungin]

I really really want a Parasound HCA-2200A wich was my very very first choice.

Shawn.

[BroonsBane]

For a grand Shawn look into a SimAudio Celeste 4150SE. 150wpc channel into 8ohms, doubles into 4ohms. You will be very very hard pressed to find a better sounding amplifier for the money. The pics are of the one I had but sold :bash::withstpd:

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/staff09.htm

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k163/Graciefloydie/SimAudioCeleste4150SEFace.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k163/Graciefloydie/SimAudioCeleste4150SESide.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k163/Graciefloydie/SimAudioCeleste4150SEback.jpg

[SleeperSupra]

You had an MA-5002?

Shawn.


I have four Soundcraftsmen PCR800's, one MA5002A, and two PA5001's.

I also own an Adcom GFA545.

I used to have an Adcom 555, an NAD 2400PE, an Amber Series 70, as well as some vintage HK, Sansui, and Kenwood gear.

I know there is better but it will be pretty hard to find an amp that will flat out CRUSH it as far as sound quality.

I would put more of my $$$ towards speakers where you will get a better return in sound quality for money spent.

[vintage-yungin]

I have great speakers, a set of Vandersteen 2CI's and a set of Thiel CS-2's

The Soundcraftsmen gear is already sold, dads PS audio Delta 200 smashes the MA-5002 and so does my Kenwood Basic M2A witch is unusual but sure enough the Soundcraftsmen had no chance against the Kenwood, I was gonna hook up both but the Soundcraftsmen couldn't stand with it.

I'm lookin at B&K M-200 mono blocks right now and a B&K EX-4420 both are 200 wpc @ 8 ohms and are also below $500.

Shawn.

I have four Soundcraftsmen PCR800's, one MA5002A, and two PA5001's.

I also own an Adcom GFA545.

I used to have an Adcom 555, an NAD 2400PE, an Amber Series 70, as well as some vintage HK, Sansui, and Kenwood gear.

I know there is better but it will be pretty hard to find an amp that will flat out CRUSH it as far as sound quality.

I would put more of my $$$ towards speakers where you will get a better return in sound quality for money spent.

[Mister Pig]

So whats a decent newer amp--nothing vintage I can get for 500 shipped?,I been thinkin about this one:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1204812260

but I'm not sure yet any opinions on the PS audio 200C?

and how about suggestions?

I need something with 200 WPC at 8 ohms or more I know thats pretty narrow for 500 bucks but help me out here guys,it gets worse I dont want to settle YET for an adcom GFA-555 and I HATE the looks and don't much care for the sound of NAD gear also so any suggestions to something of this description?

Shawn.

Amps from this time period offer alot of bang for the buck. PS Audio built some of their best stuff from this time period. PSE is another choice, their amps are a bit sweeter sounding, but still quite fine. Forte is another choice if you can find one, they do pop up on Audiogon from time to time. Nelson Pass designed them, sort of an affordable Threshold. The big Sumo amps are under rated. Also the Perreaux amps from this time period can still be found for a resonable price. They are monsters, and have classic looks. The larger offerings from B&K are alwasy a good value.

Regarding your wattage requirements. Not sure I would hold hard and fast to a 200wpc standard. Many of these amps pass alot more current, and have high quality power supplies. The offerings from the traditional japanese audio companies of this time period really wernt at the same level. This group of high end amps can handle diifficult speaker loads, even though their wattage rating is more conservative. I would find the best example from this era you can afford, and go that way. A high end 100wpc amp is a goliath, and can drive darn near any speaker out there.

Regards
Mister Pig

[slow_jazz]

I'd look for a used Yamaha M series amplifier. M-65, or better.

[GordonW]

I may also buy this non-working NAD C270 it's only 5 bucks plus shipping and if i can get it going i will give it a try I have yet to hear a C270.

Shawn.

If you get the C270, BrassTeacher should be able to fix it. PM him!

Great amp, BTW. One serious 120w/ch with GREAT BIG BALLS! :D Very well behaved too... good imaging, very neutral balance, good dynamics...

Regards,
Gordon.

[vintage-yungin]

I emailed them about it the day of there post they didn't get back to me until a week later the amp has since been sold just my luck.

Shawn

[Mister Pig]

Home > Browse > Amps: Solid state > Item: 1206892304

Just showed up on Audiogon. This may be your ticket. Located in Cali too.

Regards
Mister Pig

[vintage-yungin]

How about these?

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1207028227

any one know about these? Aaron werent these the same amps as the ones in the link you posted earlier?

Shawn.

[Inspiribomb]

Shawn, those are the same exact things as the NHT A1 amp. I have a pair driving my NHT W1 subwoofers and really like them. They run cool and turn on when they sense an audio signal. I don't know if they will surpass the Soundcraftsmen gear or not. IMO, you should go out and listen to some gear. This is the fun part when you get to shop around. Check out the Bel Canto S300 amps, they are getting great press and are very powerful. You can also pick them up from time to time on the used market.

[Inspiribomb]

Here's a review:

http://www.audioxpress.com/reviews/media/hansen2403.pdf

[BroonsBane]

I've owned the Outlaw M-200's Shawn. I found them to be very forward and in your face, not my kinda thing for tunes.

[Inspiribomb]

Shawn, keep in mind that my comments were in regards to the amps used to power subwoofers. I have not heard them running full-range, so can't comment on them in that regard.

[jim w.]

What about a Pioneer SPEC 2?

david, him an his dad all ready have a spec set up :thmbsp:

[JustBuyNew]

Aragon, Acurus, or Parasound........:banana::banana::banana::banana:: banana:

[BroonsBane]

I realize all this is very subjective Shawn and I don't usually push a point about this kind of topic around here but I'm telling ya man, consider that SimAudio amp I posted earlier :guitar:

[Inspiribomb]

Simaudio is one of the brands I was strongly considering recently in my search for a new amp(s).

[BroonsBane]

Simaudio is one of the brands I was strongly considering recently in my search for a new amp(s).

My 4150SE kicked the butt of every Bryston I've had and is hands down the best sounding amp I've ever owned...and I've owned a few...