Help me find a <$200 Amp!

[mike c]

Go ask the boys at the CarverAudio.com if they are not Accurate amps .
When i compare my Bryston 4b to the Carver TFM 35 , the Bryston soundstage is deeper ( mygirlfreid dosnt like it , because she says its to far away , for me i love it ) , but the Carver's Highs are smoother .

i'm not interested in amps that "sound" like tube amps, but go ahead and ask since you are.

how does "soundstage is deeper (or shallower)" and "highs are smoother" prove that they are accurate amps?

never mind, i don't think we'll ever agree.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Go to CarverAudio.com Forum , they might assit you better on FR graphs and schematics . They are very knowlegable on Carver and Sunfire equiment .

Maybe, but do they really know how to properly compare amps? You know, bias controlled?

 

[wire]

Maybe, but do they really know how to properly compare amps? You know, bias controlled?

Im not sure , give them a visit and find out yourself , there good ppl. over there . Even had Bob Carver drop by not so long ago to the forum .

 

[wire]

i'm not interested in amps that "sound" like tube amps, but go ahead and ask since you are.

how does "soundstage is deeper (or shallower)" and "highs are smoother" prove that they are accurate amps?

never mind, i don't think we'll ever agree.

I dont agree or disagree with you . Have you heard a pair of SDA's in stereo ?
Then you might understand soundstage a little better .

 

[chadnliz]

Instead of think of Linear and accurate why dont you think pleasing, enjoyable and preferable, this is a hobby of individual taste and not one of lab measurements and specs. I dont know why this forum is so fixated on dumping on people and equipment that have individual character, why not change the mission statement to "Audioholics, teaching folks to conform and follow,,,,,,,no individuals respected". Every time it gets pointed out that things sound different the arguement changes from everything sounds the same to if it sounds different its flawed. Too many forget that just like there are no rules in music, there should be no rules in how one enjoys it.

 

[Soundman]

Instead of think of Linear and accurate why dont you think pleasing, enjoyable and preferable, this is a hobby of individual taste and not one of lab measurements and specs. I dont know why this forum is so fixated on dumping on people and equipment that have individual character, why not change the mission statement to "Audioholics, teaching folks to conform and follow,,,,,,,no individuals respected". Every time it gets pointed out that things sound different the arguement changes from everything sounds the same to if it sounds different its flawed. Too many forget that just like there are no rules in music, there should be no rules in how one enjoys it.

Love your signature, Chad.

 

[bandphan]

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1220864552 175.00

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1220814417 210.00

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1220573467

 

[Midcow2]

Power amps

I have an AVR with preouts and need a little more oomph to power my Polk LSi9 fronts (4 ohms). Like the title says I don't want to exceed $200. Please leave your recommendations of good WPC into 4 ohms to power the LSi9s. And more importantly, recommend models and brands of good external amps! I'm really not interested in pro amps. Thanks for the help and recommendations!

Okay Poke LSi9s avearge sensitivity 88dB here are some choices. It is hard to get what you want for under $200.

Here is one, AudioSource, for less than $200 but only 125watts into 4 ohms.
http://www.geekbro.com/index.cfm/hurl/page=product/itemid=699093?source=GoogleBase

If you can swing it here the right power , AudioSource, but the cost is $333 , provides 235 watts into 4 ohms.
http://www.geekbro.com/index.cfm/hurl/page=product/itemid=699094?source=GoogleBase

Here is another very good amplifier, Crown XLS402 Amplifier,400 watts into 4 ohms at $289.95 b-stock ($399 new discount price).
http://www.zzounds.com/item--CWNXLS402

 

[jinjuku]

To get back on topic...

To the OP; I am using the Behringer A500 in bridged mode to drive my current dual Dayton Quatro 12" DIY sub. It does a great job.

IMO amps should be NEUTRAL and not color the music. All the information that a recording is meant to pass on should be revealed by your choice in speakers. AGAIN amps should simply get out of the way.

You have a $200 budget. $200 = Limited choices. Either pick up something used like the Haflers (nice amps) or get the A500 new with piece of mind that no one else has beat on it.

 

[bandphan]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marantz-MA500-THX-MonoBlock-Amplifier-MA-500-Amp_W0QQitemZ330251341981QQihZ014QQcategoryZ67786QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 280 for 2 mono blocks

 

[trnqk7]

For 99.9% of people out there, amps should be linear and flat and neutral-no coloration of the music. However, there are those that like to "play" with things and spend exorbitant sums of money-there's nothing wrong with that. They are the ones that want these amps and cables that alter the sound. Someone mentioned that really high-end equipment doesn't have tone controls...personally, I find this idiotic and feel that at the price ranges this equipment is likely in, you should be getting a parametric eq at least with, say, 5-10 hz adjustable bands...but I guess that's neither here nor there.

Where these people would have a foot to stand on is this-IF the cable or amp they purchased advertised the frequency range over which it altered the sound and by how much it did so-then you could make a potentially credible claim to buy that equipment to match your setup or personal tastes.

However, they DON'T do this, at least to my knowledge. Therefore, credibility goes out the window and it's an expensive crapshoot. I'm not saying some people may not prefer the sound-that's fine. But for most people, it's a sham b/c they don't know what they are getting into and don't have the cashflow to "fix" the mistake a bunch of times.

This website is about stuff that is considered mid to high end for the AVERAGE person-it's not about the esoteric uber expensive stuff and never claimed to be. There are occaisional threads about it and of course we all look-it's something we will not ever have, so we feel a need to at least take a peek or something. However, certain members apparently have larger audio budgets than others and fit more into what this site isn't about necessarily. They shouldn't be surprised if people look down on what they are spending or that they preach about cables sounding different and the same with amps b/c, for the audience this place is geared at, those aren't qualities we are looking for (not to mention the rather inflammatory comments that some of these members make as well...that doesn't help their rep or acceptance either).

No one wants to kick anyone out, but if people are only going to complain about how others are treating them...well either speak to the mods and prove your case that you're being mistreated, buck up and get over it while accepting that your viewpoint is in the minority without being bitter about it and mentioning in every post/thread you are involved in, or go somewhere else where your views are more accepted-ie a forum geared towards and audience that has similar products to what you own and want to own.

The above is not a blanket statement for every member-there are always exceptions...but I think in general it fits. I just get really tired of certain people making the same arguments all of the time and also the random flyby posters that start doing it as well (although they should be slightly excused if they are really new and haven't been lurking for a long time).

Sorry for the long post.

 

[chadnliz]

First I would like to congratulate you on your self appointment of spokesman for all members. When you complain about complaining it makes me smile and I thank you for that.....we all need to smile. I have again and again stated that things such as cables are far too often a myth, that most any mass market amp or source will get you very slose to the best sound you can get but in both cases its not cut and dry and when many appear to dismiss both notions in part or in whole is where I voice my views. If this indeed is the view of most that folks like me are not welcome its a sad commentary on the population of this forum as a whole. Closed minds are never a good idea and your going to miss some valuable information and experience if you stay this course. My reward is the private relationships and thanks for helping those who need it.
It appears you have a problem with those who either can afford a different level of gear or want to enjoy material on another level then you see justifiable and thats fine but anyone with a true appreciation of this hobby will welcome all and not exclude those who do things differently then they do.
Again congratualtions, with your membership of just over 2 months, posts that total 317, and 48 thanks in 36 threads you have been self appointed site spokesman.............what a promotion!

 

[wire]

Love your signature, Chad.

Yeh , I like it also .
Shicks
I would check out the Polk forum also and see what the owners of the LSI series speakers say about your situation . There pretty knowlegable also .

 

[trnqk7]

Chad, I've been a member longer than you-check the date again And yes, you in general irk me, but it's b/c of multiple posts where you just assume everyone is going to pick on you for something you are saying...of course, then people do. I didn't mean that everything I said applied to everyone here-it's not a blanket statement, it's an expression of what I feel the site is mostly about: mid to high-end stuff for the average person. I don't think you can argue that too much...check the reviews. You won't find many about things that even you or some others have in their systems...nice stuff, but out of reach for a lot of folks.

Anyway Chad-since you decided to specifically single me out, although I purposely left my post vague and because it wasn't just about you (but thanks for assuming it was just about you ) I have no problem with your gear or anyone elses. I share the same goal of wanting to help others. What ticks me off and started that complaint is an assumption by a few people, including you, that the rest of us can't possibly be enjoying our music/theater experience enough b/c our gear isn't nice enough AND people posting about things they know are controversial and adding in some stupid comment about how they are going to be attacked afterwards. Anyway-PM me if you want to continue this, it doesn't need to be completely aired in the forums.

For once, I didn't dismiss your notions about cables and amps-I said it would have a leg to stand on if it was advertised/stated what the affected response was of the cable/amp so you could know what frequencies were being affected. That seems pretty simple...

I never said you weren't welcome and specifically said that I didn't want anyone to leave (or be "kicked out"). I said that some people complain a lot-again, your posts where you state your thoughts (great!) and then write that everyone will attack you for them (not great!). I suggested, that for a poster who does this, there were a few courses of action...which one you choose is up to you of course and there are probably more options.

I don't want to exclude any level of the hobby-do I think it can be excessive, yes. But is it still interesting? Hell yes. I never said I was the AH spokesperson-until (which won't happen) you see "moderator" or some such thing under my name, I won't be either. Until then-it's MY OPINION and mine only. Others will let you know whether they agree or not by posting their thoughts or adding reputation if they see fit. Otherwise, people obviously don't agree and you can rest easy I guess

 

[chadnliz]

Lets hug it out, this is suppised to be fun....I am having fun

 

[PENG]

Lets hug it out, this is suppised to be fun....I am having fun

Absolutely, you made many good points in a short time. In terms of how amps can sound the same or different, we all can learn (if not yet) to agree to disagree. At least we all seem to agree that one can do better by spending a bigger part of their budget on speakers than on amps. Funny no one ever said all speakers sound the same!! Then again, there is nothing wrong to disagree on even this either. As you said, this thing is like a hobby (I would add:especially for those who can afford it), and is a fun one for the most part.

Have a nice weekend!

 

[wire]

Lets hug it out, this is suppised to be fun....I am having fun

Why are you on probation ??????????

 

[bandphan]

emotiva has new 2 ch amp that isnt far out of your budget First impressions powering my logans were very nice Keep a look out for it........

 

[gus6464]

I like tube preamps with SS amp sections and I don't really care if people say that the tubes will add distortion. To me the distortion sounds good

 

[WmAx]

I like tube preamps with SS amp sections and I don't really care if people say that the tubes will add distortion. To me the distortion sounds good

If you really want that 'tube' sound - Behringer makes the perfect product for you. It's called the Behringer T1953: http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHT1953

Place this between your solid state pre-amp and amplifiers. You do not want to use tube pre-amps or amplifiers with this unit, as this unit will add in all the 'sound' you want in a controlled manner. This unit lets you dial in the exact amount of tube 'sound' you desire, from none to heavy amounts.

-Chris