Budget Amps and Preamps Made in the USA

[dpattillo]

I'm in the market for a budget amp/preamplifier/integrated amp for a 2.1 system. I really want my equipment to be made in the USA but cannot afford the high prices of much of the "elite" equipment I see reviewed online. Unfortunately much of the budget equipment is made in China. I've seen some good prices on ATI equipment at Home Page and read all ATI gear is made in California. Does anyone have a suggestion? My buget is about $2000 total for either a amp/preamp setup or an integrated amplifier.

 

[Steve81]

ATI ATP6700 Preamp Processor (120/240 V) - A/V Processors
ATI AT1202 Two Channel x 120 Watt Amplifier - B-Stock (120 V) - Amplifiers


You can also check with Outlaw to see if the RR2150 is also made in the US by ATI.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

AT2002 for $1200 (MSRP $2000).
ATI AT2002 Two Channel x 200 Watt Amplifier - B-Stock (120 V) - Amplifiers

ATP8700 for $1000 (MSRP $6000).
ATI ATP8700 Rackmount Preamp Processor (120/240V) - A/V Processors

Balanced output from ATP8700 to Balanced Input of AT2002. Total MSRP $8000, pay $2200. If you buy both, they might just give you a $200 discount, so maybe $2000 even for both units.

If I were building a 2Ch music only system, this would be it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

ATI ATP6700 Preamp Processor (120/240 V) - A/V Processors
ATI AT1202 Two Channel x 120 Watt Amplifier - B-Stock (120 V) - Amplifiers

What do you think you're doing?

 

[slipperybidness]

It's a big if......

But, IF you are interested in DIY at all, then that might be something to consider. Or, get someone to build it for you.

1) It saves $
2) Typically you would use higher quality parts than other "budget" options
3) Built in the USA, by you

Here is one of the kits currently on my radar for a SS amp. Not a rec, just giving you an idea of what's out there:
Akitika GT-101 Audio Power Amplifier Kit

 

[Steve81]

I blame you for not telling me about ATI/Classic Audio Parts before I got my Emotiva, so now I'm going to push you out in the name of vengeance

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I blame you for not telling me about ATI/Classic Audio Parts before I got my Emotiva, so now I'm going to push you out in the name of vengeance

Well, then, you're just going to have to find a way to sell your EMO to get your ATI, aren't you?

Did you know once I sold my EMO MPS-2 and got my ATI? Oh, yeah, it can be done.

 

[j_garcia]

RR2150 Stereo Receiver

Then add amp of choice if necessary

I noticed it does not say built in the USA anymore though?

 

[dpattillo]

I was just about to order some Emotiva gear when I found ATI. I was researching outlaw gear and was really interested in the integrated amp until I found out it was Chinese . On the bright side the same post said Outlaws amps were manufactured by ATI which led my in a new direction. How does the DAC in the ATI processor sound?

 

[Steve81]

Well, then, you're just going to have to find a way to sell your EMO to get your ATI, aren't you?

Did you know once I sold my EMO MPS-2 and got my ATI? Oh, yeah, it can be done.

Actually I figure I'll get myself an Outlaw 7125 (made in the US by ATI) sometime in the future. Timing depends on how long the stupid HK receiver in the bedroom lasts. If it dies sooner rather than later, I'll move the Emo up there and get a preamp to go with it; if not, it would be a nice Christmas gift to myself

 

[dpattillo]

RR2150 is Chinese according to this post
Made in China - The Outlaw Saloon

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

RR2150 Stereo Receiver

Then add amp of choice if necessary

It says "USA" on the back, but it doesn't say MADE IN THE USA. It means "Designed in the USA" and made in China.

The ATP6700 is for SURE made in the USA and is only $600 & retailed $3000 MSRP. The Outlaw is $700.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Actually I figure I'll get myself an Outlaw 7125 (made in the US by ATI) sometime in the future. Timing depends on how long the stupid HK receiver in the bedroom lasts. If it dies sooner rather than later, I'll move the Emo up there and get a preamp to go with it; if not, it would be a nice Christmas gift to myself

That Outlaw 7125 looks like the Cary Audio 7.125, which is only like $4,000.

Cary Audio Design - Model 7.125

Cary Audio Design Cinema 12 Surround Processor & Model 7.125 Multichannel Amplifier Specs | Home Theater

 

[dpattillo]

You suggested haggling with Classic Audio Parts. Have you had success haggling with them?

 

[j_garcia]

It says "USA" on the back, but it doesn't say MADE IN THE USA. It means "Designed in the USA" and made in China.

The ATP6700 is for SURE made in the USA and is only $600 & retailed $3000 MSRP. The Outlaw is $700.

The other side of that reality is though, 75% of those components are likely still made in China/Taiwan, even if it is manufactured here.

 

[dpattillo]

It's true. I'm sure it's impossible to find electronics that are made completely in the USA from the components up anymore. Same is true for most products.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I was just about to order some Emotiva gear when I found ATI. I was researching outlaw gear and was really interested in the integrated amp until I found out it was Chinese . On the bright side the same post said Outlaws amps were manufactured by ATI which led my in a new direction. How does the DAC in the ATI processor sound?

You could call ATI and ask which DAC they used. But for a $6,000 Pre-Pro, I feel confident the DAC will sound great.

ATI is all about high quality standard.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You suggested haggling with Classic Audio Parts. Have you had success haggling with them?

Yes. I have.

But I don't like to use the word "haggle". It's more like a loyal client and friend asking for a little favor in today's difficult economy.

 

[dpattillo]

I was really leaning toward Emotiva since it's just a few hours up the interstate from me. I called and spoke with a salesperson that invited me up for a demo. I'd love to keep my money is the US of possible and do not want to support China's unethical human rights and environmental policies. If all the ATI components are made in Asia and assembled in California it won't be much better than buying Emotiva products designed in the USA and made in China. The only difference would be assembly of the parts.

 

[dpattillo]

Yes. I have.

But I don't like to use the word "haggle". It's more like a loyal client and friend asking for a little favor in today's difficult economy.

I like the way you put it. If they turn me down can I mention I'm friends with AcuDefTechGuy? LOL