Suggest hi-power, used market amplifier for music...

[DHart]

I am looking for an older, used power amp which will provide around 200 watts per channel/2 channels. I would prefer to buy a high-end used power amp for similar price as a new mid-fi power amp... I originally looked at Carver 500 and 400 power amps but read that the musicality of these particular amps sucked.

So, what would be some great sounding, used, high-wattage power amp brands/models to look for on the used market?

BTW, I have a Carver HR752 receiver that I bought in the late eighties or early nineties, as I recall, that's an incredible sounding, potent receiver still going strong today... no desire to get rid of it.

 

[Warpdrv]

Check out Rotel... they have a few on Audiogon.com
Thats where I got a great deal on my RMB-1095 200x5... mmmm yummy...

I wouldn't say its all that old... but at least you have a venue to find good used equipment...

 

[zumbo]

Why buy used?

http://www.onecall.com/ProductCompare.aspx?N=1069+366&Ne=7&prodList=28697,349

 

[DHart]

I'm trying to keep the cost to around $400... some nice Carver power amps for around $300-400....

 

[zumbo]

This may be of some interest to you:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17004&highlight=behringer+a500

 

[skizzerflake]

Check e bay for used old Carver amps. Early ones were really great. I had a M1.5t (something like that) which ran for years until it got hit by lightning last summer. That was a really terrific amp. After trying a couple retired receivers I had (Sony and Panasonic) as temporarly replacements, I ended up going back to e bay and finding an exact replacement for the Carver. Those things are immortal (unless they get hit by lightning) and available for less than $400. With a NAD preamp and Vandersteen speakers, the sound is downright enviable, especially for the cost.

 

[wire]

I am looking for an older, used power amp which will provide around 200 watts per channel/2 channels. I would prefer to buy a high-end used power amp for similar price as a new mid-fi power amp... I originally looked at Carver 500 and 400 power amps but read that the musicality of these particular amps sucked.

So, what would be some great sounding, used, high-wattage power amp brands/models to look for on the used market?

BTW, I have a Carver HR752 receiver that I bought in the late eighties or early nineties, as I recall, that's an incredible sounding, potent receiver still going strong today... no desire to get rid of it.

There is a guy on these forums whom is selling his TFM 35 for just over $300.00 us including shipping . His name is nhpm510 .
I own a TFM35 , its very musical amp and it 2 x 250 per channel.

 

[JoeE SP9]

Adcom
A used GFA-555 or newer version of it. They are bullet proof, will drive any load imaginable and don't break. Check www.audiogon.com

 

[HiJon89]

I would suggest looking at Harman Kardon or their older line of Citation amps. Some of their old amps that retailed for $1500 can easily be had for $300 on eBay/Videogon/Audiogon.

 

[Seth=L]

Adcom
A used GFA-555 or newer version of it. They are bullet proof, will drive any load imaginable and don't break. Check www.audiogon.com

I want one of those and some Snells.

 

[DHart]

Thanks much, guys, for the suggestions! I will check them all out.

What now about a pre-amp???? I'm a fan of tone controls to tailor the sound to my taste, so I'll want at least bass & treble controls... and if I go with the Behringer A500 power amp, I understand I will need to find a preamp with appropriate output levels to match the input sensitivity of the Behringer... any suggestions?

 

[Yamahaluver]

Check out for Yamaha MX-1000 or MX-1, good clean sounding high power amp, delivers class A power like the Krell at fraction of cost.

 

[JoeE SP9]

I want one of those and some Snells.

If you can, get the GFA-585. It's 2 555's in one chassis. There are not as many of them around though.

 

[wire]

Thanks much, guys, for the suggestions! I will check them all out.

What now about a pre-amp???? I'm a fan of tone controls to tailor the sound to my taste, so I'll want at least bass & treble controls... and if I go with the Behringer A500 power amp, I understand I will need to find a preamp with appropriate output levels to match the input sensitivity of the Behringer... any suggestions?

Well if you like the sound of your Carver Reciever , go look on Ebay for a C-1 or Ct-7 , both come with sonic holography ( if you know how to setup properly ) or Audiogone , they are cheap now days for a great pre amp .
And they both come with Bass , Midrange and Treble controls , which is a bonus .

 

[dave1490]

I am looking for an older, used power amp which will provide around 200 watts per channel/2 channels. I would prefer to buy a high-end used power amp for similar price as a new mid-fi power amp... I originally looked at Carver 500 and 400 power amps but read that the musicality of these particular amps sucked.

So, what would be some great sounding, used, high-wattage power amp brands/models to look for on the used market?

BTW, I have a Carver HR752 receiver that I bought in the late eighties or early nineties, as I recall, that's an incredible sounding, potent receiver still going strong today... no desire to get rid of it.

if you want to spend a littel more you can get a bryston 4b,250 watts on ebay for around $700 get it just befor the warrenty,s over 20yr,s.send it in and you got a good amp.

 

[Ron Temple]

If you like warm and detailed, you'll like the Carver sound. I bought a TFM 35 off ebay and have been thrilled with what it does for my Polk SDA 1Cs. After a bit more research, I'd recommend the 35(x or not),42,45, 55 or M1.5t or 4.0t. There are other great used amps out there, the Adcoms have a great bang for the buck rep too. If you go Carver, the above models will give you all the power you crave with a tube-like sound. Pricing usually hangs between $300 - $550 depending on model and condition.

 

[wire]

if you want to spend a littel more you can get a bryston 4b,250 watts on ebay for around $700 get it just befor the warrenty,s over 20yr,s.send it in and you got a good amp.

Agreed
Got one ( and i have it for over 20 years , solid amp , built like a tank and sounds great .
Great amp , last most of your life . Very live sound to them

 

[wire]

If you like warm and detailed, you'll like the Carver sound. I bought a TFM 35 off ebay and have been thrilled with what it does for my Polk SDA 1Cs. After a bit more research, I'd recommend the 35(x or not),42,45, 55 or M1.5t or 4.0t. There are other great used amps out there, the Adcoms have a great bang for the buck rep too. If you go Carver, the above models will give you all the power you crave with a tube-like sound. Pricing usually hangs between $300 - $550 depending on model and condition.

Again
Agreed
Got a TFM 35 also very warm amp . The X models where moded for Lucas , so they are made more for movies , not as Musical
Hey Ron
How you like the Polks , good combo Polk with Carver amp . Off subject , did upgrade your tweeters in the 1C's ( to the Black tweeter ) and how do you like them ?

 

[Ron Temple]

Again

Off subject , did upgrade your tweeters in the 1C's ( to the Black tweeter ) and how do you like them ?

Still using the stock SL2000 tweeters. I have it on my upgrade list to go with the RDO 194s, but frankly, I'm not disappointed now. The Carver really settled down the tweets, subtle detail, very little sibulance (sp?). I've heard the upgraded tweets on some 1.2s powered with a Bryston...yes they were better, but I don't have a burning back pocket yet. I think I'll replace my surrounds with SDA CRS, then an LSiC with the tweets at the same time (along with more power ). Then I'll be set...of course