2. amps-preamps
  3. 1363129892

Amp for Proac Studio 140 mk2?

Hello,

My current set up consists of the following components:

Wadia 121 DAC -> Anthem MCA-20 -> ProAc Studio 140 Mk2

I am looking to upgrade the amplifier with either an Integrated or a power amp (Wadia recommends that the 121 hooks directly into a power amp).

I am considering used equipment (and assuming that I can resell and swap if the sound isn't what I am looking for) and have a budget of $3000 to $3500. I am looking for something that will pair well with the Proacs and leave a bit of room for growth down the road.

Due to kids, pets, etc, I am leaning towards solid state, but I haven't ruled out tubes.

I have considered:
Ayre V5Xe
McIntosh MC252
BAT VK-255SE (pushing the budget)
Simaudio W-5
Krell S-300i

Any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated!

Thanks!
jdstrawn
7 responses Add your response
jperry
2,430 posts
 
I recommend a pair of used Quicksilver V4 monoblock tube amps. Proac speakers pair well with tubes, and IMO especially Quicksilver.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I drive my 140's with a tube Cayin 100, and VAS tube monoblocks. Great sound, great value. Both provide better sound then solid state class a Marantz mono blocks, which I still have to drive ProAc 1SC's.
dayglow
1,729 posts
 
With the efficiency of the 140 mk2 you have the option of considering a class A intergrated, the Sugden A21 is a possibility. If you want or need more power consider a used Rowland Concentra 2. Of the amps you mentioned I would only consider the BAT but I would prefer the intergrated VK-300x due to the convenience of 1 box and 1 less pc/ic.
jdstrawn OP
3 posts
 
Any opinions on Pass Labs XA 30.5 (class a) or Audio Research VSI-60 (tube) with my system?

Also now considering VK-300x.

Thanks for the input!
dayglow
1,729 posts
 
Jdstrawn-ARC is widely accepted as a good match with Proac. I demoed the VSi-60 and thought the sound was thin and overly bright and there have been reliability issues with the VSi-60. IMO not in the same class as the BAT-300x. I didn't mention Pass Labs because at $3500 you would be hard pressed to find a nice 30.5 or int-30a. If you decide on a BAT-300x make sure you get a late model version(check serial#)with the 6922 tube.
jperry
2,430 posts
 
I have also heard these speakers demonstrated with a Leben integrated. You should hear them with a Leben if you can. I think that is an excellent match. It has tubes, but none are exposed.
jdstrawn OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses. I auditioned (in home) the VSi-60. To my ears it sounded great, but that could be due to the fact that it is such a jump up from the Anthem. I also auditioned the Krell (at the shop) and it didn't impress when put up against the VSi-60 (to be fair, the VSi-60 is much more expensive!).

I will be able to audition the Cayin stuff (but the dealer is waiting on a shipment). Anything else is going to be tough to get to hear.

I would really like to hear some BAT gear before I pull the trigger on anything!

Anyway, thanks again for the input. I'm really enjoying this process.

Jim
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
McIntosh MC2102
80x80
Ars Sonum Armonia
80x80
TriangleART M-100 Reference Tube Monoblock