Battle of three amps


Well, I've got my front end sorted (mainly vinyl), and I've decided that my Io Sig phono stage is going to get volume controls (hopefully at the end of this month) and a line input, so that's gonna be my preamp.

I already have my speakers - VMPS 626Rs - so now all I have to do is get the right power amp. My two present amps (Dyna ST-70 and Pass Aleph 3) though excellent don't have enough power for the 626Rs or enough bass tautness for my taste.

So I'm down to 3 power amps, and I'd like people's input who have heard them. I'm looking for amps that can control the 626Rs with ease, have tube-like midrange, and bass tautness. And be compatible with the Io's output impedance (300 ohms). Yes I want it all. A good deal of it will have been accomplished by my front end.

The three amps are:

1. Blue Circle BC-28
2. ASL Hurricanes (latest version with green PIO caps)
3. Mcintosh MC402

I'm not wedded to either tubes or SS...

Thanks in advance for your help - Patrick
patrickamory

Showing 2 responses by jphii

Hurricanes. I heard a set and loved 'em! Spent about 4 hours listening to vinyl through them. Since I, like you, and my buddy who has the ASL's are all wedded to vinyl, I have to give them the nod over the others.

That said, I've had no experience with the Blue Circle. But, I spent some time listening to the Mac in a vinyl system and was not impressed.

Joe
Patrick,

For some reason, even thought I like Mac kit, the 402 just didn't do it. The ASL's sounded much better in very similar systems. Both were used in LP12 based systems, not one of my favorite tables. I prefer soild!

The Macs drove Focus 20/20's. Now, I like this speaker, and have Legacy's in my HT rig. The ASL's drove N803s, a speaker I don't like, which doesn't sound like a good match, but works very well in my buddies system. I have a feeling that these two very odd combinations factor in my personal choice.

But, I will tell you this. While I swore I'd never buy another amp that is not an Audio Note, I would buy the Hurricane's. For the money, you can't go wrong.

JMHO,

Joe