I would recommend buying a used McCormack DNA 0.5. It is a very good amp, 100W/ch. Then, as your budget allows, you can send it to SMC to get it upgraded by Steve McCormack. I have never heard any of the upgraded amps, but have read on several posts that they are awesome. I just thought that I would toss that out as a recommendation. BTW, I sold mine to move into tubes, and I'm much happier with a tube amp.
Help me choose
I'm in the market for a 2 channel amp. I've been burned on Ebay buying used stuff before so I've been shopping for something new and I've found the two follow online bargains:
1) Parasound Halo A21 (125/channel) for $532(list $850)
2) ATI A1502 (150/channel) for $493(list$800)
My goal? I have a Denon 3805 powering 5 speakers, three of which are 4 ohms(Polk LSi 15's and LSI C). I'd like to take the strain of the LSI15's off the Denon while added more depth, bass, and soundstage while listening to 2 channel. When I heard the LSi15's demo'd in the shop there was a DRAMATIC difference between the 3805 (which sounded "nice") and a 140 RMS B&K (which sounded AWESOME).
I'd like to recreate that sound. That B&K is $900 new.
Both the ATI and the Parasound get great right ups. The ATI has more power for less money but the Parasound is a more well known and respected(true?) name.
Help me spend my money!
1) Parasound Halo A21 (125/channel) for $532(list $850)
2) ATI A1502 (150/channel) for $493(list$800)
My goal? I have a Denon 3805 powering 5 speakers, three of which are 4 ohms(Polk LSi 15's and LSI C). I'd like to take the strain of the LSI15's off the Denon while added more depth, bass, and soundstage while listening to 2 channel. When I heard the LSi15's demo'd in the shop there was a DRAMATIC difference between the 3805 (which sounded "nice") and a 140 RMS B&K (which sounded AWESOME).
I'd like to recreate that sound. That B&K is $900 new.
Both the ATI and the Parasound get great right ups. The ATI has more power for less money but the Parasound is a more well known and respected(true?) name.
Help me spend my money!