HELP- Which SS amp for HT to match VAC tube mains?
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I just acquired a pair of VAC Standard 220 monoblocks to mate with Talon Raven C's. Though the 'jury is still out' on the VAC's, they will replace a Sim Audio Titan 5x200w Solid-state amp that currently drives all of my 5 speakers - the Ravens, a Talon Falcon C center channel and Martin Logan Stylos surrounds (basically ML Aerius i's mounted on the walls).
Though there is definite synergy between the Sim Titan amp and the Talons, I simply can't justify keeping this exceptional 5-chnl behemoth JUST to run the center and rears for Home Theater while the VAC's drive the fronts all the time.
So, I am looking for recommendations from THE NOTED EXPERTS (namely, you AudiogoNNers!) about which Solid-State 3,4 or 5-channel amp would be a reasonable sonic match to the VAC's KT88-based 220 watts for multi-channel audio while providing the dynamics, headroom and explosiveness needed for Home Theater.
As this is ONLY going to drive the center and rears from an EAD TheaterMaster 8800Pro processor, I have narrowed the search as follows:
-Balanced inputs/design
-Reasonable size, heat output AND price (~$1000-$2500 used)
Here are some models that seem to fit the bill:
--Bel Canto eVo4 - Expensive given my price range, though small size & cool-running - I could bridge 2 chnls for the center, use the remaining 2 chnls for surrounds, What's the sonic character like???
--Bel Canto eVo6 - Same as above, yet even more expensive - Bridge all chnls for 3x360wpc, Probably overkill??
--Parasound Halo A52 - Good price & size - No bridging possible, Don't need all 5 chnls, Supposedly kinda warm-sounding = good match???
--Anthem MCA-30, -50 or -5 - good prices & size - No bridging possible, Don't need 5 chnls, Understand they are on the lean side of neutral, Maybe a poor match???
--Classe' CAV-180 - Good used value, but BIG chassis, No bridging possible, Don't need all 5 chnls, Traditional warm Classe' sonics??? Rumors of unreliability???
WHATCHA THINK, GUYS?? Is this doable? Did I blow it regarding total system synergy with the tube amps? If needed, I will post the rest of my equipment.
TIA,
Bob
.
I just acquired a pair of VAC Standard 220 monoblocks to mate with Talon Raven C's. Though the 'jury is still out' on the VAC's, they will replace a Sim Audio Titan 5x200w Solid-state amp that currently drives all of my 5 speakers - the Ravens, a Talon Falcon C center channel and Martin Logan Stylos surrounds (basically ML Aerius i's mounted on the walls).
Though there is definite synergy between the Sim Titan amp and the Talons, I simply can't justify keeping this exceptional 5-chnl behemoth JUST to run the center and rears for Home Theater while the VAC's drive the fronts all the time.
So, I am looking for recommendations from THE NOTED EXPERTS (namely, you AudiogoNNers!) about which Solid-State 3,4 or 5-channel amp would be a reasonable sonic match to the VAC's KT88-based 220 watts for multi-channel audio while providing the dynamics, headroom and explosiveness needed for Home Theater.
As this is ONLY going to drive the center and rears from an EAD TheaterMaster 8800Pro processor, I have narrowed the search as follows:
-Balanced inputs/design
-Reasonable size, heat output AND price (~$1000-$2500 used)
Here are some models that seem to fit the bill:
--Bel Canto eVo4 - Expensive given my price range, though small size & cool-running - I could bridge 2 chnls for the center, use the remaining 2 chnls for surrounds, What's the sonic character like???
--Bel Canto eVo6 - Same as above, yet even more expensive - Bridge all chnls for 3x360wpc, Probably overkill??
--Parasound Halo A52 - Good price & size - No bridging possible, Don't need all 5 chnls, Supposedly kinda warm-sounding = good match???
--Anthem MCA-30, -50 or -5 - good prices & size - No bridging possible, Don't need 5 chnls, Understand they are on the lean side of neutral, Maybe a poor match???
--Classe' CAV-180 - Good used value, but BIG chassis, No bridging possible, Don't need all 5 chnls, Traditional warm Classe' sonics??? Rumors of unreliability???
WHATCHA THINK, GUYS?? Is this doable? Did I blow it regarding total system synergy with the tube amps? If needed, I will post the rest of my equipment.
TIA,
Bob
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