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Some amps I never heard of...

Hey all -

Thanks again for the replies to my "where can I audition amps near Boston" question.  I'll be visiting several of the suggested shops in the coming weeks.

I'm looking to replace my power amp, which is a Rotel 980BX.  It's driving Ohm Walsh Talls so it needs some beef, and it has to fit into a cabinet with a relatively small footprint.  So I've mostly been looking at Class D stuff like the Bel Cantos, and also some monoblocks, because although it's narrow our cabinet is relatively tall.

In looking around I ran across a couple of amps that seem plausible on paper, but I don't know / can't find very much information about them.  If you guys have any thoughts to share, I am all ears.

Benchmark ABH2 - small form factor, has lots of power.  Any downsides?
Gato DPA-4004 - tres swoopy!! and appears to have lots o' juice for such a little guy.
Gold Note PA-10 - on paper this thing seems too good to be true. 
Vincent SP-T700 tube hybrid monoblock - one stout looking little dude, the tube/solid state mix is of interest.
Vincent SP-997 solid state monoblock - looks like a nice little amp, fits anywhere. what's not to like?
Exposure 2010 S2 / 3010 S2 / 5010 S2 monoblocks - looks like nice old-school UK hifi. good value for $$$?

Anybody heard these, or have hands-on experience with them?  Mostly I'm interested in knowing if there's anything here I should straight-up run the hell away from - the fewer options, the easier the selection process will be.

As always thanks for your thoughts and comments, this place has been and continues to be my audio hobby schoolhouse.
v7b9b13
12 responses Add your response
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
614 posts
 
I had one of the Crown XLS1500 amps. Good inexpensive sound for HT and pro use. To me it was unrefined on the high end and noisy in my 2 channel rig. I have had a number digital amps in my system and can highly recommend the Digital Amplifier Company (DAC) 2 Cherry. I use it along with the DAC DAC2HSV. The DAC DAC2 HSV is their Dac with a volume control and mates perfectly with the 2 Cherry. My speakers are 100db Charney Audio Companion horns. The DAC 2 Cherry offers a very detailed smooth sound with SET like midrange and articulate bass. I keep swapping it out with my upgraded ANK Interstage 300b SET mono blocks with upgraded ANK L3 preamp. I'm leaning hard towards the DAC gear since I don't think I'm missing out on the SET goodness the 300b amps provide. Fact is the bass is better defined with great highs and mids to match.

The DAC2 Cherry is Made In The USA and offers a 30 day no frills return policy if your not satisfied. You would be out shipping both ways but a small price to pay for the convenience.

Stay safe...
https://www.cherryamp.com/


luxmancl38
580 posts
 
Audio Video Therapy in Nashua NH carries Gato. I heard the 4004 many times. Excellent sound. Originally Michael Kelly of Aerial Acoustics was the distributor for Gato. He really likes the way the Gato’s match up w/his Aerial line. I would call John the owner and set up an appointment . You’ll probably will be able to borrow the amp for a home demo.
questz1z's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
questz1z
3 posts
 
I have had various Exposure products for years and find them to be excellent products and great value for the money. They have been very reliable and I have never had a d.o.a.!
rsf507
2,222 posts
 
Been talking to a friend who got a Gold Note PA10 and thinks it's a bargain, using it on some Silverline speakers. Don't know how true but says he's heard there will be a price increase sometime soon and a shortage of many Gold Note products because of the current worldwide situation. 
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
This class D amp seems to be making lots of waves lately. It’s "Pro" equipment but being used in home audio also. Huge power at a minimal price. I don’t know much about it but there are some youtube videos out there.

https://www.crownaudio.com/en/products/xls-2502
gryphongryph
350 posts
 
Exposure have s big following in Europe, their amps are very well built and last for ever.
rickytickytwo
88 posts
 
I do not have any of the Vincent products that you described, but I do have an SP 331 MK hybrid power amp. I like the sound quality. The bass texture is what stands out the most to me. 
gestalt's avatar
gestalt
188 posts
 
@v7b9b13 I'm happy to send a Gold Note PA-10 your way. If you don't love it, send it back to me.

- Colin

Gold Note dealer in Nashville, TN
https://gestalt.audio
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
I have the Vincent SP-T700's in my Collection. Like most Vincent Products they sound good and Punch way above their Price Point. The Tube Input gives them some Warmth and they have a nice "Punchy" Bass. They will be a Massive step up over your Rotel. Not familiar with your Speakers.
rsf507
2,222 posts
 
Never heard the Gold Note PA10 (but enjoy my GN PH10 phono) .
6moons just did a review of the PA10 and said it was the equal to an amp 6 times the price. (Don't recall that amp). Look up that review might be something to look into.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 
Vincent is German I think, Vincent makes good stuff!

 Only heard good words about them, longevity unsure.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
I have Benchmark AHB2.  It is powerful, dynamic and very clean with great treble and bass extensions.  It has only XLR input, since Benchmark believes that S/N at this level (132dB) is wasted with single ended RCA connection.  Also, it is extremely revealing and neutral sounding, but don't expect any added warmth.  
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