Such hard decisions :D Anyone with some insight on Amp Selection?


Alright, so here's the lowdown, i have deftech BP-30's powered by  my adcom gfa-5500, center and surrounds powered by TX-NR838 onkyo receiver, i am upgrading my infinity center channel to the deftech CLR-2000 so the sound signatures match my BP-30s, i dont really want to power the center from my receiver anymore, so was looking into 3 channel amps, i stumbled across 2 local to me 

adcom GFA-5503 or the B&K Reference 4430 - both around 400-500$

seems the gfa-5503 will be basically the same thing i have now with a 3rd channel, and to be honest i am happy with the sound, but not sure if i am missing anything by not trying out the B&K, are they kinda the same class or is the B&K outclassing the adcom (does it sound better to MOST people, i know sound is subjective ;) ) 

i guess just searching for opinions/advice since i dont really mix/match amplifiers.  I did do a lot of research and its hard to pinpoint where my decision should go as there is no DIRECT comparison between the two i could find lol.  Thanks in advance, and if i am saying anything stupid be nice, new to audio forums ;) 

Full setup:
TX-NR838 receiver, also used as dac/preamp
Adcom GFA-5500 powering R/L speakers
Definitive Technology BP-30 FR/FL
Definitive Technology CLR-2000 Center
random monoprice RR/RL
Subwoofer - Sunfire TS EQ 10 Signature
Debut Carbon Turntable.
anthrax-vx

Showing 1 response by artemus_5

Welcome. Maybe the  best thing is to decide your goals. Is it just power you want? Or do you want good sound with it?

The biggest problem with trying to mix so much equipment together is that you generally end up with a mess. Too many pieces cause too many opportunities for bad results. More power does not necessarily make for better sound. The Deftech speakers are 8 ohm & 91 db efficient. Contrary to what you have heard, these speakers shouldn’t be power hungry. My Silverlines are 93.5 db and I run them with 35wpc no problem. AAMOF, They sound better now with 35 wpc tubes than they did with 250 wpc highly regarded Solid state. Your receiver has 7 channels @ 130 wpc and yet you have 2 outboard amps. Why? Power? What good is power which is unusable/. If you must use 2 outboard amps I’d want 2 of the same. But you are getting a system way out of balance. The preamp had a LOT to do with sound. But If its just power you want, get some Berringer PA amps with 800 wpc. They are usually less expensive. Enjoy