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Summertime ss amp Question

My wife has finally decided that the superb Atma-Sphere MA-2 is too hot for summer and she cant listen to it without getting an ice bath in the room. But one doesnt part with a Gem of this magnitude, so I will buy an SS amp for summer only.
Need at least 150 WPC into 4 ohms (SP Tech Revs III sens 88 db), XLR inputs,(preamp Atma-sphere MP-1) fit into 17 X 8 X 19 inch space in Stereo closet and run cool, budget under $2K used. Looking at Innersound esl-300, Cary CAD-200 currently on A'gon. Suggestions, please. Thanks.
springbok10

Showing 10 responses by springbok10

springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
I'll surely let you know:)
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Krell man, I really didnt like the sound of the Nuforce. Is Spectron more "tubey"? Rleff, good suggestion, but I think I'm stuck with getting her an ss amp. Furthermore, my SP Tech speakers really need a lot of power and the MA-2 certainly does it adequately, but I dont think half the tube power would do it. 150+ watts of solid state power, closer to 300 if I get any of the amps I'm thinking about, should be better.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Elizabeth, I have enough trouble edging my 6 foot SP Techs further and further from the wall whenever she's out without having a hood and duct to totally freak her out! Get real:) The MA-2s already occupy a coffin-like enclosure along an entire wall. No, a neat little ss box locked in the cupboard with the pre-amps, CDP and tuner is the ticket here. Unfortunately.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Rleff, the Rowland Model 5 looks huge, but no dimensions are mentioned in the manual, but it weighs over 100 lbs and I dont see XLR inputs in the photo, although the manual alludes to them. For what it's worth, I'm looking for a Conrad-Johnson type-sound, rich and lush, not lean, as close to tube as possible, without grain or glare in the highs; the C-J MF 2250 would be ideal but has no XLR inputs. Anybody heard the Cary CAD 200? Thanks for suggestions so far.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
>>any amps got your visa card moving yet?<<

No, seems the only 2 options on A'gon right now that fulfill my criteria are the Cary CAD 200 and Innersound 300. Have I missed any?
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Have one. No effect on 58 tubes operating in Class A. Zilch.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Raquel, it is amazing that you went to all that trouble! The only thing not current is my affinity for Jena cables -everything else is true! The Rowland 6 consists of 2 monoblocs, right? That would be a problem fitting into the cupboard space - any ideas of the dimensions? I will take your advice and look into Rowland. I appreciate your efforts greatly! There is a 6 on A'gon for $4700 and I have asked the seller for dimensions.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
I cannot find this on current A'gon listings. Did you see it today?
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Thanks. Cant find reviews of the W-5.3 except on Audio Reviews. Are you familiar with the amp? A bit above my budget - I am favoring the Bel Canto Evo2 Gen II, used, for less than $1K. In the $3K range there is a lot of competition. Any information on the W-5.3's sonic character would be apprecaited.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I have bought a used Bel Canto Evo2 Gen II for $1K. Fits in space, runs cool, balanced, and, although I have never heard it, is Stereophile Class A. 240 WPC into 4 ohms. I dont expect to replicate the sound of the MA-2, but for part-time listening, hope it is acceptable.
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