2. amps-preamps
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Testing Your Amplifier Experience/Recommendation

A challenge, not to mention my undying appreciation, to those of you with mucho experience with amplifier/speaker matching. I own a new pair of NHT 2.9 speakers. I need an amplifier, and prefer a tube sound to bring out the midrange in the 2.9s. HOWEVER, for various reasons I am looking only at solid state amps. I intend to drive them with a tube pre to be purchased once I decide on the amp.

I listen in a "medium" size room, to classical - both orchestral (Mahler, R. Strauss, Wagner, etc) and chamber; jazz - both electronic and acoustic; and various pop or latin stuff. So, from very loud, to soft.

I have narrowed down my choices to the following, and your challenge is to recommend one over the others, and why (and no, unfortunately I am not able to audition any of them without buying them first):

1. Audio Research D200
2. Marsh A200S
3. Bryston 4B-ST
4. Blue Circle BC22
5. Edge M6

Your recommendations are immensely appreciated, since without an amp, my speakers are rather worthless, and I would like to start listening again. That's more important than anything, but I would like to make a good choice.

Thanks!!!!!!!
seldenr

Showing 1 response by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Well the Marsh and Bryston are 200 watt amps, the others are all around +/-120 watts. The Bryston 3B-ST is probably more comparible to the others.

I can comment on the Bryston and Blue Circle. In comparison the Bryston will have sharper bass, more neutral towards the highs and is a little "cooler" than the Blue Circle. The Blue Circle will have more "warmth" and a little more personality.

The BC22 is probably more "there", like sitting in the front half of a concert hall for an orchestra or band (or the Bryston is more distant / sitting nearer the back). The BC22 goes great with the BC21 Tube preamp if you have not choses a preamp yet. If you try this setup, also use the BC95 interconnects as the pre/power link cable.

It is all a matter of taste which one you choose. They are both nice amps. I prefer the Blue Circle, but I also have box seats overlooking the Baltimore Symphony stage, so I like that immediacy, like the conductor gets. If you more of a person who likes the music a little more cool and distant, then maybe the Bryston is a better choice. Good Luck!

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