Time for a new 2 channel amplifier - looking for suggestions


I’m currently running a pair of restored Klipsch Chorus II speakers on a Rotel RB-1080. I loved this amp when it was connected to my Vandersteen 2CE sigs, but it’s never felt right with the Chorus II’s. My plan is to move the Rotel back to the setup with my Vandersteens, so I need something for the Chorus II’s.

I’m not interested in going with tubes. I just want to throw that out there since it’s a common suggestion for these speakers. I’d like to stay around $1000, and I’m not against buying used. I’d like something around 100 watts/channel. I do play my Chorus II’s loud from time to time.

A couple things I’m currently considering.

1) Restored vintage Yamaha B-2 VFET amplifier
2) Parasound Halo A23
3) ??
4) ???

Thoughts on the above or alternate suggestions?



mustangjeff

Showing 3 responses by willland

What preamp are you using?  Could an integrated amp be a possibility?

Chorus II's can be a bit finicky with placement, amps, sources.  The right amp and placement can really make the Chorus II's shine and yes they can play loud, very loud.  

When I had my fortes and Quartets, they seemed to be at their best when I used older Denon integrated amps(PMA).

Bill

The Chorus II's are efficient but do respond better on the low end with a bit more grunt.  My buddy had a pair of Chorus I's and drove them with a Cambridge Audio 540A(50w/ch)and though they did sound nice, they really opened up when he added an Acurus A200(200w/ch).  There was thump and punch that just was not in abundance with just the 540A.

Bill

"what do you like about the acurus sound?"

Just about everything.  Dead quiet, cool running, detailed, neutral, and oh yes I almost forgot, the bass drive.  Kind of like the suggested Anthem from the previous post.

Bill