2. amps-preamps
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Is there a better amp than this...

Aerial 10T's, Citation 7.1, a 4 channel 150 x 4 @8 ohm, or 210 x 4 @4 ohm loads. High current amp, this workhorse kicks the Aerial 10T's into gear. Now, what makes this amp, IMHO, the best amp for the dollar is because it is 4 channel and allows a pair of speakers to be BIAMPED! This is a Madrigal product and the sound is VERY warm, much more musical than I ever gave it credit for. Granted, the 10T's aren't bad on their own, preamp is a Theta Casablanca, the source is the EAD TheaterVision (sorry CD owners, I know..)
with Tara labs all around. The amp at one point listed at $2,800, but was being sold on UBID for somewhere in the $1,000 range. Now, those "B" stock items are being sold for $1,095 elsewhere, but the real deal is a preowned "A" stock, roughly $850!

The challenge:

Can anyone identify a better valued amp that can push low impedance speakers at very loud levels with midrange warmth as well as bottom end slam for roughly $850?

Thanks, and look forward to your responses!

Dan
Ag insider logo xs@2xporschecab
beemer
444 posts
 
10t. Been there, done that. You are in denial. Big current is what makes 'em sing. The run-of-the-mill short $$ amps will not get you where you want to be, but keep bangin' your head against the wall, its OK! Audio is a great adventure for sure. 10t will brutally show you EVERY flaw in front of them, LOL! But when you get it right, MAGIC!

beemer
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Beemer, you are correct. The 10T's love lots of power and that's what it takes to make them sing.

With smaller budgets, I would certianly recommend a pair of monoblock Odyssey Stratos which should probably work just fine with the 10T's. One Stratos would not be very good but still wouldn't sound too bad.

I'm guessing of course since I've never actually listened to the Stratos.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
porschecab OP
336 posts
 
Beemer -

Here is the real question. Have you listened to the Citation 7.1 in a BIAMP configuration?

My guess is not....prove me wrong....

D
mdomnick
332 posts
 
Don't know the speakers well, but I bet Bi-Amped Marantz mono Blocks would make the speakers sing. Other then that, you can pick up Anthem Amp2 used for $1Kish and it is a great amp!!!!
beemer
444 posts
 
Touche' D!

However, I guarantee you have not heard a "wimpy" pair of 33H monoblocks (150W@8 ohms) driving the 10t either.

What have I used:

Hafler 9500's strapped mono and
in stereo biamping
Hafler 9505 as above
Hafler 9500 with musical concepts mods as above.
Classe M-1000 monos
Classe CA-400
Classe CAM-200
Classe CAM-350
Levinson ML-3
Levinson 332
Levinson 333
Levinson 336
BAT VK-500
BAT VK-1000 monos

And last but not least, the 33H monos.

Let me remind, you are the one looking for an amp, not me!
I have my nirvana, and listen to it almost daily.

Good luck!
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