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Good starter amp recommendation

Was lurking for a while, decided to post.

I have an old system with Energy RC-30 speakers and currently using a Denon x3400h to drive them. The system is used mostly 80/20 for music/movies, and uses an Energy RC-LCR center for movies.

Would like to add a simple 2/3 channel amp for around $1000 to improve the sound and was looking at some more recommendations. Want it to be a good part of the system, but since the speakers are pretty basic, don't look for anything too fancy, but good enough to upgrade the speakers later on.

Looking around the forum, the following is my short list:
van Alstine SET 120 or Synergy 240/3
Odyssey Khartago (or used Stratos)
Anthem PVA or MCA (used is all I can afford, probably)
Parasound A23

Would like to hear any suggestions.
camradal
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

I always loved the early ST-140. I also liked the 442. If you know how to tune up these amps they’re something special. Also for mono blocks look into the Marantz MA700 (killer sounding amp). And if I may let me tell you about another sleeper, the Luxman M-113. This Luxman is so under rated it’s crazy. I take the top off, take off the feet and put it up on Tuning Blocks and this is one sweet sounding amp.

I should also add I have earlier Rotel integrated amps and Stereo amps (old transformer design), and some older Parasound, very nice amps.

MG

mrdecibel
3,315 posts
 
My comment on the B&K ST 140, was stated by me " by todays standards ". Yes, I agree, back then it was a good amplifier, and especially for the price. But not today, and this, is ime, and, imo. Sorry to have hurt some feelings here. But even back then, there were many competing amplifiers that did not sound the way I described, as this is how I remembered them sounding. I sold them, and liked the ex 442 and Pro 600. But the ST 140 was good with small bookshelf type speakers, and if anyone thought they were lucky, well, that would not be my take on it. Let me move on.
adg101
1,064 posts
 
:-)
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,018 posts
 
What about looking at Parasound's 5 channel amp?  
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
384 posts
 
camradal
I can speak to 2 components mentioned here, the NAD C326 BEE and the Nuforce STA-200. I own both and the Nuforce is by far the more articulate sounding amp. After listening to the NAD for so long it was like someone lifted a blanket over my speakers. Combine the Nuforce with a Schiit Saga and you’ll be surprised by the sound for the money!
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