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Picking a power amp

Hi folks,

I'am trying to pick a power amp for a modest system(15,000)

My listening area is 12x20.

I have a MX110z tuner preamp,and a Adcom 545 100wt per channel power amp now.

I just got a Auralic Vega g1 and it sounds great to me.

I'am using tidal to the the streamer and like it a lot.

It is time to pick a power amp or speakers.

I currently have 25 year old Polk m10's and since getting the auralic,I'am fairly surprised how much better they sound.

I don't know whether to get speakers or a amp next,to get to the next level.

Amps I'am considering are Mac 225,240,275 if tube or Mac 7270 or 2205 SS.

I'am also considering AR,and CJ if I could find something 2,000-5,000

For speakers I was thinking Klipsch for tube amp or Sonus Faber if SS,if I can find a model that can do rock and used under 5,000.

I listen to 40% rock 40% pop,blues,soul 20% classical,jazz.

Any thoughts on where to go next.

Thanks

 

twangy57
bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
896 posts
 

Agree with the comments about speakers 1st.  Since you don’t want to travel to try them out there are several direct to consumer manufacturers that will ship speakers to you directly.  You can buy, try for a set number of days and return for free.  Some charge a fee to return.  Check the details.  Arendal, Ascend, Polk and SVS to name a few.  Would also suggest a pair of subwoofers too.  That way you don’t have to worry about how low the speakers play.  You can focus on the mid range and high end sound.  Hearing speakers play in your room with the equipment you’re keeping is key to you being happy long term.  Trust your ears and stay within your budget.  Once you have your speakers you can choose the amp that powers and pairs with them best.  Enjoy your new musical journey! 

jallan's avatar
jallan
426 posts
 

Check out ATC speakers- great value for the money, sealed box so easy to match with a room, and very dynamic. Check out Schiit for amplifiers- Wotan or Vidar. You will be well under the 10 grand for amp and speakers.

tomcarr
1,818 posts
 

Speakers first.

It should be obvious by now.

Speakers first.

You won't regret it.

tomcarr
1,818 posts
 

+1 @jallan ATC and Schiit yes!

rubicon15
122 posts
 

I agree, if you’re replacing the amp and speakers at the same time, most people prefer to select or determine their top 1-3 speakers before purchasing an amp. However, if you’re interested in a tube amp like CJ or MAC, it may influence your speaker selection to some degree. Specifically, how much power is needed to drive the speakers and possibly that “tube” sound impacting the sonic characteristics of the speakers. Just keep this in mind when you audition speakers. 

Since you mentioned CJ, a used Classic 60SE or new Classic 62SE is a great place to start. They offer that classic CJ sound at a lower price point. If you need more power, you could consider the 100 watt Classic. Hope this helps. Enjoy the journey. 

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