used power amp under 1500


I started with a great system and I managed to downgrade it to an OK sound through a lot of trades, sales, questionable decisions and shrinking budget. (No regrets, it's been a fun journey.) I ended up with very low sensitivity, hard to drive speakers and now I need more power. Will 100 Watts be enough and is it OK and safe to buy used? Any brands that are a good value at $1500?

parkergetdean

@parkergetdean - you could probably live with the 4B-ST forever and be happy.  Plus, you can always send it back to Bryston under the "Back to the Future" program and have it updated if you ever felt the need: 

https://support.bryston.com/downloads/refurbished/bttf/BTTF_INSTRUCTIONS_MEMO.pdf

Bryston's were near the top of my list when I was looking for amps (But I prefer BAT tube amps)

Just to confirm, yeah the m3si would be underpowered. I tried one with my KEF LS50’s which are harder to drive, and it sounded great, but lacked the depth needed to drive them. The m6 would be great, or their equivalent power amp.

 

I like the MF m6 soix linked,

but I have to say, I would change the speakers to more efficient, I prefer 3 way efficient speakers and tubes, why not create a Virtual System with room size, photos and equipment list, and think long.

Perhaps this is a second system?

@parkergetdean 

I would suggest that you consider Current as much as Power.  I love the older Dedicated Power Amps.  Plus they can be repaired if they fail.  I drive old Apogee Stages with an Aragon 4004 mkII that is a dual mono - mil spec - symmetrical design from Dan D'Agostino - the designer of the early Krell amplifiers.

They are 200w into 8ohms and 400w into 4ohms and dead quiet.  It weights about 60 lbs.  They take total effortless control of any speakers.  After 30 years I only had a single repair - A stuck startup/safety relay.  You can get one on Ebay for about $1k.  There is a great selection of vintage - high current - pure power amps from days past that I feel are worth the risk.  Many of these older designs still cost thousands of dollars - but for a reason - not just inflation.

I have an NAD C298 that I’d be willing to part with if you’re interested. 
Purifi Eigentact 180 watts 

excellent condition.  Original box, packing and manual.
 

PM me if interested

Thanks,

Rick H