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?
I would lean towards a well made super amp that’s a bit older. Mark Levinson, Rowland, krell, classe, Bryson, pass labs, etc all made 100 wpc stereo amps that if you’re lucky come in under 2k. im running a vintage pair of levinson 20.5 mono blocks that had been lightly used. They sing like the 25k amps they are. Cost me 2250.
anyway good luck. |
A friend in my audio get together circle was looking for a new amp and settled on this company.https://www.buckeyeamp.com/shop/amplifiers/hypex/ncore I heard these amps and was very, very impressed. He does his homework and stated the customer service is great. Well within your budget. I think he bought the mono amps. |
@2psyop yes, Buckeye looks too good to be true. Seriously. I will call them tomorrow. Are they Class D? @dickieboy the PS Audio is a great option. In my top 3. @msheldonsb I am always leaning to buy vintage. In this case it’s a bit risky. There is no return option. However I would take the dive for a Classe or Bryston amp. @jimmyblues1959 84dB. I think I would need more than 55 Watts. I do love AVA though. @yyzsantabarbara Yes Schiit looks good on paper. I have no experience with it. But the price/value is compelling! |
I did not read fully through all the posts but but maybe give a look at Emotiva gear. I purchased their BASX A2 power amp. 160wpc into 8ohms and 250 into 4. Made in USA and about at about half of your budget. I know Emotiva doesn't get much respect here but I have had mine for several years with flawless service.
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You are right @llg98ljk it's not a big hit here, Are you happy with the sound? What speakers are you driving with them? |
