If I were in your shoes, I'd do the speaker upgrade first, then choose an amp that's capable of driving them well. Speakers have more impact on sound.
Power amplifier advice?
I am thinking about buying a power amplifier. I want something with about 200 W per channel into 8 Ohms, in the price range up to about $2500. The models that are currently at the top of my shortlist are Rotel Rb-1582 MkII, Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2, and Schiit Wotan.
It is not possible for me to listen to these side by side, so I must base my decision on specs, reviews, and recommendations.
If anyone has experience of these amplifiers, I am eager to hear about their impressions and views.
My current speakers are a pair of old NHT 2.5, which are said to be quite power hungry, and a bit bright. I will probably upgrade speakers later, but I want to hear the NHT:s with a more powerful amp first. My current amplifier is an old HK6850 integrated, with 85 W per channel. My DAC (Denafrips Aress II) lacks volume control, so if I buy a separate power amp I will also need a preamp, but that is a later issue.
I mostly listen to hard rock and heavy metal, and I like to be able to crank it up so that I can hear the music while doing chores in the kitchen (no room for speakers there).
Regards,
Kaj
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- 46 posts total
I agree with @knotscott, upgrade speakers first! Mike |
The $2500 spot at 200wpc is going to be system dependent. There's some that believe all amps sound the same and to them they probably do. Some budget speakers need a bit of massaging to integrate with the listening room. I hate paying retail, but some dealers are worth their experience because they've assembled great sounding systems thru trial and error and save up the time and money lost doing it ourselves. Post your general (largest nearest city) location and ask for local referrals. |
- 46 posts total