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

kaj

@brskie +1 I wouldn't use those NHT speakers for loud listening to hard rock/metal. Klipsch Forte's would be far better!

A pair of Fosi V3 mono's with two 48 volt power supplies would do nicely - 200+ wpc. Around $300!

I suggest you take a look at Odyssey Audio amps.  You can get two monobloc Stratos amps at 180 wpc for about $2700.  They are also high current designs, according to Klaus’ website.  I have two Kismet monoblocs in Stratos cases, and they are my end stage amps.  www.odysseyaudio.com

I agree with the others who suggest getting speakers sorted first. I also agree with @jasonbourne71 

I had the Anthem for a couple years, it’s a fine amp and I’m sure would work well for many speakers…..but I gotta agree amps are not all the same despite “specs” that might look similar,  

case in point, the Anthem sounded great on my then Martin Logan classic 9’s, UNTIL I bought a Sanders Magtech which is designed for electrostats.  Then I moved to Vandersteen Treo speakers, the Magtech certainly got the job done (it’s got tons of power), but then I moved to an Aesthetix Atlas amp and OMG the difference. 
consequently, I agree that you should find the speakers that are going to rock your boat first and then pair the amp to them….because they’re not at all the same!