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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
jrareform's avatar
jrareform
181 posts
 

I always recommend trying multiple amplifiers with the speakers to find the best match for YOU.  I went through 9 amplifiers before I settled on a used Pass Labs Xa30.8.  It is insanely good.  In your price range I really like Primare gear.  I have an odyssey kismet but the thing is too noisy.  On first boot up it buzzes and then only gets a little better after running in.  As soon as I play music the buzzing starts again albeit at a lower volume.  Tried to troubleshoot with Klaus and just never was satisfied.  But for the quality of sound I had to go up to Pass Labs to handily beat the sound of the kismet.  But that noise was too much for me

devinplombier
1,637 posts
 

First get speakers you love, then get amps that make them happy.

Discussing amps in a vacuum is nonsense. What matters most when choosing an amp is, is it a good match for your speakers?

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,920 posts
 

second the recommendation for odyssey amps for high value high sonic quality good build quality

a hegel h20 would also be a good choice they sometimes appear used under 3 grand, exceptionally clean sounding and capable amplifier

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,711 posts
 

I would get new speakers first, then get an integrated amp.  You can easily get a 200wpc integrated for 3K or less if you don't mind used.

alucard19
389 posts
 

I currently have 2 Anthem power amps, the P2 which is the amp for my main speakers in my main 2 channel set up, and I also have the MCA225 amp for the speakers in my 2nd system and both amps sound fantastic and have never given me any problems. The best thing about these Anthem amps is you can play them all day at ear splitting levels and they do not get more than warm to the touch.They are built like tanks, very reliable and have more than enough power for any kind of speaker even ones that have hard to drive low impedance's. 

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