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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
kennyc
2,880 posts
 

Speakers and amplifiers should be matched, especially to meet current requirements. Agree next speakers should be sorted first or may have to change amplifier again after speaker change. 

dr-hooves's avatar
dr-hooves
31 posts
 

The Benchmark AHB2 is what you need .. the difference is only $900

It will last you with pleasure. Other than that, purchase an old Marantz or Denon monolith from eBay or summint like it.

BENCHMARK AHB2

lardawg
58 posts
 

I would highly recommend the PS Audio Stellar M700 monos.

bgross's avatar
bgross
530 posts
 

I had those NHTs for a while. They're actually a very nice sounding speaker in a stereo setup and not as amp dependent as you'd think. This Onkyo Intgra might be exactly what you need, big meters and all, lol.

https://holthill.com/products/onkyo-integra-m504?_pos=1&_sid=f971c8748&_ss=r

Stash the other $1K away for something else. You don't need to spend it on an amp for the 2.5s. Boy, these guys always have the coolest pieces.

Just my opinion.

greenngoldcheesehead
102 posts
 

If i had to pick from the 3 you mentioned, I am inclined to select the Schiit.  The build specs are impressive for the price BUT the THD spec concerns me.  I would recommend looking at the Musical Fidelity M6s PRX.  It comes with a choke which filters out the DC component of bad power which is done by some high end manufacturers.  This greatly lowers the noise floor and improves imaging.  Good luck !

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