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I already run my AVR-3300 receiver as a partial preamp by using a Rotel RB-980 stereo amp do drive L/R fronts and the receiverīs internal amplifiers to drive the center and surround channels, and Iīm very satisfied with this system. Significant improvement, no question, but as I listen to music most of the time (80% stereo music listening vs. 20% home theater), I am considering replacing my RB-980 with a better amp, one in the $800-$1000 price range, and after reading so many favours on the ATI model AT1502 I was thinking about going with this amp, but I donīt have how to audition it, as well as any other amp here in my small town, so I would like to get your opinion on this subject.Thanks in advance.
Demetrio.
What speakers do you have and how big is your room?
My L/R front speakers are Paradigm Monitor 7 and my room is really small, it measures only 14 feet long by 12 wide by 9 high.Demetrio.
... if itīs important anyway, my musical preferences are Progressive Rock (Symphonic especially), classic rock bands and New Age.
A couple of thoughts:There is no "best" amp at any price point. given different tastes and associated equipment, what works great for one person may not work so great for someone else.
Rod has a good point. The preamp makes a huge difference in sound of the system. So does the source (forgot to ask what your source is). be prepared to eventually upgrade more than your amp to get to where you want to be.
For music, I like tube amps better than ss. You may feel diferently. I'm not 100% sure what the impedence curve of your speakers is. As long as it doesn't dip below 4 ohms (and I don't think it does) a tube amp may work fine. If you are inclined toward tubes, look for something used in the 35 to 75 wpc range. c-j MV75's are decent amps which can be had for under $900 if you can find one. Other possibilities would be the Anthem Amp 1 (name right?), Quicksilver GLA, Sound Valves VT70, etc. There are lots of possiblilities. Don't get too hung up on wattage ratings. I use a 35 wpc tube amp with 87 db sensitive speakers in a bigger room and haven't found volume to be a problem. Of course what is loud to me, may not be to you.
If you really want ss and more watts, my favorite ss amp is the Odyssey Stratos. 150 wpc, made in Indiana. List is $1295, but there is a demo one listed on Audiogon.com for $1000. I have also seen a demo advertised on R.A.M.. Despite my preference for tubes, I like this ss amp a lot. Its very dynamic, good bass, smooth and easy to listen too.
A Belles 150A is very nice and just a bit over that price but you might get a little discount to come close. Or a McCormack DNA .5 used would be a good bet.Personally, I think you'd get more of what you're after by thinking about adding a 2 channel preamp than changing amps.
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