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Thread: New Amplifier In the Works

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  1. #1
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    Nov 2016
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    Default New Amplifier In the Works

    I have a pair of Sierra 2’s that I think might benefit from more power. Currently I run them full range with a musichall audio integrated 50Wx2 setup.

    I’m in between a pair of monoblocks from outlaw model 2200 (200W each) or a parasound a23 (125Wx2 dual channel amp).

    Any recommendations?

    Thanks for the time!

  2. #2
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    Feb 2016
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Hard to answer without knowing room size, type of music, etc. I ran my S2s with a variety of gear. 85wpc Yamaha integrated, 120wpc Plinius integrated and 250wpc Teac integrated. Finally settled on a 70wpc Marantz integrated and it works well in my treated 18 x 10 listening room.
    You have amazing speakers, and my experience would suggest electronics won't make a huge difference. Depending on your situation, $ may be better spent on room treatments, a solid DAC or turntable (if you're into vinyl).
    My journey indicates that speakers, turntable/cartridge, DAC and SACD player choices (in that order) have yielded more noticeable improvement than electronics. And the Plinius and Teac units are no slouches ... the latter sharing engineering with the Esoteric team.

  3. #3
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    Aug 2003
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Quote Originally Posted by jpmc View Post
    I have a pair of Sierra 2’s that I think might benefit from more power. Currently I run them full range with a musichall audio integrated 50Wx2 setup.

    I’m in between a pair of monoblocks from outlaw model 2200 (200W each) or a parasound a23 (125Wx2 dual channel amp).

    Any recommendations?

    Thanks for the time!
    Quick question -- how far back is your main listening position from the speakers?
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    .
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    Good Sound To You!

    David Fabrikant
    www.ascendacoustics.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Quote Originally Posted by davef View Post
    Quick question -- how far back is your main listening position from the speakers?
    Dave,

    I sit about 4.5ft away from the speakers. I have since then upgraded to an ATI AT6002 amplifier.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Quote Originally Posted by jpmc View Post
    Dave,

    I sit about 4.5ft away from the speakers. I have since then upgraded to an ATI AT6002 amplifier.
    Wow!! 300wpc and only 4.5’ from the speakers?

    Do you notice any kind of difference from the 50wpc integrated? If so, can you describe it for us?
    -curtis

  6. #6
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    Nov 2016
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Quote Originally Posted by curtis View Post
    Wow!! 300wpc and only 4.5’ from the speakers?

    Do you notice any kind of difference from the 50wpc integrated? If so, can you describe it for us?
    Wait, did I just write that? It must be a sign It was a typo. I actually upgraded to an ATI AT1802 180W/channel.

    The most noticeable difference to me is there is a perceived pronouncement of certain instruments in the lower mid range. I hear some bass tones more pronounced than I used to. Most sounds are clearly more pronounced.

    The low range bass is definitely tighter which is always welcome. Overall I'd say much better control and better emphasis on certain frequencies (I can only imagine it's cleaned up a bit).

    One welcome addition is the peak light indicator, whenever I see those just hint I immediately back up on the volume. It does surprise me that I can still make the amp peak being this thing is massive! It was almost impossible to move this amplifier around (so heavy).

    I did however come from a pretty good integrated (musichall audio 15.3 amp). I am still using it as a pre-amp untill I can source a dedicated pre-amp.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    I use an older five channel version of that amp, the 1505. I am surprised you can light up the peak light, I never have, and I have cranked it pretty loud, but I do use a sub.
    -curtis

  8. #8
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    Nov 2016
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    I received the SPL meter that Dave recommended.

    I tested the same tracks that I usually saw the “peak” lights on.

    It was reading about 100-103db before there was a slight indication of the peak light coming on.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Quote Originally Posted by jpmc View Post
    I received the SPL meter that Dave recommended.

    I tested the same tracks that I usually saw the “peak” lights on.

    It was reading about 100-103db before there was a slight indication of the peak light coming on.
    That’s pretty loud. That’s your “normal” listening levels.

    At those peaks, I still don’t think you should be seeing the peak lights.
    -curtis

  10. #10
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    Nov 2016
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    Default Re: New Amplifier In the Works

    Those aren’t my normal listening levels.

    I’d say it’s momentarely. Well I’m not sure if they were peaks. I’d say that was average dB.

    Would a tweeter failing trip the peak lights?

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