Speaker Amp recommendation

[DigiPete]

Adcom GFA-5800 or Adcom GFA-5500

Any opinions on the above (or any other amp) in the $500 used price range, give or take?

Looking to power my Paradigm Ref 100 v4s

Cheers

Pete

[Hopstretch]

Aragon 4004 would do the job nicely at the price.

[DigiPete]

Thanks!

I am mulling over the following also:

Brytson 3B-ST

Rotel RB-1080

any others??

[grawk]

Given that you can solder and do casework, you could pick up some icepower modules...

[luvdunhill]

yeah, I second the question on DIY or no. If DIY, then how much so, low end of the scale being grawk's suggestion, high end of the scale being something that deals with heat sinks and the casework chores that go with it...

[DigiPete]

Having built a Dynamite with all the requisite case/heatsink work, I am not daunted at all.

But.... how would the Class Ds sound against any of the aformentioned amps??

Don't want a bright amp.... but transparent, neutral, and sweet highs.

Probably want 200w into 8 ohms... ish

[grawk]

The icepower amps are VERY good.

[DigiPete]

The icepower amps are VERY good.

aaarrggghhhhh....... I must resist another DIY project

[grawk]

It's really easy DIY, actually. Just connectors and casework, maybe some capacitor upgrades.

[DigiPete]

It's really easy DIY, actually. Just connectors and casework, maybe some capacitor upgrades.

Hmmm...... ok, what you got in mind?

Does it meet the Head Case audiophoole seal of approval

[DigiPete]

Of course then I'm going to need a pre-amp.... here it goes

[n_maher]

I think you could put a pot on the front end of the Ice modules with out much of an issue.

[DigiPete]

Good to know. I guess if the impedance is right you don't have to worry about loosing bass?

[n_maher]

I think there are a few commercial products that use a pot to call the modules an "integrated" solution. But more research required, otherwise just throw a two channel something like a MINT upstream.

[Dusty Chalk]

Does it meet the Head Case audiophoole seal of approval

Absolutely.

To wit: DEW ET!

[DigiPete]

Listening to the rig through an Adcom 5400 I borrowed from a buddy, so far I like it.

Hard to place what its doing over and above the Denon receiver.... subtle

The sound seems more whole, bass is a bit better, less digital sounding overall, nice placement. has a tiny bit of a buzz though... I'll have to play with cables and placement of power cords to see if I can improve.

The thing is f'ing tank. Gargantuan torroid in it, about three times the size of whats in the Denon 3808 receiver.

This makes me think a seperate amp is definitely going to be in the cards for my speaker rig.

[Hopstretch]

Hey Pete, I got an email from Outlaw today saying they're doing 20% off and free shipping. That would get you to $560 for a new pair of their 2200 monoblocks, which are pretty sweet and seem to be a favorite over on the Hoffman forums.

[Pars]

Odyssey Stratos should be doable for under $700; check Audiogon and ebay. You should be able to get the balance of the 20 year warranty. I've had mine for 5 years at least. One of these has survived Reks for a few months so far, minus a blown fuse incident...

[DigiPete]

me and my money seem destined to be parted

Ok, so I like an amp that is not cold and clinical, but transparent with sweet highs and just a touch or warmth.

what to do.... what to do..... ??

[grawk]

NHT Power 2 amp, 200 wpc, ICE power, REDUCED!! - eBay (item 200283766630 end time Jan-02-09 18:00:00 PST)

[luvdunhill]

diyAudio Forums - Gb: F5 Pcb - Page 1

[DigiPete]

Odyssey Stratos should be doable for under $700; check Audiogon and ebay. You should be able to get the balance of the 20 year warranty. I've had mine for 5 years at least. One of these has survived Reks for a few months so far, minus a blown fuse incident...

How would you and Reks characterize the sound signature of this one?

Looks intriguing.

[Pars]

Odyssey uses a licensed design from the German Symphonic Line brand. Klauss Bunge (the principal and designer, etc.) of Odyssey is German and appears to have a close working relationship with Symphonic Line. I don't pretend to be an audio reviewer, but I would characterize the sound as leaning towards warm (plenty of detail, just not cold).

Odyssey Audio Stratos Reviews

[Dusty Chalk]

If you can get a Musical Fidelity with Choke Regulation in your price range, do it.

(A3, a3.2, I think most of the others are going to be too far up there, your best chance is with the a3)

[Torpedo]

If you can get a Musical Fidelity with Choke Regulation in your price range, do it.

(A3, a3.2, I think most of the others are going to be too far up there, your best chance is with the a3)

Have you heard them Dusty? I had a A3cr pre and power amp combo and while had some "musicality" in it, the bass was overcooked driving the pair of 4312A monitors I had then, which are sensitive and quite an easy load for any amp. Not sure they're a good match for the Paradigms.

Odyssey amps are quite good for the price. I tried a stereo Stratos here. Not the most transparent and clean sounding amp ever, but remarkable performance for the price indeed. Kind of honest, which is the gear I like better.