Amplifier

McIntosh would be nice although expensive.... again not too sure of beating the Accuphase in terms of sound as not much improvements have been made in amplifier technology over the years by the top companies.....

But yes, in terms of looks, features McIntosh would be great amplifiers....the newer integrateds come with the inbuilt DAC
 
If you can get a Mcintosh MA6900 in good nick it will be a great buy. However, having heard the amp I can tell you don't expect Accuphase level of refinement from that amp. I am not sure how well your E-206 is playing, but the Mac isn't a match for Accuphase refinement and power delivery if you take last decade into count. It will do a lot of things extremely well though. Just make sure your speakers are not too hard for it to drive.
 
Gnanasekhar,

I was in your position a few years ago and ended up buying an Acoustic Portrait setup.
Website: Acoustic Portrait

I can tell you straight off their standard gear will not meet your requirements. But if you contact Siva and ask him to put together a custom build with high quality components - you will not be sorry. They have developed a 200w Integrated SS design which has been commissioned by a friend of mine. Cost is approx Rs 1.2L ... maybe more.

One of the best things about AP is that they are available locally (Bangalore) for service and tune ups if needed. Your investment is almost future proof because Siva often offers updates and mods to existing gear at very reasonable prices.

PM if you would like to have their contact details.

Regards.
 
Good Pointer, Nikhil.

Regarding the other comments on various amplifier suggestions.... do keep in mind that each manufacturer has a particular "House Sound."

As a direct implication, each brand of amplifiers Will Sound Different !

Do factor into your decision making process.
 
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ranjeetrain said:
If you can get a Mcintosh MA6900 in good nick it will be a great buy. However, having heard the amp I can tell you don't expect Accuphase level of refinement from that amp. I am not sure how well your E-206 is playing, but the Mac isn't a match for Accuphase refinement and power delivery if you take last decade into count. It will do a lot of things extremely well though. Just make sure your speakers are not too hard for it to drive.
Click to expand...

I concur with Ranjeet....The MA6900 is powerful but the Accuphase would be more refined however old if working well...Have you googled other Beethovan Grand owners with McIntosh amps?
 
If the amp is playing well, how does it matter what it's age is!
Click to expand...

Ageing capacitors in an amp result in a gradual ( not catastrophic) deterioration in the sound quality.

It is unlikely you will realise this degradation when auditioning it before purchase....
 
gnanasekhar said:
I have no reservations with Accuphase E-206. Comparing with MF A-5 it is excellent. The 2 things I got in my mind are
1. Age of the Amplifier.
2. It comes without remote control.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION ABOUT ACCUPHASE E-308. Can I find any improvement going to E-308.
with many thanks
Click to expand...

I wouldn't mind owning old accuphase:licklips: if you think it is old enough to retire and even I had to walk 20 feet to adjust the volume..so please consider me as a potential free gift receiver...:yahoo:

whatever is being said about accuphase is true..so if you want to beat the sound of it..again you have to purchase new accuphase....decision is yours..
otherwise there is no end of gambling in the audiophile world..I wont be surprised if someone tells you - why dont you change the cables and see the improvement and then room and then house...
so better to increase the budget...or wait for sometime for any used accuphase deal..

cheers

dheeraj
 
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I have another idea of selling the Vienna Acoustics Speakers and go for a good BS Speakers from Dyaudio (Contour s1.4), Proac (D2). Some friends are suggesting to take this route. But I'm in a confused stage.
 
IndianEars said:
Ageing capacitors in an amp result in a gradual (not catastrophic) deterioration in the sound quality.

It is unlikely you will realise this degradation when auditioning it before purchase....
Click to expand...

True that but one would easily notice it whenever it happens and get them changed. I once acquired a vintage Luxman which sounded too good while it lasted but alas became too unreliable to hold on to any longer.

The experience made me resolve not to go in for old amplifiers unless one has easy access to competent technicians and loads of time as well. But the OP already has an old amp. So as long as it is playing well, he shouldn't be too worried about the age of it.
 
captrajesh said:
If the amp is playing well, how does it matter what it's age is!
Click to expand...

The Captain just took the words out of my mouth ! :)

If your amp sounds very good why change ? Are you afraid that it will break down ? I've seen brand new VERY expensive equipment go up in smoke in a few days. The fact that it has worked so well so far ( and if well taken care of ) means that it should work well for a lot longer. Just needs a little bit of preventive maintenance !

There is no guarantee that a newer amp design will sound better than an established older one.

Why not go out and buy 1 lakh worth of new music instead ? Invite several FM's over for a single malt and great food several times. Will be cheaper than a new amp and immensely enjoyable ! ;)
 
I think that the OP is looking for an amp that he can liuve with for the long haul... say something like at least 5-10 years. In which case older amps are not a good choice.

The speakers that he is playing the amp with are pretty revealing. And can be played to their true potential only with a worthy amp...

His current Accuphase is delivering the goods, but in the larger scheme of things he would be held by by 2 things:

1. Lack of head room. The 208 is a 120 watt'er i think...so a 180 -250 watt'er is preferred...
2. the age of the current amp, the quality of the sound WILL decrease....

Just my 2 bits....
 
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Since I have one Accuphase 303 x I staunchly support in holding 206. I feel the power section of accuphase is more grunt and dynamic. Pre section is also good. If you want to add a flavour or a good sound stage you can add a really pre amplifier like Parasound class A or Ec pre. You need not go for a high end amplifier consists of pre and power. I am using Ec1 pre with Accupase to drive my giant B&W 801 matrix iii. Superb.
 
Sekar, Your problem is lack of audition. I would suggest to take the next step only after auditioning which ever system you want to buy. Selling a Vienna and going for the Dyns will not slove your problem, not that the Dyns are bad, but they need a hell of an amp to make them sing. You should spent more for the amplifier incase you are going for the Dyns.
First make yourself clear what you want and then start auditioning those system and then take a call, other wise you will be taken for a ride.

Regards
 
How good are Luxman Amplifiers? One Luxman L-509F is available. Searched a lot but could'nt find anything from the NET. Your help will be appreciated.
thanks
 
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