Authoritative SS Power Amplifier

[Nikhil]

I have been looking over some candidates for a Solid State power amp with plenty of headroom to get the best out of most speakers. My current speakers are the PSB Image T5s however I would like to have an amp that's got me covered in the future. I don't want to go over the top so about $2,000 would be my budget. I have looked long and hard at some used McCormack listings - a DNA-500 with any of the SmC mods would be my dream amp probably. Would consider revising my budget if I get one of these. If anyone on here has one please let me know - would like to hear what this beast is all about.

The Emotiva XPA-2 is a definite candidate. Have already got a quote from Emotiva but would like to hear one before of making a blind purchase. They seem to be a great VFM purchase at the $750 price level.

Its between these two at this point in time. If anyone has been on this road before please let me know. All comments and feedback are welcome!

Note: I have heard NADs and they are not in contention right now.

 

[tirthankar]

If you are open to used, you can be on the lookout for a Jeff Rowland Model 5.

 

[sidvee]

I don't want to go over the top so about $2,000 would be my budget.

Does your budget in $ mean that you are you planning to buy overseas? If so a lot of options exists at that price point, the best being gently used units on AudioGon where most $4k amps. new should be available close to $2 or $2.5k. Of-course i am not adding shipping, customs (and most importantly voltage conversion costs).
If you are talking about buying in India, I would heartily recommed the Odyssey stratos from ARN b'lore. It should come in approximately at that price point in rupees (new) and will drive 90% of speakers very well. Some used units also may be available but I have not seen a lot. I myself, sold my 1 yr old. Odyssey stratos xtreme for 75k a couple of years ago.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

Does your budget in $ mean that you are you planning to buy overseas?

Yes. Much better options available and the guys seem to be friendly enough. I was on Audiogon looking up the McCormacks. Missed out on a DNA-500 earlier this month but I wasn't looking to buy then.

 

[sidvee]

Yes. Much better options available and the guys seem to be friendly enough. I was on Audiogon looking up the McCormacks. Missed out on a DNA-500 earlier this month but I wasn't looking to buy then.

Then you need to consider voltage conversion. Since a lot of mfrs. price differently for NA, Europe and Asia, it is quite hard to have them convert used units even if you are willing to pay. So it is better to consider models that have easy conversion built in.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

Then you need to consider voltage conversion. Since a lot of mfrs. price differently for NA, Europe and Asia, it is quite hard to have them convert used units even if you are willing to pay. So it is better to consider models that have easy conversion built in.
Cheers,
Sid

Yes thats a factor. Emotiva has built in automatic 120/230 AC voltage detection and switching. Another plus in their favour after price.

 

[sound1]

I know it is DIY, but how about Hypex nCore NC400?

Glowing reviews here:
Hypex NCore NC400 - USA Tour Listening Impressions

Here is the thread on hifivision:
http://www.hifivision.com/diy/26731-thread-hypex-ncore-amps.html

Disclaimer: Never owned/listened to one (or two)

 

[GeorgeO]

I've built the Hypex UcD 180, and love it.

 

[Nikhil]

I know it is DIY, but how about Hypex nCore NC400?

...

Disclaimer: Never owned/listened to one (or two)

Thanks sound1 but DIY is not my thing. Very challenged when it comes to electronics specially!

 

[Nikhil]

If you are open to used, you can be on the lookout for a Jeff Rowland Model 5.

That looks phenomenal!! Never heard of Jeff Rowlands before but reviews are solid online.
Looks like a pretty old model Will have to do more research on this.

 

[sidvee]

Yes thats a factor. Emotiva has built in automatic 120/230 AC voltage detection and switching. Another plus in their favour after price.

Good. Then you have a Winner. Also there is huge difference between a McCormack and Emotiva - we are talking apples and oranges here.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

Good. Then you have a Winner. Also there is huge difference between a McCormack and Emotiva - we are talking apples and oranges here.
Cheers,
Sid

Yup. The Emotiva though, might be a better fit for what I have right now.

 

[Flash]

Nikhil,

The next time you are in Bandra Hop by my place. I don't have the Emotiva XPA-2's
But will give you a Taste of 2 x XPA-1's in action. So you will know what to expect from the XPA-2

 

[square_wave]

Try these too. New.

Some of the best bargains out there if you are into music.

avahifi - Power Amplifiers Comparison Grid

 

[ashishkesarwani]

With PSBs you can always try them with NAD C275 which is a 2 Channel power amp with ample head room to drive even the most difficult loads, and it should also be well within your set budget of 2000$, or else you can go in with a C356BEE and then use it as a power amp by removing its jumper.

 

[GeorgeO]

I own a ss pre from Audio by Van Alstine (AVA). Frank Van Alstine is a real ustaad, his forum is on Audiocircle

 

[reignofchaos]

Comparing some emotiva to a DNA-500 is like comparing chalk with cheese. The only thing common between the two is the rated output power.

 

[venkatcr]

Take a look at Parasound 2250 also. Available in India, they deliver 250 watts into 8 ohms with ease. All Parasound products are designed by the legendary John Curl.

Cheers

 

[Flash]

Take a look at Parasound 2250 also. Available in India, they deliver 250 watts into 8 ohms with ease. All Parasound products are designed by the legendary John Curl.

Cheers

Any Idea whats the Price of the 2250 in India

 

[Shivam]

Not the place where I wanted to post. Deleted !!