Power amp ideas

[MorganW]

Hi people,
I'm looking to upgrade/replace my worn out Arcam alpha 9 integrated with a second hand power amp. The arcam has the typical crackly input selector and now the volume control too.
AUDIOLAB 8200cdq as source with Linn Kaber speakers on the end.
Was thinking along the lines of either an 8200p (if I can find one) or maybe a Quad 909 or Meridian 556?
With a budget of £300 to £500 max, what opinions do you knowledgeable people have?

[walpurgis]

Why not use Servisol switch cleaner on the Arcam and clean the controls for the time being?

[MorganW]

Yeah been doing that for years already

[macvisual]

I'd highly recommend a Quad 303.....! Ibought one last week for £150 and it sounds truly excellent. 45watts into 8ohms.

[Infinitely Baffled]

I'd highly recommend a Quad 303.

They are a lovely thing to own, no question. A timeless and classic design. Unfortunately, though, I feel that their sonic performance can be bettered quite easily - and I say that with no pleasure whatsoever. I used to run Quad ESL57 loudspeakers, and a change from the Quad 303 to even something as mundane as a Rotel RB970 brought about an easily noticeable improvement in the dynamics and assurance of the musical performance. Still the best-looking amp ever, though (except maybe for the Quad 405-2).
IB

[Arkless Electronics]

They are a lovely thing to own, no question. A timeless and classic design. Unfortunately, though, I feel that their sonic performance can be bettered quite easily - and I say that with no pleasure whatsoever. I used to run Quad ESL57 loudspeakers, and a change from the Quad 303 to even something as mundane as a Rotel RB970 brought about an easily noticeable improvement in the dynamics and assurance of the musical performance. Still the best-looking amp ever, though (except maybe for the Quad 405-2).
IB

+1 A classic piece of industrial design and good in its day but pretty lame by modern standards.

[pgarrish]

You could get a pair of rotel powers with matching pre for that budget. I just like the stack of matching boxes [emoji16]

[the little audio company]

As I recall, the Kabers were fussy buggers. I'd have a look at some used Linn amplification from around the same time as your Kabers, or as your suggestion, Quad or Meridian. Any of those three should work well, but your choice will depend on the sound you're looking for. The Meridians could be quite smooth, but varied. I was never overly keen on the later 500 series, and preferred (and owned at one point) their 605 monoblocks. Quad has amazing midrange, but lacking at the frequency extremes compared to many other power amps, and Linn is, well, Linn. The Linn power amps of the time all worked well with Kabers.

[Roy S]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282359680485?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

[Yomanze]

What sound are you looking for, what do you like, and what would you like to change? If the Kabers are indeed fussy and difficult speakers, then this changes things also & as a general rule amps that double their wattage from 8 Ohm to 4 Ohm would indicate an electrical match. I think the safe option would be a big Meridian amp because they drive pretty much everything, but there are more lively and hairshirt options out there too.

[Macca]

Linn LK100 was the recommended partnering power amp for Kabers IIRC.

[MorganW]

Thanks for your replies. Linn might be the way to go then? Not overly unhappy with the sound I have now, bass could maybe be a little tighter although this might be the speakers? I'm just fed up with the dodgy input selector and volume control and as I no longer need the pre amp facility of it, time for a replacement.
Anyone know how the AUDIOLAB 8200P sounds? If its more of the 8200CDQ then I think I'd like that.

[hifi_dave]

I recommend a Quad - the best you can get your hands on given the budget.

[Macca]

Shame you are not closer or I could lend you some amps to try. I have an issue of HFR somewhere with a very long review of the Kabers. This was back when they came out. IIRC the bloke liked them a lot but I think he had Kans himself so you'd expect them to be better. He ended up using three Linn LK100 in a passive tri-amp configuration. Which is a bit of overkill I reckon. I've got an LK100 and it is quite meaty for a 50 watt amp. I did use to clip it on occasion, though.

Anyway like Dave says a QUAD is a safe bet, you want one of the beefy ones though, like a 606.
.

[philv]

Very pleased with my recently aquired quad 909.
Great sound, small footprint, and hold their value.

[MorganW]

That's s very kind gesture Martin, it is a shame.
The general opinion on other forums on amps for Kabers is a (single) Klout as a minimum in passive but I can't say my Arcam struggles driving them in my room which is quite small, or my previous larger room. I think it produces 18 amps and 140 watts into 4 ohms, will the Quad amps equal or better those specs?
I am looking at used Quad amps and have seen an Elite stereo power within budget, are these any good? They are much smaller in size compared to the 606 and 909 types.
Thanks again for your suggestions.

[Macca]

That's s very kind gesture Martin, it is a shame.
The general opinion on other forums on amps for Kabers is a (single) Klout as a minimum in passive but I can't say my Arcam struggles driving them in my room which is quite small, or my previous larger room. I think it produces 18 amps and 140 watts into 4 ohms, will the Quad amps equal or better those specs?
I am looking at used Quad amps and have seen an Elite stereo power within budget, are these any good? They are much smaller in size compared to the 606 and 909 types.
Thanks again for your suggestions.

Well the Klout was just a twinkle in Ivors's eye when the Kaber first came out.

You are right that the Arcam is more than sufficient on paper, they just are not the most transparent power amps around. Neither are QUAD for that matter, you might find swapping from one to the other you hear very little difference. All IMO of course. As always the only real solution is to try it.

[hifi_dave]

That's s very kind gesture Martin, it is a shame.
The general opinion on other forums on amps for Kabers is a (single) Klout as a minimum in passive but I can't say my Arcam struggles driving them in my room which is quite small, or my previous larger room. I think it produces 18 amps and 140 watts into 4 ohms, will the Quad amps equal or better those specs?
I am looking at used Quad amps and have seen an Elite stereo power within budget, are these any good? They are much smaller in size compared to the 606 and 909 types.
Thanks again for your suggestions.

Yes, the Quad Elite is very good. Quad current dumper amps have improved in sound and performance over the years, with the latest being the best to my ears.