Power amps

[monkfish]

I'm using a Caiman as DAC and PRE, what power amps are you using please ?, I have a pair of Tannoy Cheviots and was previously using a pro mosfet 100w studio amp which sounded great.

Unfortunately it was quite old and is now malfunctioning, I bought a Behringer A500, which is powerful (very), but the old mosfet was better, a more flat sound from the A500 and less bass, I would be grateful for your experiences and findings.

[walpurgis]

Currently driving my Cheviot II speakers with a Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro power amp. It sounds amazingly good.

If you want a cheap but very effective option. Try a second hand Denon PMA-350SE. It drives Tannoys extremely well, has plenty of grip and punch and sounds pretty refined, with excellent clarity. I've used one in my system several times.

[Haselsh1]

I'm currently (Geddit) using a Samson Servo 600 studio pro power amp with straight connections and no preamp. Absolutely lovin the slam and grunt from this amp into KEF Q500's.

[monkfish]

Thanks for the replies, keep them coming, the A500 has power in spades, but not as musical to me as other amps tried, I used an Amptastic Mini-1 as the power amp for a while and it is remarkably good but only about 15-20w max, I have a couple of Avondaled 250's in storage but there was a gain problem with the 250's and the Caiman.
The amp I was using before it gave up the ghost was a Stellar Fet-1, a lovely musical sounding amp with plenty of power.

[Macca]

Have you considered getting the mosfet amp fixed? Jez Arkless could probably sort it for you, maybe even upgrade it as well.

[monkfish]

Have you considered getting the mosfet amp fixed? Jez Arkless could probably sort it for you, maybe even upgrade it as well.

I actually have two of them and both are goosed, a mate who is an ex TV repair guy tried to fix one by installing new transistors but that failed to repair the problem, someone to have a look at them would be great and I do intend to, I thought about finding someone local as they're a bit heavy for posting but if that's the only way I will.

[Gazjam]

Used the Amptastic Mini-1 myself as a poweramp for a while, really responds well to a good linear power supply, think I had it set around 13V.
Great wee amp but as you say, 20 watts or so so not a powerhouse.

My speakers though are 94db efficient, so had plenty of volume with it and only fell apart when you were really driving it. In its performance envelope and in a smaller room can do great things.

Nowadays I've gone the valve route, a 300B SET power amp into an active Pre, which weirdly despite being 8 watts per channel sounds WAY louder, dynamic and ballsy than the Amptastic. Not entirely unexpected though.

For me, now, valves are the only way but can be a dark rocky road to travel.

Had the A500 in for a while too, bit of a brute and sounded "ok" but not the last word in refinement.

[Haselsh1]

Had the A500 in for a while too, bit of a brute and sounded "ok" but not the last word in refinement.

Yep, definitely not the last word in refinement but then I used to do valves and left them behind for something more exciting and raw. As usual, each to their own.

[Arkless Electronics]

I actually have two of them and both are goosed, a mate who is an ex TV repair guy tried to fix one by installing new transistors but that failed to repair the problem, someone to have a look at them would be great and I do intend to, I thought about finding someone local as they're a bit heavy for posting but if that's the only way I will.

I can probably fix them yes

[PeteC]

Keep a look out on eBay, you might get lucky. I got a Krell KAV300iL a couple of years ago for £1000. Built like a tank. It's absolutely clean and clear, no audible noise and very revealing. Although powerful it it very clear and able to reproduce delicate sounds at low level. The apparent sound quality remains the same regardless of level. Other makes of high quality amps also come up from time to time. Just a question of being patient enough to keep on looking! Also it maybe worth looking at http://2ndhandhifi.co.uk/