Used 2 ch amp in $300 range? (1 Viewer)

[Kevin Parker]

Hi guys,
Right now I have pioneer 811s, and Infinity Interlude front and surround and interlude center. I just want to add a 2 ch amp to see if it improves the sound quality(not loudness) of my 2 ch music, dont care much about HT, any suggestions for $300 max?(used), i was looking at some nad 214 or adcom gfa-545 on audiogon. Your help would be really appreciated.

 

[LCSeminole]

Kevin, if you can stretch that to $399, this authorized dealer has the NAD C270 brand new. www.saturdayaudio.com

 

[JohnSer]

I bought used Adcom 545IIs from Ebay, and can be had at less than $250. Mated well with my HK520. I have Interlude speakers, but not on the system the Adcom is on.

JohnS

 

[Kevin Parker]

any more suggestions?

 

[LCSeminole]

Onkyo has an option, the M-282, you can find it several places, try their website or here http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_9704.htm

 

[Kevin Parker]

is there any significant difference b/w adcom 545 and 545II?

 

[JohnSer]

There are minor diff between them. The 545II is just the newer model, and better chance that the electrolytics caps are still good.

JohnS

 

[Kevin Parker]

can't find 545II, is 535II worthed to try? its very cheap though.

 

[KyleGS]

Look for the M series power amps from Yamaha. You can get them on eBAY for $200-400. I bought the M-70 for $200 and could not be happier. Look for the M-60, M-65, M-70, M-80, M-85, MX-1000

 

[Robert_Gaither]

I'd also advise the AudioSource Amp3. The 535 is good amp that will sound a little harsh at louder volumes (at least the version 1 that I have).

 

[JohnSer]

Kevin, there is only one on Ebay now: 545II
There is usually more and expect once we get past the holidays, it will pick back up.

The 535 I beleive, puts out less watts, around 60 per channel.

JohnS

 

[SeanDM]

I also have the 811s but paired with a Dahlquist 5.1 set up. I just added an Audiosource Amp 2 for the fronts that I got for $249 shipped from J&R through Amazon. Overall, I like it. It is low profile so it fits well on my shelves with room overhead to keep it cool.

I definitely notice more substantial and cleaner sound from my QX8's, but I haven't really tested it with a DVD yet, just stereo sources. The only issue I have is the auto switch capability. When listening at low volumes it would cycle on and off as it picked up the weak signal. I had to set it to manual to avoid this.

 

[Rogozhin]

nad 2200

 

[Kevin Parker]

how are the hafler amps? I saw couple used for very good price, I beleive it was 200 or 220.

 

[JimmyK]

Quote:
how are the hafler amps? I saw couple used for very good price, I beleive it was 200 or 220.

I have a couple of 2 channel Hafler amps that I purchased new back in the early 80's. I believe they are the DH200 models.

I still use them today and they sound great!

They are rated at 100w per channel. However, Hafler at that time used very conservative ratings. I remember seeing a review in Stereo Review when I bought them that said at 8ohms their output was 125 watts continuous, and about twice that at 4 ohms. Dynamic power (short term peaks) measured from about 250 watts at 8 ohms to almost 500 watts at 2 ohms!

These amps have served me very well over the past 20+ years and I wouldn't hesiate to recommend them.

JimmyK