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#1
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Audio Research power amp for LS3b preamp?
A few months ago, I bought a used Audio Research LS3b preamp
from an auction on eBay, for a little over $500. My trusty NAD 7175PE receiver's tone controls were getting flaky, and the LS3b feeds the NAD's main-in jacks. Man, this thing sounds good! I also bought a new CD player (NAD C541i) and got some decent cables, and finally set up my Vandersteen 1b's properly, so it's hard to say how much of the improvement is due to the ARC preamp. I notice more detail and a bigger soundstage, but with a sense of ease and a lack of strain. So when I go to replace the receiver, I'm wondering if I should look for an Audio Research power amp like the D130, which sometimes turns up on the used market. Opinions? I could connect the LS3b to the D130 in balanced mode. What reviews I've read praised the D130, although some said it could be soft in the low end and too laid-back. Others said it was a matter of system matching, and that the D130 had plenty of oomph. I've been looking over specs on www.arcdb.ws, and also investigating the Audio Research 100.2. The 100.2 may be too pricey, even used, but the reviews I've seen suggested that it would have plenty of oomph. This surprised me, when I compared the specs for the D130 and the 100.2: D130 has a damping factor of 100, 21 dB negative feedback, hum and noise 55 microvolts RMS, and 104,000 uF power supply energy storage. The figures given for the 100.2 are damping factor of 20, 3 dB negative feedback, hum and noise 150 microvolts RMS, and 130,000 uF. Both have -3 dB power bandwiths of DC to 150 or 160 kHz into 8 ohms. I suspect such comparisons are rarely meaningful, although these amps were produced by the same company. Maybe the moral is that they represent different design philosophies. Or maybe I should just wait and find a used Aragon 4004 Mk II?? Or maybe just keep the NAD for its power amp and tuner, and save my $$ . . . Thanks for all tips, David Finton |
#2
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
What power amp would you recommend for the following system:
NAD C541i CD player Audio Research LS3b line stage (current power amp: NAD 7175PE receiver) Vandersteen 1b speakers. I listen to classical and jazz, mostly. I've been advised to keep my eyes peeled for the following on the used market: Audio Research D130 Audio Research D240 Audio Research 100.2 Aragon 4004 MkII McCormack DNA (or stay with the NAD for a while longer) What would you choose if you were me--and why? Thanks, David Finton |
#3
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
"David Finton" wrote in message
... What power amp would you recommend for the following system: NAD C541i CD player Audio Research LS3b line stage (current power amp: NAD 7175PE receiver) Vandersteen 1b speakers. I listen to classical and jazz, mostly. I've been advised to keep my eyes peeled for the following on the used market: Audio Research D130 Audio Research D240 Audio Research 100.2 Aragon 4004 MkII McCormack DNA (or stay with the NAD for a while longer) What would you choose if you were me--and why? Buy one of the above a)if you have a chance to try it and like it, or b)you have a chance to buy it at an exceptional price. They are all excellent power amps. Audio Research is of course famed for the support it gives its older products, which might be a long term edge. I'd monitor eBay and Audiogon on these power amps until you get some idea of what the actually trading value ("done deals") are for the units. Then, if you have a chance to get one at an exceptionally good price, move quickly. Otherwise, just enjoy the NAD. They are always "musical". |
#4
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
I have been very pleased with a Parasound 85x5 amp driving a pair of
Vandersteen 2Ce sig's. I use two channels per speaker and they are much more dynamic then with one channel. I have never tried a single, more powerful amp so I can't be sure if the improvement is due to bi-amplification of simply more power. But either way, the Parasound HCA-855 was $600 and delivers plenty of clean power. I would check to be sure the 1b also has inputs for two sets of cable. if not, perhaps look for a 2 channel, but more powerful Parasound. I think they offer a great value. -- http://www.jonlayephotography.com |
#5
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
I would probably avoid the McCormack, it has a somewhat honky midrange. Pass
Labs amps used are also good ones. "David Finton" wrote in message ... What power amp would you recommend for the following system: NAD C541i CD player Audio Research LS3b line stage (current power amp: NAD 7175PE receiver) Vandersteen 1b speakers. I listen to classical and jazz, mostly. I've been advised to keep my eyes peeled for the following on the used market: Audio Research D130 Audio Research D240 Audio Research 100.2 Aragon 4004 MkII McCormack DNA (or stay with the NAD for a while longer) What would you choose if you were me--and why? Thanks, David Finton |
#6
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
"David Finton" wrote in message ... What power amp would you recommend for the following system: NAD C541i CD player Audio Research LS3b line stage (current power amp: NAD 7175PE receiver) Vandersteen 1b speakers. I listen to classical and jazz, mostly. I've been advised to keep my eyes peeled for the following on the used market: Audio Research D130 Audio Research D240 Audio Research 100.2 Aragon 4004 MkII McCormack DNA (or stay with the NAD for a while longer) I own a McCormack DNA 1 Deluxe and Vandersteen 2c's. The combination is quite wonderful. If I assume that your preamp is tubed (as is mine), the overall combination has great synergy. I had heard that Richard Vandersteen preferred McCormack power amps if he needed to use a solid state amp (for stability or durability). That was the basis for my purchase and I have ben happy with ot for years. There are rumors that Vandersteen likes tube amps with the speakers, but that may not be valid for the Model 1's. Good luck!! |
#7
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Which power amp for ARC LS3b and Vandersteen 1b's?
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