Inane Question

[Biscuit]

Since I'm stuck in the lab rather than being at Jammy's bake off, I thought I'd liven the forum up with a pointless Inane question as requested by AK`

I'm currently hunting for a new amplifier for my system, so I thought I'd run my short list past everyone, and ask for any additions you think I should make:

Bow Wazoo XL
Marantz MA24 Monoblocks
Marantz PM17KI
MF A1000
Audio Analogue Maestro
Pathos Classic One
Parasound P3/A23

[supercapman]

I had a home dem of the Pathos and wasn't impressed, top end was clear enough and the bass was timed well and deep but mid range was veiled, compared to an all valve amp it just didn,t do voices very well. If you wanted to go down the valve route I recomend this one: http://www.hifidelityaudio.co.uk/sto...MANLEYSTINGRAY

It has everthing the pathos has plus a great mid range.

Not familiar with the rest of your kit but you may want to take a listen to what Quad has to offer in your price range too.

I think the Bow obviously, but perhaps try some naim , and perhaps the para sound, although these may be a bit dry for the stiletto, they like current btw perhaps also try the marantz monos, although I fear that with marantz cd too, it may be a bt to far in the laidback stakes, when you trying the wazoo?

[Biscuit]

should hopefully be trying the Bow next weekend, will ring nick at the emporium to check

Just noticed S/C's recoendation for the Stingray, this would be a great match too, if ye can put up with replacing vales and such, would have plenty grip.

[Biscuit]

well, St Neots is only half an hour away, so I may put it on the list, quite like the look of this though (from the same dealer)

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[rockmeister]

looks matter... no doubt they do...
but,

I once owned some pre production Audio Innovations First Audio Valve mono blocks... they were in the worlds ugliest cases but the sound was pure heaven

listen first and then think about appearance (like with girls really)

[Davewhityetagain]

I would add to that list Naim 250.2 and Quad 909

[Hawk]

analoguekid wrote:

but perhaps try some naim ,

You feeling OK AK?? (aka 'He who should not be Naimed') :

just coz it's not my cup of tea hawk, you have to remember that a lot of times I speak the truth, and others I have my toungue firmly planted in my cheek, figuring out which is which is your job

[Biscuit]

what are people's views on the Marantz SC11/SM11 on coolandclassic at the minute?

At least my kit would hold its value well, what with a rare cdp and a really old amp the value could surely only increase

http://www.archtopmagazine.net/used.html

[nixon_fiend]

Biscuit, have you heard the sugden a21a yet?

This is a real peach of an amp, superb match with the ARTs too.. best in it's price range.. v.dynamic.. last demo i had, it beat the shit out of a nait 5i - with rock music too!! I was expecting it to be smooth and slow but it can really dance when you ask it to!

Save a bit of cash over the wazoo too! (and you know with the sugden the money has been spent on the performance - not the looks )

[Biscuit]

was thinking of getting a demo of the SE version with the extra power

Have to find out where the closest Sugden dealer is first though

[dudywoxer]

probably devine audio in market harborough

[Effem]

Don't think the Marantz pair will get your juices going if the Pathos didn't cut the mustard.

By all means try the Parasound if you can - got nothing to lose by trying and you may get pleasantly surprised as I did by what it can do.

I would also say the Sugden is close to what you are looking for to match your speakers.

having heard the sugden with expresion 2 way monitors I can vouch for its compatability, but the Bow wazoo xl also works a treat (better in fact to these ears)

[Testure]

Hi Biscuit,

Getting impatient for your return of your CD-63

The MA-24's look wonderful, and are 30W pure class Aand must be coming upto around 12-15 years old now. While the Marantz SC11/SM11 must be around 20 years old by now. So make sure they have recently been serviced otherwise figure the cost of a service into the price. They look a bit expensive at just under £1800, so really must listen to them and check their history.

I'll see if I can dig out some more info on these when I'm Home.

What's yourmaximum budget bicky? If you like the idea of a Marantz amp to match the 63 DP, there's also the new PM-11S1, lovely midrange and detailed, but it your looking atsomething with a bit of punch, then it might not be that suitable.

The Bow seems a no brainer ;)based on all the positive reviews from everyone. Seems Bow and Art are a great match ....(especially in Scotland ;))

[Biscuit]

The MA-24's are now sold

quite fancied having a listen to them, but never mind, at least it cuts down the list a bit. Testure, I don't think I can afford £2500 for your amp, but does it have a little brother that costs less? I heard there might be a PM17 replacement version that might cost a bit less?

Will try and give some Naim a listen. The guy who sells Parasound is also a big Naim fan, so his shop is full of it so no problems getting a demo of that

[johnhunt]

belcanto?

[Testure]

Yep, the PM-15S1 due next month I believe for around £1200. Looks like a cut down version of the PM-11S1 but haven't yet heard one.



Not to be confused with the old PM-15 from the mid 1990's (Very hard to track down in the UK)