Studio Amp Recommendations Wanted

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Joeybear

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I'm looking for a new amp for my audio setup. It would be driving a pair of Roland RSM-90 studio monitors. I don't need a lot of volume; I do mostly vinyl restoration and stuff like that. I currently use a Peavey PV-900 (got it cheap), but I'm not pleased with the sound... it has too much of a PA sound to it. I'm looking for something more suited to a pair of studio monitors.

I like Hafler, but I don't like the price. The Alesis RA units look good, but I know very little about Alesis's amp reputation.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
 
Your Peavey puts out 300 watts per side, which is a good match for thos Roland Speakers. Whatever you get should have the same power rating or more.

You might have to cut loose with more bread than you want to in order to get the sound you are looking for, good power amps cost money. Wasting yet more money on budget power amps would seem to be pointless.

The Hafler P4000 would probably be a good match. What I like about it is that it has convection cooling, no fan.

I used to use a Crest power amp, which I liked but haven't powered up since I've gone to powered monitors. They are a good maker of power amps.

My brother has a Mackie power amp that sounds pretty good. The Mackie FR M-800 might work out for you.

Those Alesis amps are underpowered for you, except maybe the RA500. I think there are better options available. If you don't like the Peavey's, that's telling me you need to go upmarket a bit. That's good because it means you are obviously using your ears. It's bad for your wallet because it means you're developing expensive taste!
 
Hey Sonic! You can check out the Samson line of studio amps too. I use the Servo 170, bought it at Sam Ash for around $169. I've had it since 2002 and I've had no hic-ups whatsoever. There's the 120, 170,260 and 550 in the series. Check em out!
 
you could also look at the new behringer studio amp 500W
 
Don't forget some of the better Hi-Fi power amps. Rotel make a very impressive range that would suit you fine.

Tony
 
That cube thing looks scary! :eek:

Sounds like you are stuck in the range of Alesis or Samson.

I am thinking about getting a good pair of passive monitors like Dynaudio's and putting a crappy Alesis with it or something to be upgraded later. I've heard it can work.
 
Amps are often underrated at just how much they can change your sound. I would however say that the speakers are definately the more important of the two. An Alesis will "work" with Dynaudio's, but see if you can't at least get into a decent Hafler to start with until you can afford something better:)
 
Reggie said:
That cube thing looks scary! :eek:
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200 W/channel rms old school audiophile. I've got one for the home entertainment center and it's got lots o' poop. Clean as could be, too.
 
I use a Samson Servo 550 driving my Alesis M1's (passives, obviously). I have it on pretty much all day, everyday. No problems for the last couple of years.
 
a Carver for $122.50?!?

too bad I'm too big a wuss to buy things like that off of ebay. My 'if it looks too good to be true, then it is' reflex kicks in. If I could buy one of those for under $200, I'd be all over that.

Speaking of old school audiophile, what about a Phase Linear? Anyone with any opinions?

BTW, I guess I don't know this for a fact, but I can't imagine that a Samson would be any better than an Alesis. I don't think anyone was suggesting that an Alesis wouldn't be durable enough, just not up to snuff sound-quality-wise. (Frank Burns would be proud.)

What would be the next step up from a Hafler, in terms of what real live professional studios use? I read all the time about the big boys' mics and consoles an outboard stuff, but I never remember any names of amps being bantered about. Is this because they use powered monitors?
 
Cardioidpotent said:
1. too bad I'm too big a wuss to buy things like that off of ebay. My 'if it looks too good to be true, then it is' reflex kicks in. If I could buy one of those for under $200, I'd be all over that.

2. Is this because they use powered monitors?
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1. The resale is surprisingly low. I inherited mine from my Dad. I kinda picked it out for him back in the day. Start watching them on eBay.

2. A lot of the time. I've heard Mackies are very popular in the pro studios.
 
I don't know of any "pro" studios that use the Mackie's. They were really popular a couple of years ago because they really broke into a good price niche. Most everyone that I know that did have them got rid of them and never looked back.
 
Check out the NAD amplifiers. Those amps are audiphile quality, and can be found on Ebay.
 
Green Mountain said:
Check out the NAD amplifiers. Those amps are audiphile quality, and can be found on Ebay.
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Ha, ha! I've also got my Dad's old NAD preamp and tuner! :D
 
apl said:
200 W/channel rms old school audiophile. I've got one for the home entertainment center and it's got lots o' poop. Clean as could be, too.
Click to expand...

I have a Bob Carver designed Phase Linear model 400a...Its the same amp Alan Parsons used for the Floyd records. Carver is as good as an amp as you can get...for a tenth of the price of a bryston. :)
 
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