Friend is looking for step stereo or 2 mono amps to drive his Focal Aria 926's. Been a while... Outlaw still one of the highly recommended mono amps around? Any others to peruse? Schitt?
New Amp... Outlaw?
- Thread starter The DirtMerchant
- Start date
I am still a massive fan of everything Parasound and their JC amps are among my most favorite on the market. . There's also the greats like Bryston, Rotel, Monoprice (Monolith amps), Anthem, and many others making outstanding power amps.
So, what's his budget? There are stereo amps which sell for $1,500 which are vastly superior to $500 mono amps, so getting a mono amp isn't inherently better than a stereo amp without considering price range and goals.
So, what's his budget? There are stereo amps which sell for $1,500 which are vastly superior to $500 mono amps, so getting a mono amp isn't inherently better than a stereo amp without considering price range and goals.
Budget is $1k or less, unless it's an amazing deal. Power is unknown to me. Enough to run those speakers I suppose.
Apologies for limited info. Just asking around for a friend.
Apologies for limited info. Just asking around for a friend.
Doing research I learned this:
Those speakers are rated to be relatively efficient at 91.5dB SPL at 1W/1M.
Focal says they are safe to use with an amp up to 250 Watts.
They are 8 Ohm nominal, but present a complex load that drops below 4 ohms.
I would recommend no less than 100W with high current capability and high damping factor.
The Parasound Halo A23 (currently heavily discounted to make space for the slightly upgraded model) would be very fine for these speakers, I would not bridge it mono with these speakers.
Used is also an option. Though I'm not sure what the rules of thumb for used solid state amps is...
Also, given those speakers don't operate into the subsonic range, a professional amp would also work very well, like the famous Crown amp all the budget-minded audiophiles are buying, or the better QSC RMX series of amps which have somewhat slightly louder fans on them.
bmwuk
Well-Known Member
Where are you seeing heavily discounted? Thanks
mcad64
Well-Known Member
I bought 3 Brystons and 2 Parasounds used from Canuckaudiomart. Try the spinoff from that website, USaudiomart.com.
Lots of good recommendations so far and I will throw ATI out there, and I don't just do it because I own an ATI amp.
Some great deals can be had on these amps, especially if you are considering buying used.
I would probably stick to with the brands that have been listed thus far if I were in the market for a new amp, Parasound, Bryston, and ATI would be in my final list.
Some great deals can be had on these amps, especially if you are considering buying used.
I would probably stick to with the brands that have been listed thus far if I were in the market for a new amp, Parasound, Bryston, and ATI would be in my final list.