805 owners - What amp (aside from Rotel) do you use?

[audioqueso]

I'd like to know what kind of amps everyone is using? I have a Marantz 6400 A/V receiver. I was looking for amp to accompany my speakers. I'll be using the Marantz as a pre-amp. I just tried out a Rotel RB-990 and Rotel RB-991. Though both sounded good, but neither was overall good. I feel the 990 had excellent lower range, but sloppy upper range. And the 991 was the complete opposite.

My budget is $1000 new or used for right now. I was considering an older Carver amp or a Marantz MM-9000 and bi-amp it, but I would like to know what everyone else is using (aside from Rotel). I am on a strict budget so absolutely nothing over $1000.

On a last note, I am only using a 2-channel setup. Would you all recommend an amp right now or a sub? I was leaning towards an SVS sub.

Thank you in advance.

[bebo]

Yes, I'm interested also in this item; I went listening for the 705 but fell in love with the 805. I didn't have the opportunity to listen the combination 805/Rotel RA 1070 (i have to return) but did listen the 805 with the Primare I 21 amp. I was impressed, very smooth, clear and overall good performance (especially jazz, classic). The dealer advised me to come back and listen with an Arcam amp also (A80/A90), Arcam and Primare should be better (more dynamic) in comparison with Rotel i'm told..

[audioqueso]

I've also been looking at Sunfire amps. I've seen some 2-channel in audiogon for $800, and their Cinema Grand for $1200. So I could probably find one for a grand if I'm lucky. I've never actually heard B&W with Sunfire. I've only heard them with Martin Logans, but they sound so good. Any comments on Sunfire?

[bcgator]

I own the 805 Signatures, after also owning the 805's.

First I tried the Rotel 1075, and was unimpressed. It worked fine, but didn't offer any improvement above the AV receiver I was using. Basically a non-event.

Then tried the big Parasound Halo A51 - a $4000 amp that came highly recommended. I was completely disappointed with that - in my particular space, with my equipment, it was not impressive. At higher volumes, the music completely fell apart and deteriorated. I expected more from a 250 wpc amp, but many other people love them so my experience is just my own.

I gave the upgrade path one more shot, and got lucky. Bought literally the last ATI 1506 left at the factory - it's a 150 wpc 6 channel amp that's bridgeable into 3 channels at 450wpc. As I type this, there's a used 1506 available on Audiogon for $899, with transferable warranty. Since you only need 2 channels, you could also look for a used 1504 which is a 4 channel bridgeable to 2, also at 450 wpc. It absolutely makes the 805 Sigs sing - excellent low end, crystal clear high end, ear-bleed volumes without any degradation of sound. Might be the last amp I buy for many years. I use it for 2-channel and movies, and am very happy with both.

Just my experience, maybe it will help you...

BCGator

[audioqueso]

Thanks... I'll have to look into ATI as well.