AR3a - amplification

[stan461]

What amplifier are you using with your AR3/AR3a speakers?

I'm ready to purchase an amp that can handle the demands of my AR3 or AR3a speakers.

[genek]

My 3a's are the front mains of 5.0 HT setup in my living room. Power is from a Sherwood Newcastle AM-9080 power amp (170WPC@4ohm, 120WPC@8ohm for the other three speakers). So far I haven't even made the power amp get warm.

While I was refurbishing the 3a's, I ran them on a Harman Kardon HK750 integrated, about 70WPC@4ohm. The HK had more than enough power for the 3a's in my small 12x12 home office, but probably wouldn't have been enough for the living room.

[Steve F]

'Back in the day,' I always used those great Kenwood integrated amps. Plenty of low-z power, great control flexibility, rock-solid reliability.

These days, I've used both Adcom and Parasound electronics with excellent results.

Steve F.

[rl1856]

NAD 7040 receiver 40 wpc into 8ohms (4 ohm stable and better than 2x stated 8ohm power).

Mac 2100 amp. Rated at 100wpc, tested by many to be closer to 150wpc. Rock steady and tight control of the low end.

Good Luck.

[stan461]

Thanks to all who replied.

I have an opportunity to purchase a one owner Acurus A250.

Is this amp a good choice to drive the AR3a's?

[genek]

At 350WPC @ 4ohms, the A250 certainly has enough power. I have heard it said that the amp tends to be a bit boosted in the bass region and more suitable for disco use than as a audiophile amp, but that's a decision you'd have to make yourself based on the sound. I've never heard one.