TAXI.com

Hey All,My prized Marantz amp that I've used for YEARS to power my Yamaha NS-10Ms has recently died. It's the power amp section --- the preamp still works fine.I've looked into trying to get it fixed, but it would be a crap shoot without a schematic etc. So I thought I'd spend around $200 and buy a power amp. After quite a bit of research, I'm looking at the Alesis RA Series. The specs are really good, and since the NS-10s don't need a lot of power, I was thinking of the RA-150. I know it's only 45 watts/side @ 8 ohms (75w @ 4 ohms, < .02 thd), but I doubt my Marantz was more than a 50 watter.So --- have any of you used the Alesis RA amps? They use convection cooling, so no noisy fans. --- I've bought a LOT of their gear over the years, and have never had any problems.Thanks in advance,Ern

Hey Ern,I have the 300 and it is a good quiet amp. It is not going to impress anyone but it does a good job at driving my JBLs. Besides , it is the finished product that we want to be impressive! They are specifically designed to power MONITERS so this is what they do best!It is a good choice and I think you will get many hours of use and for the money is an good buy.

Jul 5, 2008, 10:29pm, kouly wrote:Hey Ern,I have the 300 and it is a good quiet amp. It is not going to impress anyone but it does a good job at driving my JBLs. Besides , it is the finished product that we want to be impressive! They are specifically designed to power MONITERS so this is what they do best!It is a good choice and I think you will get many hours of use and for the money is an good buy.Thanx, Kouly! I'm wondering if I should spend the extra $80 for the 300, even though I don't need the extra power. Maybe somewhere down the line I'll be happy I did!? Ern

Down the line you'll be happy? Considering the current rate of inflation, How could you not? More headroom is pretty much a no-brainer, if the option's available.

Jul 6, 2008, 12:09am, mojobone wrote:Down the line you'll be happy? Considering the current rate of inflation, How could you not? More headroom is pretty much a no-brainer, if the option's available.Okey Dokey! Ern

I think I changed my mind. I've always been a fan of Crown power amps --- owned one to power my keyboard rig for years.So I've decided to go with the Crown I-T8000. It's a little bit more money than I wanted to spend, though: $7762.00!Ern

I wonder if the difference in sound matches the difference in cost? I know it is going to sound better but is it going to sound SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS better? I think a good clean amp is a necessity though I think your choice of monitor is going to play an even more important role. I guess it really comes down to what you are using it for. Just something to consider. I know you will enjoy what ever you get.

I also own an alesis RA 300, works fine for me.the ns-10 are my second monitors; my main monitors are adam p 22 (active)cheers,martin

A seven k amp to drive NS-10s? The other one's got bells on.

Jul 8, 2008, 11:08am, mojobone wrote:A seven k amp to drive NS-10s? The other one's got bells on. HaHa! I was jus' kiddin'! I ordered the Alesis 300 yesterday to power the NS-10s. Should be fine --- I don't monitor that loudly, anyway!I also switch over to KRK V6s, and some real expensive "home" speakers by Definitive Technology. I 'know' what they all sound like, so it's a good trinity for listening.Ern