To Sunfire 2 channel amp runners . . .

[rockeratheart]

I think I already know the answer to this question, but here goes anyway. For powering Sequel IIs, Ascents, Odysseys, or anything similar, (not so wee, and fr@@ken huge sizes - - - ala mike meyers) is it worth going from a Symphonic Reference 250 wpc up to a 300 wpc or even a Sig. 600? All Sunfire. Keeping in mind, I will be using a Denon receiver as a preamp. For about 300 to 400 dollars more, it seems I can get into a 600 watts into 8 ohms and 1200 watts into 4 ohms MONSTER.

The drummer in me wants to get the beheamoth but the chance it's worth it with average source and Preamp I'm not sure.

Anyone with experience or strong opinions either way could really help me out. Thanks.

Ben

 

[rockeratheart]

I am noting that I'm looking at USED sunfire two channel amps.

 

[JonFo]

First, I'm of the opnion that more is alwys better (says the guy with 12 channels of Sunfire power), so if you can swing it, the bigger ones will do slightly better.

However, I will note that depending on the age of the amp you are getting used, the extra money might be better spent on peace of mind and optimimum performance by sending the unit back to the factory and having them do one of their full-on updates. It's just $350 + shipping to them.

I highly recommend that to anyone with a >12 year-old Sunfire or looking to get one. These amps require that certain key parts be in spec for correct functioning.

I've done this to my 1993 vintage Sunfire (sent it in 2007) and they changed about 45 parts. Works like new now.

 

[timm]

First, I'm of the opnion that more is alwys better (says the guy with 12 channels of Sunfire power), so if you can swing it, the bigger ones will do slightly better.

However, I will note that depending on the age of the amp you are getting used, the extra money might be better spent on peace of mind and optimimum performance by sending the unit back to the factory and having them do one of their full-on updates. It's just $350 + shipping to them.

I highly recommend that to anyone with a >12 year-old Sunfire or looking to get one. These amps require that certain key parts be in spec for correct functioning.

I've done this to my 1993 vintage Sunfire (sent it in 2007) and they changed about 45 parts. Works like new now.

Interesting - did you get any sound difference from it? They offer something very similar for the carver line as well - I have an old m500t - but I didn't send it in....

 

[JonFo]

Interesting - did you get any sound difference from it? They offer something very similar for the carver line as well - I have an old m500t - but I didn't send it in....

Sure did. The old Sunfire Stereo had started to develop a distortion with certain input signals. At first I though my woofers had fried, but no, it was the amp going.

So when it came back, it was just as clean sounding as my 2001 Vintage Signature Cinema Grand.

I also have a Cinema Grand from '96 that I'm about to send in, nothing wrong with it now, but I figure sometime in the next couple of years something will go in it, and I'd rather have the amp perfectly in spec. For $350, seems reasonable.

Total cost of ownership on Sunfire amps over a 20 year period is extremely low compared to many other brands that force one to be on a first-name basis with the repair shop staff.

 

[timm]

Sure did. The old Sunfire Stereo had started to develop a distortion with certain input signals. At first I though my woofers had fried, but no, it was the amp going.

So when it came back, it was just as clean sounding as my 2001 Vintage Signature Cinema Grand.

I also have a Cinema Grand from '96 that I'm about to send in, nothing wrong with it now, but I figure sometime in the next couple of years something will go in it, and I'd rather have the amp perfectly in spec. For $350, seems reasonable.

Total cost of ownership on Sunfire amps over a 20 year period is extremely low compared to many other brands that force one to be on a first-name basis with the repair shop staff.

You know - isn't that the case!! My carver m500t was from around 1982 or 3?? I donb't know - do the math - I can't count that high.... and the thing still runs my rear channels - only because I have my sunfire cinema sig running my mains......

My brother has a bryston - I am going to see him soon and am tempted to bring my amp and have an 'amp-off'. He has them hooked to ascents...bi-wired...so I could do the voltage/current hookup. The bryston is another beast and I always find it interesting hearing diffs in amps... when at some point I thought to hear a large diff was improbable.... then I got my sunfire....