amp info

hi, looks like I could buy a couple of amps - the -
musical fidelity x 80
or the Primare A-20mkII

which one is better..?? they both have good reviews -
http://www.musicalfidelity.com/mf/DownloadResource?resId=2832

http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/archive/perl/521_printreview.htm

and I know the x-80 can directly replace my nad (connection wise)...

any thoughts guys..?

cheers

 

I wouldn't rely on reviews. Can you listen to them both?

 

yeah, the primare at mine, and x-80 on the sellers gaff...I just wondered what other people thoughts were too...

 

from experience i'd say Primare. Likely to hold its value better too at least on short term basis

 

I thought we were settled on the X80

 

I am - but I need to demo first...I had originally enquired about the primare on monday, but on another forum someone else enquired on the sunday - so I thought I'd lost out,. but it seems I haven't...but this guys offered to pop around mine so I can demo with my existing kit...hard to say no, but I'd like to hear yours too...

 

Whichever looks nicest

 

whats the MF a3 like then..? at least it'll match my DAC...

I've been bombed out on both thr amps above because both sellers assumed I wanted the other one more...

 

I haven't heard the Primare, but the X-80 is pretty decent for the money. Personally I'd get a Cyrus 3 (with PSX-R if possible) over it though.

 

yeah, well, I ain't buying from those sellers, so, I'm looking elsewhere now...

 

there's still that cyrus 7 for 350 notes...hmm...

 

Hang on, you agreed to come and have a demo, and probably buy my X80 the other day. Then next thing I know you're looking at other amps without even letting me know. How do you expect me to react?

Did you read my PM? I explained the situation with the amp, and the reasons I am no longer 'in a rush' to sell the amp.

If you are still wanting the amp, i'll meet you half way at £230. But I have no incentive right now to sell it any cheaper.

I dont think I 'bombed you out' as such.

Let me know.

 

reading this thread does raise some interesting points regarding buying second hand gear.

is it fair to treat two private sellers like you would two dealers who are selling different products? almost certainly you are going to waste somebody's time. if you can't decide between two second hand components, then maybe neither is right for you, or perhaps you need to do more research or saving for something better.

personally, If I'm looking at a second hand purchase, I prefer to know what I'm buying before contacting sellers. that way I can hopefully get a bargain without having to waste people's time. sellers want a quick easy sale, as they're usually selling it for a lot less than they bought it for. have the cash ready. see if you can get a better deal for a fistful of £20s. (imagine you've got someone who is wanting to demo against someone who has folding stuff under your nose, but is offering a bit less than you're asking. easy sale or potential no sale?)

the thing about second hand gear is that you are unlikely to lose much money if you then fancy a change in a couple of months time anyway.

by all means drink the coffee at the dealers' dem rooms and deliberate on a new purchase, but I think that a different approach is required for second hand hifi, especially as there's people about who will know
a) what it sounds like from a previous demo or someone who's got one
b) how much it cost new
c) what it's worth now
d) that if it turns out not to be the sonic nirvana they'd hoped, thet can sell it for little, if any, loss.
and they're the ones who usually snap up the bargains from under yer nose...

 

well, what happened - I had seen the other amp first - expressed an interest via pm, but the seller was also selling on another forum but someone else had expressed an interest the day before me - so, I assumed I had lost out on that one, then you'rs came along...so, I asked you for a demo...
then the other guy rings me up saying that I've got first choice (as I kinda know him) but I explain my predicament to him - saying that I'd demo both, but he's selling that primare for a mate who needs the cash quickly and thinking that I wasn't going to buy his mates decides to sell to the original guy who expressed an interest...

anyway, no hard feelings - I can still pop round tonight if you want...

 

assuming you mean me, and not the Primare owner, yeah you can pop round and have a demo.

Dont forget to bring some cash just incase

 

yeah, I mean you...

I'll bring my cash, of course...should bve there 7:15ish...providing I don't get too lost!

 

its fairly straight forward, ring me if you have any trouble.

See you then.

 

Wow, whats so bad about wanting to demo another amp!? You can't expect someone to only demo your amp, if they did there would be no point!

 

but thats not the point..

I have no problem with demoing my own kit, to anyone who is interested.

 

hi rock - quick query regarding the amp - you mentioned that you connect this to your av amp, are you able just to use the av amp remote to control the volume whilst watching dvds..?

this being as I currently use the nad to drive my main pseakers.

cheers