high end SQ
 

hey guys, i was wondering if you would have any insight on high end audio, im looking for a 6 channel amp for my front stage (soon to be dynaudio esotec), and im stuck between an audison vrx 6.420 or a mcintosh mc440, i would also be interested in other amps in this price range that you think could be better (500-800).

if possible i would like to get ultimate clean power (the amp just needs a gain knob, i will be tuning it with a dsp)

Between the two, I would buy the MacIntosh. It has superior sound and will probably last longer.

Which DSP are you looking for? Most of them have a volume knob to run the whole system already

Both are amazing amps. VRX amps are quite complicated (they come with a textbook for a manual) but in my opinion sound a little better. They had a Class-A module you could add to the amp if I recall and tend to sound more dynamic and detailed.

I find Mcintosh sound very warm in the mid range. So really it's a matter of preference. Mcintosh amps usually are in the <60WRMS per channel.

Audison has a AV5.1K that's a hybrid amp that's not too far off of your budget. It's a mix of Class A, Class AB, and Class D.

thanks for the input guys!, i may just end up going with a newer setup but im just not sure if i would get the same bang for my buck in terms of clean,no frills power.

keith. i only need the gain dial on the amp to adjust the gain, if possible i would like to set the gain, then never touch the amp. similar to the old school pheonix gold ms series amps (i have also been looking into those aswell). i would rather have everything controlled by the dsp, which will probably be a bit one.

Gain settings are really meant to be set one time. It is a sensitivity adjustment, not a volume control (I'm sure you already know this but in case others don't).

Not too many shops will properly set up the gain. In fact, I think we're one of the only shops that uses an oscilloscope to correctly set up the deck's output as well as the gain on the amp. Going over this simple procedure is the difference between speakers and amps blowing up or lasting for a lifetime. Setting an amplifier any other way (Even with a D'amore DD-1) is just a guessing game.