ShoreMedic Posted December 19, 2023 Share Posted December 19, 2023 Hi, I’ve finally been able to dig out my LaScalas (1983) after several decades of the rat race. I used to power them with a Soundcraftsmen RA6501/DX4200 amp/preamp combo. The amp is currently in the shop (3 decades of storage) and hopefully comes out working as it once did. But what if it doesn’t?, I ask. I want to come up with a contingency plan, in case of the unthinkable. So I’ve started looking into modern day amplifier alternatives that will match well with my La Scalas. I May be forced to bite the bullet and settle on an Asian amp from a big box store, because I’m no longer a single guy with an unlimited toy budget. So I ask you all if there’s an American made amplifier (with some modern conveniences) that will cleanly power my beloved La Scalas. Or will I have to settle for a big box store amp in order to get the band back together - on a budget. The band: Nakamichi Dragon. Akai GX747. JVC QLY66F. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82 Cornwalls Posted December 19, 2023 Share Posted December 19, 2023 Solid state or would you consider tubes? Schiit Audio sells preamps and amplifiers for less than what you might think for US made. There are some others depending on your budget and ss or tube. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter P. Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 I'm of the school of thought that says you can't tell the difference between high end and "big box store" amps as you call them. Save your money and buy a run of the mill amp from the popular brands and you'll be fine. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 Welcome @ShoreMedic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeydeal Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 Contrary to conventional wisdom on this site, amplifiers do NOT sound the same. And buying a cheap receiver at a big box store will bear that out more than anything I can tell you. But let's hope you make the smart decision not to do such a thing. Lascalas and tubes go together like bees and honey. Please state what your budget is and what you consider "modern conveniences" and someone here might be able to recommend a tube amp for you. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flevoman Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 I really have to agree with @Shakeydeal on this one. Personally, I'm the type of person who struggles to hear differences. Speaker cables and interlinks, for example, all sound the same to me (at least from what I've tested so far), and the same goes for DACs. I've tried a few but can't really hear any differences. Where I can notice a distinction is with amps. Sometimes the differences are subtle, and other times they are quite noticeable. So, do yourself a favor and truly give the topic of amps the attention it deserves. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the real Duke Spinner Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 No one hardly is hearing differences in Speaker Cables. I worked on many Studio's Zip Cotf was popular. ,😀😀😀 I * might* detect a bit harder note to some of the silver cablez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWOReilly Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 I’ve had good luck with Schiit and Emotiva. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 Cotf? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the real Duke Spinner Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 13 hours ago, Shakeydeal said: Contrary to conventional wisdom on this site, amplifiers do NOT sound the same. And buying a cheap receiver at a big box store will bear that out more than anything I can tell you. But let's hope you make the smart decision not to do such a thing. Lascalas and tubes go together like bees and honey. Please state what your budget is and what you consider "modern conveniences" and someone here might be able to recommend a tube amp for you. Well. They do. And they do not I have found the difference is in the Detail of the presentation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 @ShoreMedic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 I used a Crown XLi800 with my LS when I hauled them out to use at a huge party, over 100 folks there. They rocked quite well. It may be built offshore (China), but it's been wonderful. It's a tad heavier than the XLs series digital amps. 300wpc / 600 watts, bridged mono. Binding posts and Neutrik Speakon connections. $339 at Sweetwater. If this is for your own enjoyment you probably don't need bigger, but they have them. When you check back in, let us know how the refurbishment goes on the Souncraftsmen gear. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flevoman Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 8 hours ago, the real Duke Spinner said: No one hardly is hearing differences in Speaker Cables. I worked on many Studio's Zip Cotf was popular. ,😀😀😀 I * might* detect a bit harder note to some of the silver cablez Well, if you have to believe some story's people are telling about there cables it can make or break your system 😏 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 You could always look into a used McIntosh or Bryston. New Bryston gear comes backed with a 20-year warranty (non-transferable, unfortunately), so you know they have confidence in their products. As for power, La Scalas seem to run fine with anywhere between 10 and 500 watts per channel. Of course, how much power you need will depend on the size of your listening room, your preferred listening levels, and your choice of music. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted December 21, 2023 Share Posted December 21, 2023 this from North Reading looks VERY VERY interesting... built to your specification. I bet they would make your La Scala's SING! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted December 22, 2023 Share Posted December 22, 2023 I'll recommend you look at Yamaha integrated amps and receivers that are available in silver (the better quality ones). I am initially quite pleased with the smooth, relaxed sound my R-N600ASL is producing through my H IVs. It replaced a rebuilt 1979 Technics receiver, that was good if not pushed. Also have a look at Marantz and also Emotiva, like the BasX TA1. You do not need more than 50 watts. You might be surprised at the sound of new amps as Soundcraftsman amps had a reputation for high distortion in the 0 to 5 watt range, where you will operate when you are not damaging your hearing. What I remember is that by 10 to 20 watts they were said to be sounding pretty good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the real Duke Spinner Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 With Klipsch speakers it's hard to hit ,3 watts on an averaged basis I get a hot above that due to using a dBX 120 to push the Bass... Now That's not to say that there are instantaneous peaks perhaps 100X that You need a power supply that can deliver the Joules Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the real Duke Spinner Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 On 12/21/2023 at 11:23 AM, Schu said: this from North Reading looks VERY VERY interesting... built to your specification. I bet they would make your La Scala's SING! That's an interesting Design. 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted December 26, 2023 Share Posted December 26, 2023 On 12/23/2023 at 3:40 PM, the real Duke Spinner said: That's an interesting Design. 🙂 Duke, he redid the Scott LK-72A/ 299C. Looks like they would run forever. I would love one, but I am afraid my piggybank is way too small. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codewritinfool Posted December 26, 2023 Share Posted December 26, 2023 @ShoreMedic Where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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