Audio Research LS17 SE... amp parining?

So a bit of an update. I really like my LS17 SE. It seems to be built fantastic, sounds wonderful without a bunch of frills. One feature it has that I really find important is that the pre-amp has three outputs which is very important to me.

The reason that three outputs is so important is a bit of a change in direction. I love the T+A amp, even though it is so small... :), and as I said I was impressed with the Goldmund Job 225 amp... so a recent find thanks to another AS member.... the NuForce STA200.... this little amp is developed by Goldmund and distributed under the NuForce name... basically it is the Job 225 at a little less power.... The rear looks identical to the Job other then better connection being used on the NuForce.

The bottom line is the recent sale was so low that I could not resist.... getting a Goldmund amp at this price was simply incredible... and I have been able to use my Rothwell Attenuators to match the levels.... and using both amps in a bi-amp configuration... it seems to be a really great combination ...

Therefore three outputs are important because bi-amping uses two outputs and the third to go to the subwoofer. From what I can tell the current ARC pre-amps have only two outputs (assuming that on output 1 and 2 you can use either the XLR or RCA, but not both).
 
awesome! sounds like a great set up. pardon my ignorance, but are all nuforce amps developed by goldmund? until i read this post i didn't know there was any relationship between the two companies. any links with more info are appreciated
 
Skanda said:
awesome! sounds like a great set up. pardon my ignorance, but are all nuforce amps developed by goldmund? until i read this post i didn't know there was any relationship between the two companies. any links with more info are appreciated
Click to expand...

From my understanding, no. This is a special case. As I read, Goldmund wanted to offer a more value oriented line of gear, but not in the Goldmund name. They already had a relationship with the company that owns NuForce (they made projectors, etc., which Goldmund uses), so Goldmund approach them with this idea. The STA200 is a first, test model to see if this might be warranted. It is basically a slightly lower power version of the Job 225. Reviews, including one done by The Absolute Sound have been very positive!

So, the Job 225 priced at $1699 and 125 WPC; the NuForce STA200 priced at $1299 and 80 WPC. Might be the Job is a better value??? But, Audio Advisor has them on sale for $499. My God, what a deal....

Certainly not flashy; very basic case (but it is metal and solid) and no real feet at all... little rubber strips.... so I use some isolation cones I have under the amp :).... but it is a wonderful sounding amp and definitely has step up binding post and RCA inputs then those used on the Job...

One other thing I just came across, a photo inside the NuForce which shows the Job label on the boards begin used... nice!

Here is TAS review:
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/optoma-nuforce-sta200-power-amplifier/

Job vs NuForce
 
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