Best amp for JBL 4338 ?

[macaroonie]

Sadly when you start talking high value amplifiers you will find that the dealers will be pretty reluctant to let you just walk out with a demo unit. Most will want at least a credit card ' purchase ' before they let you away with a demo. Problem is that if you do not like what they have on offer you will mostly find that they get a bit huffy and the relationship is going downhill.
I think you will need to do some legwork around your better quality dealers and try to narrow things down. It IS going to be confusing but I am sure you will find something out of the blue that will ring your bell.
At that stage I would suggest taking your boys into the dealer , they will be interested too you know , and it is also a sign to them that you are not just a tire kicker.
I hope you have an enlightening experience.

Mac

[Ralph856]

Problem is that if you do not like what they have on offer you will mostly find that they get a bit huffy and the relationship is going downhill.

I can relate to that eventual (or not so eventual) state of affairs. Insightful post!

[caladois]

I had contacts with Threshold audio Inc, and their S/350e reissue amp seem te be a good deal -whatever it is built in China-

This unit is 2x150w per channel. It should match my speakers.

[macaroonie]

If they have maintained the quality that the originals had then you are in for a treat. Great amps and wonderful build quality. What is the price for these ?

[caladois]

I asked Kevin Lee of Threshold Audio Inc, and unfortunately, the S350e reissue is not on production at the moment. He invite me to look at the S/5000e amplifier which is 250w/8ohms per channel.
It look great. Any review or experience on the forum ?

[caladois]

Ordered !

[caladois]

The amp arrived this morning.

It look great. Music is playing. I prefer a delay of couple hours before giving my opinion.
First thing, it is very quiet, and not that warm when operating.

[4313B]

It sure looks nice!

[yggdrasil]

Definitely very good looking.

[jblnut]

It would look better with some nice analog meters (imho) .

Congrats on what is sure to be a beatiful sounding amp just the same!

jblnut

[macaroonie]

Looks lovely , give it a few days to run in and it will sound great I'm certain.

[caladois]

The wide range is real compare to my old 12 years old amplifiers. You are right, the amp run better day after day.

[tom1040]

A person on Audio Review gives great reviews for a Mcintosh MC 402 for his/hers JBL 4338.

[caladois]

I knew that JBL was oftenly associated with Mcintosh amplifier. But, my knowledge show me that response of Mcintosh was a bit too smooth in my mind.
My last experience with a vintage MC2600 was a desaster.

[tom1040]

I hope mine is better. I just bought ( from Audiogon ) the MC 402 & C46. They will be hooked up with JBL S2600 speakers. For better or worse, that will be it for now as we are buying some investment property in Florida. Marantz SACD will be finish the arangement.