Cerwin Vega AT-15'

So I am looking to power a pair of Cerwin Vega AT-15's. These speakers have surpassed all expectations and pulls great sound from any amp that can handle their 4 ohm load. With its 102db sensitivity it seemingly sucks power from amps. I've had it hooked up to a few amps but nothing significant. I have only had them hooked up to entry level integrated amps and recievers. I now seek to find a power source that can push these speakers to their fullest. They are in a 22' by 12' room. I would like to spend about $1,000. In my research I've come down to two amps. Mcintosh mc 2205 and the Parasound 2200mkII. These amps both have good reviews for both sound and build quality. I would like to be able to play loud music for long periods of time. The Mac has 200 wpc and a great look. On the other hand the Parasound has about 400 wpc and is usualy cheaper on the used market. Is it worth the extra money for the look and sound of the Mac. Open to other suggestions and preamp options.

CERWIN VEGA AT 15 SPECS.

Description: 15" 3-Way
Frequency Response: 28Hz-28kHz
Power Handling Capacity, Minimum/Maximum: 5/400 Watts
Sensitivity, 1W at 1M: 102dB
Nominal Impedance: 4 OHMS
Distortion, Midband at 96dB/M, THD & IM: 0.4%
Maximum Output Level,Pair at 3M,Full Power: 127dB
LF Driver VC Size: 2.05"
Low Frequency Driver: 15" Cast Aluminum Frame
Mid Frequency Driver: (2) 5" Cones
High Frequency Driver: 1" Microcell Polymer Dome with Acoustic Transformer
Crossover Frequencies: 400Hz/3000Hz
Connections: Banana Plugs
Protection: Self-Resetting Circuit Breaker for Tweeter, Overall Fuse
Level Controls: Tweeter,Midrange
Enclosure Type: Bass Reflex
Enclosure Construction: 3/4" Particle Board,Braced
Finish: Scuff Resistant Woodgrain Vinyl
Dimensions H x W x D: 36.5" x 19" x 18.5"
Gross Weight: 90lbs.

McIntosh

Specifications
Power output: 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms (stereo), 400W into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 100kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Damping factor: 16
Input sensitivity: 0.75V
Signal to noise ratio: 95dB
Speaker load impedance: 1 to 8 ohms

Parasound 2200mkII

SPECIFICATIONS

   Continuous Power Output - Stereo
        250 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8 Ω
        385 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 4 Ω
        385 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 2 Ω
    Continuous Power Output - Mono
        750 watts RMS, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8 Ω
        1000 watts RMS, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 4 Ω
    Current Capacity
        50 amperes continuous
        90 amperes peak
    Slew Rate
        >135 V/µsecond
    Frequency Response
        2 Hz-95 kHz, +0/-1.5 dB
    Total Harmonic Distortion
        < 0.05% at full power
        < 0.009% typical levels
    IM Distortion
        < 0.03%
    TIM
        Unmeasureable
    Dynamic Headroom
        > 1.5dB
    lnterchannel Crosstalk
        > 84 dB at 1 kHz
        > 74 dB at 20 kHz
    Input Impedance
        100K Ω/RCA-unbalanced, 200K Ω/XLR-balanced
    S/N Ratio
        > 114 dB, input shorted, IHF A weighted
    Damping Factor
        > 1000 at 20 Hz
    Dimensions
        19" wide x 7" high x 15" deep
    Weight
        60 lbs. net
    AC Power Requirements
        1000 watts

August 8, 2013 - 1:30pm

jimbobdaddy

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Last seen: 10 years 3 months ago

Joined: Aug 8 2013 - 10:41am

Amp for AT-15's

Yah 'dere, If you're still looking, while I've had some bad c/l experiences, in Atlanta's c/l today there is a very nice Carver TFM-35 amp I wish I could afford. States 250 wpc.

August 8, 2013 - 2:02pm

Bill B

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Last seen: 9 years 1 month ago

Joined: Jul 28 2012 - 1:59pm

400

Both amps u mention have about the same power into 4 ohms.

Since the CV's are so efficient, you don't need that much power. Get it if you like of course, but u are safe to consider smaller amps.

August 10, 2013 - 8:27am

Allen Fant

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Last seen: 3 weeks 4 days ago

Joined: Sep 12 2010 - 3:42pm

Levianthan - I owned the

Levianthan -

I owned the CV AT-12 (1 step below the AT-15) back in the late 80's/early 90's. At that time I used an Adcom 200wpc power amp.

Wonderful results. Very musical and bass was superb. Considering you own the AT-15 model, I would go at least 250wpc, high current, power amp. If you are looking to build a more vintage-tuned system, check out the Adcom 585 mono blocks. PLay it Loud!!!

August 23, 2015 - 11:34pm

Djcoolray

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Last seen: 8 years 1 month ago

Joined: Aug 23 2015 - 10:52pm

Master set up....

I have a pair of AT-100's hooked up to a Yamaha MX-1000 amplifier. The amplifier is hooked up to a Pioneer VSX-D1S out of the preamp !! All I can say is sound that is unimaginable !! I have to keep extra fuses because the amp is so strong. In the Army, in the barracks we use to have stereo wars and I always won. I still have my master set-up and there is nothing that can replace it or beat it !! I'm sure there is something that costs thousands of dollars that is comparable, but for the clarity and power they don't have a chance !! I have pushed the AT-100 to the limit and nothing comes close. But, of course, it is the combination of units that make my set-up what it is....the VSX-D1S is what makes the difference in how clear the speakers sound at full blast !!

September 14, 2015 - 11:15am

Allen Fant

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Last seen: 3 weeks 4 days ago

Joined: Sep 12 2010 - 3:42pm

Thanks! for sharing- DJ.

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