That amplifier puts out some very clean sound when paired with non-powered speakers, but this is the kind of setup intended for audiophiles looking for a simple secondary system -- exactly the kind of listener who cringes at the thought of lossy, compressed streaming audio.

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He notes that Castro kept his bass, amplifier and speaker out in the living room, where he could easily pick them up and play, and that that room led directly into the dining room, and from there, a closed door led to the kitchen in back.

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All the better if that friend happens to be an electrician -- have them install 15A, 250V service to the living room so you can make use of that other power cord and test out the 3, 000-Watt amplifier spec.

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He rummaged around in his bundle and pulled out a small, battery-operated Craig amplifier, then plugged a lead into an acoustic guitar that was broken in front and had pieces of wood rattling around inside it.

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