Looking for new solid state amp?

DavidS · « **on:** 20 Jan 2013, 05:42 pm »

I am looking for a new solid state amp to go with my inefficient monitors (84 db / Ellis Audio 1801s) in a small room. Thinking $2K tops for my budget. Also thinking I need about 100 watts of power minimum. Been a tube guy pretty much exclusively the last 10 years so this is new ground for me (I still have tube amps). Have recently swapped from a tube phono to a solid state phono (Nagra) and impressed with the results.

The two schools seem to be the old Class A or A/B vs the newer D Class amps. Lots of amps in my price range but not sure how they would fit:

Old A School - something like a used Parasound A21 or Bryston or just read review of the new Acurus 2002
New D School - something like a used Bel Canto, Wyred or the new D-Sonic amps or even push budget for some diy ncores

A wide range of music including jazz, blues/rock, and some classical (not so much orchestral).

wisnon · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 06:04 pm »

GET a JOB!!!!!!

LoL

Try this: http://www.jobsys.com
Buy here: http://www.amazon.com/JOB-225-2-channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B008NQVA2A
Sweetcord is $250 more.

They OEM for Goldmund.

D-Sonics are good and apparently go toe to toe with n-Core.

loki1957 · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 06:45 pm »

Check out Klaus at Odyssey Audio.

mrlittlejeans · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 06:57 pm »

Had an A21 for a few years and switched to AVA and haven't looked back. You can get a Synergy 450 (225wpc) for $2k. That's what I would do.

jackman · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 06:59 pm »

I have an ncore and really like it but I'm intrigued by that Job amp. Is it really a company that does OEM for Goldmund? My company is based in Geneva, Swissland, where Goldmond has their factory. Very interesting little amp.

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 07:01 pm »

Quote from: mrlittlejeans on 20 Jan 2013, 06:57 pm

Had an A21 for a few years and switched to AVA and haven't looked back. You can get a Synergy 450 (225wpc) for $2k.

Or the AVA Synergy 300 (150 wpc) at $1500 for your small room.

Steve

bummrush · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 07:03 pm »

AVA a solid MN company, with products at sensible prices.I had a AVA amp yrs ago sounded clean clean clean,only regret was I didn't have a good pre amp to use with it. Forget the digital crap.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 07:23 pm »

With those speakers, I'd say 100 W would be your absolute minimum. 200-300 would be better. Remember, power must double for every 3db of gain. So if you compare your speakers to a speaker at 90db efficiency, 100 watts into 84 db gets you the same db output as 25W into the 90db speakers. That kind of wattage limits you to A/B or D operation...unless you're made of money and are in need of a new furnace. Then go for 300W class A.

JerryM · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Jan 2013, 09:42 pm »

I'd jump on this amp and never look back. Ron is a great seller here, and his gear is always top notch. 250 WPC of AVA isn't too shabby, either.

Best of luck,

Jerry

DavidS · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Jan 2013, 02:05 am »

thanks for the feedback.

seems like there is some really good value in used class a/b amps. Was looking at used McCormack amps on audiogon this afternoon.

this is a totally new area so buying blind is a little scary not knowing what the used AVA amp might sound like vs. a new Bryston vs. a digital amp (are they all really crap and should be dismissed?)

David

mclsound · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 Jan 2013, 01:46 pm »

Find a nice older Krell.They are very under rated.

wisnon · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Jan 2013, 08:51 pm »

Quote from: jackman on 20 Jan 2013, 06:59 pm

I have an ncore and really like it but I'm intrigued by that Job amp. Is it really a company that does OEM for Goldmund? My company is based in Geneva, Swissland, where Goldmond has their factory. Very interesting little amp.

yes, a designer buddy told me that this amp was really cutting edge when it came out and is still pretty advanced today.

No idea where in Geneva this is. Goldmund and Dartzeel are here too.

geowak · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Jan 2013, 12:57 am »

Quote from: mrlittlejeans on 20 Jan 2013, 06:57 pm

Had an A21 for a few years and switched to AVA and haven't looked back. You can get a Synergy 450 (225wpc) for $2k. That's what I would do.

I have not had an AVA, I have heard Frank makes great stuff, just have not heard one. But I have had Parasound, Odyssey, McCormack, Marantz, Pioneer and several other amps. I like the A21 the most. I think it's a great SS amp for the money. High current, class A for the first 9watts or so and very flexible. Best sound I have had in the SS realm, not tubes.

music lover · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Jan 2013, 03:01 am »

I have a Cary SA 200.2 , 200 watt solid state amp. It is a great sounding amp

with good bass, midrange, and treble. Good balance throughout.

DTB300 · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Jan 2013, 04:26 pm »

Another SS Amp to consider is Plinius. They have models which offer the ability to run in A/B or A by the flick of a toggle switch.

john dozier · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 Jan 2013, 06:30 pm »

ClassD Audio mastering amp. You cannot find better for any rational price. I have replaced some $5K Antique Sound Labs and have never looked back. Regards (Yes there is life after class d)

falconcry · « **Reply #16 on:** 4 Feb 2013, 06:50 pm »

Also check out Balanced Audio Technology. They make some excellent Solid State amps. Look at the VK-200 or VK-500.

Toka · « **Reply #17 on:** 6 Feb 2013, 04:42 pm »

I will add to the recommendations for Van Alstine for your A/AB category. Just great, great amps that deliver the music faithfully.

On the Class-D side I am also a big fan of NuForce...I believe their stereo amp is around $2K, or you could hunt for a used pair of their monoblocks (look for the v3 models).

underdawg · « **Reply #18 on:** 6 Feb 2013, 06:06 pm »

For me if going solid state the best I have owned and listened to is class A amps.

marvda1 · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 Feb 2013, 08:54 pm »

a sleeper would be the usher r-1.5 150 watts per.