[jay5]

yeah--- so i have a integrated amp.  I find the bass to be way too muddy.   I'm using silver sonic q 10's, and air matrix interconnects  mated to Sapphire xl's.  

i know its the amp...  If i didn't pay so much for it I'd throw it out the window.

anyways Im more into solid state.

considering

bel canto

odyssey

Bat - I believe they use tubes....

any other companies one might suggest?  Integrated or seperate.  It doesn't matter.  Phono stage is a must.

thanks,

jay

[elcaptain88]

I've tried a couple of brands you list. I have one to highly recommend: Van Alstine. Check out their circle here. Their stuff is among the best made at direct prices. I'm not a vinyl guy, but the phono stage option on their preamps is also purported to be outstanding.

[offy1]

What amp do you have?

[Nick B]

I've had both tube and solid state amps and my next amp will likely be a Butler or a Van Alstine. Both use tubes, but in such a way that there is little or no tube wear. There are many fans of the CIA amps as well. Seems like you have some very good choices from the short list so far.

[jay5]

i have a McIntosh Ma-6500... very dissapointing.....


i should have researched more... or shall i say the sapphires brought out the true color of this magnificent piece of engineering... So anybody want to buy a McIntosh Ma-6500?????

               

[jay5]

i have a McIntosh Ma-6500... very dissapointing.....


i should have researched more... or shall i say the sapphires brought out the true color of this magnificent piece of engineering... So anybody want to buy a McIntosh Ma-6500?????

               

[jay5]

i have a McIntosh Ma-6500... very dissapointing.....


i should have researched more... or shall i say the sapphires brought out the true color of this magnificent piece of engineering... So anybody want to buy a McIntosh Ma-6500?????

               

[jay5]

i have a McIntosh Ma-6500... very dissapointing.....


i should have researched more... or shall i say the sapphires brought out the true color of this magnificent piece of engineering... So anybody want to buy a McIntosh Ma-6500?????

               

[jay5]

What amp do you have?

a McIntosh Ma -6500......don't remind me... i should have done my homework...


any buyers???        

[jay5]

What amp do you have?

a McIntosh Ma -6500......don't remind me... i should have done my homework...


any buyers???        

[jay5]

What amp do you have?

a McIntosh Ma -6500......don't remind me... i should have done my homework...


any buyers???        

[Mike Dzurko]

You might want to contact Joe at Jam'n Audio. He has quite a bit of experience matching various amps with the XLs . . .  also check out Rick Gardner's latest review, he really likes the results with the Dussan amps:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue24/dussun.htm

[John B]

I'm using Bruce Moore Custom 50wpc monoblocks with my Sapphire XLs..tight hard hitting bass, wonderful mids, and highs that sparkle... the Bruce Moore Companion III preamp also play a large part.  The combo will set you back about $9K but they sure make those XL's sing  

[MaxCast]

Frank from www.avahifi.com has listened to and recommends the Sapphires.  You may want to consider his one of his amps.

[budyog]

MaxCast is right on the money! I have my ACI Panorama's powered by AVA amp and preamp. I have posted here many times how good they go together.

[balji]

Solid State:
Odyssey Stratos Extreme Mono Blocks if you want separates and if you have a fairly Large Room, Otherwise Stratos Stereo....

Digital with Analog Switching:
NuForce Ref 9 MonoBlocks.


These Amps Bring the Best out of the XLs.

[Lkdog]

Jay-
Someone mentioned you have a McIntosh Ma -6500.
 

[ScottyWatty]

Have you considered the Prima Luna 4 (EL-34) or 5 (KT-88 or EL-34 or any of a number of tubes)?

I use the Prima Luna 2 Integrated, currently with KT-88's with my new Sappire XL's.  I believe the Prima Luna 5 would be just more of a good thing.

[ScottyWatty]

I would like to add that the Prima Luna 2 with XL's and DH Labs T-14 speaker cable and BL-1 Series II interconnects has received rave comments at CES according to Mike D from ACI as well as Kevin from Upscale Audio.

You have upgraded DH Labs cables so I would suspect it would sound even better!

[gongos]

I'd avoid the PrimaLuna amps. Tried them in my system and felt they were very dull and lifeless.