[rydenfan]

Ok guys, I am in need of some help. I am having a very hard time trying to figure out what my next amplifier should be for awhile. I would like to stay around the 6K range and have no issues buying used. I simply do not have the space for monoblocks so it must be a stereo amp. I have run tons of options through my mind (as many here can understand  ) and this is what I have come up with as my list (in no particular order). I would obviously love to know other's thoughts...

Plinius SB301
Bryston 14B-SST
McIntosh 402
Pass Labs X350.5 (seems difficult to find used right now and I have also heard it does not have great woofer control)
BAT VK600-SE (not wild about the dual power cords)

Some of my system (full system listed in my signature):
Kef Reference 205/2's
Modwright Transporter
Modwright LS 36.5

[lonewolfny42]

Have you heard any of the amps you listed ?

[topround]

I would think the Pass Labs would be at the top of your list but you don't have the McCormack DNA 500 it should be there as well

Also the the Fet Valve 550 by vAN Alstine, OK it is cheap by your standards but OH so musical.!!!
Use your ears not the computer

mike

[rydenfan]

I have already owned the DNA-500. I am looking for a more fleshed out and musical sound while maintaining micro and macro detail and transparency.

[rydenfan]

Have you heard any of the amps you listed ?

No, I have not. That is why I will likely buy used so that I can limit my exposure. Most of those amps are difficult to find auditions or trials of.

[lonewolfny42]

I am looking for a more fleshed out and musical sound while maintaining micro and macro detail and transparency.

The BAT should work well with the Modwright (pre and TP)....

Another amp you might consider....the new Modwright amp. Your speakers are 90 dB sensitivity.....8 Ohms....45 Hz - 60 kHz.

[rydenfan]

They are overly cautious with their specs; I have clean bass down to 25 in my room 

I will certainly be listening to Dan's amp when it is available.

[mca]

I have not personally heard it, but have heard it is one of the best SS amps out there...

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1230085416&/Conrad-Johnson-Premier-350SA-t

[NewBuyer]

If you have the opportunity, you might want to also consider the Musical Fidelity line.

[zybar]

I would think the Pass Labs would be at the top of your list but you don't have the McCormack DNA 500 it should be there as well

Also the the Fet Valve 550 by vAN Alstine, OK it is cheap by your standards but OH so musical.!!!
Use your ears not the computer

mike

I have had the VanAlstine 550 amp in my system (previous version - not the newest) and I didn't feel it was as good as the Dodd 120's, Moscode 401, and CI Audio D-200's let alone the better Pass and BAT equipment.  I also didn't care for the Odyssey Mono Extreme SE's.

One amp that hasn't been mentioned is the AKSA Soraya II.  I heard the original Soraya at RMAF 2007 and was extremely impressed with the system it was part of (which also included David Ellis' floor standing speaker).  Given the growing strength of the US dollar vs. the Aussie dollar, you can now get this amp for around $3500 instead of $5200.  While it "only" puts out 200 watts into 4 ohms, I know many people here on AC used less powerful AKSA amps to drive passive subwoofers or the bass drivers in a bi-amp setup.  I suggest you shoot Hugh a PM and see what he has to say.

George

[opnly bafld]

One amp that hasn't been mentioned is the AKSA Soraya II.  I heard the original Soraya at RMAF 2007 and was extremely impressed with the system it was part of (which also included David Ellis' floor standing speaker).  Given the growing strength of the US dollar vs. the Aussie dollar, you can now get this amp for around $3500 instead of $5200.  While it "only" puts out 200 watts into 4 ohms, I know many people here on AC used less powerful AKSA amps to drive passive subwoofers or the bass drivers in a bi-amp setup.  I suggest you shoot Hugh a PM and see what he has to say.

George

I agree, if I were looking for an amp in the $3k plus range this would be at the top of my list.

Lin

[Big Red Machine]

Is there a physical space limitation that the single amp can fit?

If the Spectron and the DNA didn't do it for you I don't expect the Pass to light your fire.  It is clean and controlling, but does not have finesse in the upper regions or deep bass.  And it's damn large to handle!!

I've been intrigued by MacINtosh amps, but they too, are behemoths to handle.

There are lots of folks who buy the krells and say they are strong in the bass area and decent everywhere else.

I like the CR recommendation, but could you unload it if you don't like it?

I'd like to see you try the Electrocompaniets I never got to try but they are monos.

I've tried the AVA and didn't care for them.  After 5 minutes of trial it was pulled out.

You might be more picky than me, but the Wyreds are decent.  Too bad they don't offer a trial period.  I know D-Sonic gives you 20 or 30 days Satisfaction Guarantee.  But they're wired differently than the Wyreds.  YOu could bi-amp with 4 Wyreds and still take up less space than the Pass!

Here's a big Krell:  http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1230295908&/Krell-350Mcx

[seadogs1]

Just to add to the confusion, add the Power Modules (BELLES) amps to your list. The Reference 350A at least the new model with the soft start and they will have another single amp Dual everything in one chassis coming in January. Good Luck in your quest!

[Brown]

Conrad Johnson amps have a synergy with the KEF speakers. Check out Ag there are SO many amps for sale right now. good luck.

[rydenfan]

Pete to answer your question, I have room for one external amp stand in my setup. That is why I can handle one large amp but cannot handle monoblocks. I would love to try the Nemos as well, but they are monos.


I must say I am quite interested in the Plinius SB301 right now. It might be a nice combination of detail and achieve a more musical sound that I am looking for. I have read and heard positive things about Plinius, but have zero first hand experience.

[rydenfan]

I am a bit gun shy about a Conrad Johnson 350 since I owned the DNA-500 recently and imagine them to be very similar amps. The DNA-500 was a terrific amp but I am just looking for a bit of a different sound.

[rydenfan]

Has anyone auditioned the Moscode amps before?? I know there is a new version that was recently introduced.

[zybar]

I owned the 401HR and it is a very nice amp (especially with some NOS tubes rolled in), but given the past amps you have owned, I am afraid it might not satisfy in the bass.

It would certainly be more rich sounding than the DNA-500.

George

[rydenfan]

I owned the 401HR and it is a very nice amp (especially with some NOS tubes rolled in), but given the past amps you have owned, I am afraid it might not satisfy in the bass.

It would certainly be more rich sounding than the DNA-500.

George

Thanks for the insight.

At this point I guess I am leaning towards the McIntosh 402 and the Plinius 301. I wish I could find out a bit more about Plinius though.

[rydenfan]

I will be going to audition some Plinius gear tomorrow on Reference 3A Grand Veena speakers. Should be fun