[zybar]

I lean toward the Manley products based on my own experiences, although I also own Cary and love it.

You might want to take a look at Quicksilver Audio.  They are based in the NW, maybe Utah.  I demo'ed a pair of their monoblocks a few years ago and liked them.  I did prefer the Cary and that's the direction I went.

At the moment, there is a pair of 100 watt Cary monoblocks on Audiogon for $1595 and a pair of Quicksilver 100 watt monoblocks for $2500 obo.

Good luck.

Walt

Neither of these will be a good match for the HT3's due to their low sensitivity and needing to control the 10" woofer.

George

[vman71]

A shameless plug for my Musical Design D-140i amp (170watts/ch)that I have listed here on AC for $700.  It's smooth,, warm and has excellent extension at both ends.  It has the good qualities of both tubes and SS in a single package that, for the price, is going to be hard to beat.  Then, throw in the Edison Price binding posts, chassis dampening, new fuses and you've got a heck of a deal.

[joc3721]

I've owned many amps over almost 30 years in audiophile-dom.  The best were Clayton Audio.  I actually had two of them, the S-2000 and M-200 monoblocks.  But....they are big, heavy, make a lot of heat (class A) and are very expensive.  The best overall, real world amps I've had are......Blue Circle.  Great sonics, build quality, reliability and, depending on model, will drive just about any speaker.  One opinion.

[AmpDesigner333]

I suggest that you take advantage of Tommy (Ampdesigner333, Digitalamp.com) while he's bent over and try one of his amps, going for 33% of list. Full return policy, I believe.

This puts the top of the line at $2K. I just spent 3 weeks with it, driving SP Minis and VSR VR4JRs very admirably.

Although heard at different times with the same speakers/room, I feel that it far surpassed my CIA D200s (too smooth, owned for 1+ years) and a Rotel ICE amp (too silvery but overall very nice, few week loan).

Like always, system matching is needed to get the most from it - It really liked my tube preamp, Black Sand Silver Ref V PC and the Reality ICs and SC.


-Mike

I've been seriously thinking of taking a chance on the Cherry myself (does that sound impolite?) based on your experience and some of the posted reviews. The problem is, although I'm convinced that Tommy knows what he is doing amp-wise, he seems to have his shoelaces tied together in terms of marketing. For instance I've searched in vain to find the warranty, if any, on his amps. Is there one beyond the 30 days? Id like to jump in while the hot deal is still on but, so far, no reply from Digital Amplifier Company.
Bill (CSI)

Bill,
I was kinda hoping to take the weekend off since I'm a little under the weather, but oh well...
We haven't specified a warrantee yet on our web site since we're not a big company and pretty new at selling finished product.  However, we have never had an amp malfunction in the field, and we have been selling the DAC4800A for more than 2 years.
About your company, your email on Friday was signed "CIA on AC", but your company is "CSI".  Are you affiliated with CIA (a.k.a. Channel Islands Audio)?  Back to my shoe laces...
-Tommy

[CSI]

I suggest that you take advantage of Tommy (Ampdesigner333, Digitalamp.com) while he's bent over and try one of his amps, going for 33% of list. Full return policy, I believe.

This puts the top of the line at $2K. I just spent 3 weeks with it, driving SP Minis and VSR VR4JRs very admirably.

Although heard at different times with the same speakers/room, I feel that it far surpassed my CIA D200s (too smooth, owned for 1+ years) and a Rotel ICE amp (too silvery but overall very nice, few week loan).

Like always, system matching is needed to get the most from it - It really liked my tube preamp, Black Sand Silver Ref V PC and the Reality ICs and SC.


-Mike

I've been seriously thinking of taking a chance on the Cherry myself (does that sound impolite?) based on your experience and some of the posted reviews. The problem is, although I'm convinced that Tommy knows what he is doing amp-wise, he seems to have his shoelaces tied together in terms of marketing. For instance I've searched in vain to find the warranty, if any, on his amps. Is there one beyond the 30 days? Id like to jump in while the hot deal is still on but, so far, no reply from Digital Amplifier Company.
Bill (CSI)

Bill,
I was kinda hoping to take the weekend off since I'm a little under the weather, but oh well...
We haven't specified a warrantee yet on our web site since we're not a big company and pretty new at selling finished product.  However, we have never had an amp malfunction in the field, and we have been selling the DAC4800A for more than 2 years.
About your company, your email on Friday was signed "CIA on AC", but your company is "CSI".  Are you affiliated with CIA (a.k.a. Channel Islands Audio)?  Back to my shoe laces...
-Tommy

Hi Tommy,

Thanks for your reply and sorry for interrupting your recovery weekend. Also sorry about the CSI/CIA mixup. That was a typo brought on by the fact that I'm thinking your amp would replace/supplement my beloved CIA's 200's and by my advanced age (look forward to it, it will happen). CSI stands for Custom Solutions International, the export company I work for, and has nothing to do with Channel Islands Audio. I hope you weren't insulted by my comments about your marketing prowess - I've actually met very few good engineers that were super sharp at both disciplines and, frankly, tend to mistrust "engineers" that are also slick salesmen (high end cables anyone?).
Anyway, I am very interested in the Cherry and we should talk next week when you feel better (and before your generous offer runs out). I tend to trust the opinions of ACer's about gear - especially those who have lived with a piece for awhile and written up their impressions . Come to think of it, that's how I got involved with Channel Islands gear in the first place. I am sending a PM with my contact info.
Best regards,
CSI (Bill)

[lazydays]

I'd be wanting to try out a pair of Odyssey mono blocs in the glass cieling configuration. I don't see any of the amps you mention running with them, and the amp you heard will not be nearly the same level as the mono blocks, let alone in the glass cieling mode.
gary

[carusoracer]

Thanks for all of the great replies! AC Members have certainly some great ears and good taste

I like the recommendations that are out there. Some of the main concerns I had especially after taking a long listen this weekend back and forth between my 302b on Fri with some tube rolling and a wind to the end of the work week. I realized I luv that tube magic but just can not get what I want with out more control and ease of power that SS or Hybrid designs bring. I think I spent 2 hours just going back and forth between the 302b and the Bolder Modded 550exr. What was the end result,I like speed and dynamics, the Bolder Amp is very good all around performer.
Just to add more fun into the mix I put in the PP150 and I realize it is all about presentation. Each Amp has its great song, or best voicing with a certain type of music from complex orchestra to small setting Jazz trio. The 550 ended up back in the mix again at the midnight hour with the last of the Beck's.

Sunday was a whole different game and really taking more of complex approach to listening and inserting Barry's iso blocks under components. Now I really see that I need to pay more attention to isolation as the permutations were worked through I can not believe how far that resolution and impact can go hand in hand with out being overally critical and sterile.

With that said the BAT and Blue Circle gear does seems to really come to mind along with the AKSA.
I like what I keep hearing about the AKSA gear but it is a stretch. If anyone wants to PM, Occam or whomever to explain what they are hearing with the AKSA gear a PM would be welcome as well. That big Pass that was mentioned earlier looks so classy. Interesting no replies regarding the McIntosh or Plinius gear.

In the digital camp I have had the very early Nu force stuff in my system and it would not be fair to lump any of the digital gear into one camp. Red Dragon would be very interesting to hear as well.

BRM, I would luv to hear the Wried stuff if possible, send me a PM

Hey Chris"Lonewolf" have not heard from my NY connection.

I'm going to need a gameplan to try and narrow down my choices but keep the great ideas coming.
Cheers

[denjo]

I would stretch a bit and go for the Accuphase E-550 that was advertised recently on AC! Built like a tank, uber-reliable, and very musical. Runs Class A all of the time.

[Niteshade]

What tonality are you looking for? Warm, neutral, dark, etc...? What direction do your speakers lean towards? For example, my RF-83's lean towards the bright side.

AC Members looking for help picking out possibilities for a new Amp:
Here is link of my system: http://www.audiocircle.com/systems/index.php?systemid=570
Speakers Salk HT3's present a very tough load.

$$ Range 1200-2400 Pre Owned
Requirements; Textured and tube like midrange, low level detail, dynamic, fast transients,great bass with good control over woofer,seemingless highs and powerful. Prefer Amp to run in class A most of the time while maintaining Class A/B configuration.  Surely not too much to ask

Amps I have not heard that intrigue:

Plinius P8 or P10, AKSA Lifeforce 55+ Soroya looks like it is out of my range, Moon W5, Pass 150 150.5,250, McIntosh 252, Manley

Any other choices appreciated. Would not mind powerful tube mono blocks.

Amps I have heard in my system, B&K 500, Bryston 3BSt, 4B, MF A3cr, Moscode 401HR,Odyssey Dual Mono, AVA 550 Ultra, McAlister PP150, Jolida mod 302b,Jolida 502b,Hafler mod 500, early Nuforce and others.

[carusoracer]

My requirements wish list is where I like the sound to be. I also luv soundstage, and presence.

I do not believe that the HT3's are bright or colored or lean nor warm and fuzzy. With the a good sized room or a well treated small room they seem to bring out what ever the gear is in front of them.

[Wayne1]

carusoracer,

I do believe it will be VERY hard to find one amp that will be able to deliver the harmonic tonalities of tube output stage with the control of a solid state output.

You already have two amps that you like the sound of, why not combine them?

I suggest you talk with Jim Salk and Dennis Murphy to find out what it would take to convert your HT3 to either passive or active bi-amp.

A Marchand crossover or a Behringer DCX2496 can also match gain differences between the amps.

[carusoracer]

Thanks Wayne,

I'll talk to Jim but I think it might require a new speaker with that configuration as my HT3's do not have the outboard provisions.

I'm still on the look out as I will try to hear the 402 soon. I have emailed Aspen but have not heard back. Anyone with AKSA Amps in the Midwest?

[carusoracer]

Minor bump for AKSA,Plinius amp owners in the Midwest

[loki1957]

I'd be wanting to try out a pair of Odyssey mono blocs in the glass cieling configuration. I don't see any of the amps you mention running with them, and the amp you heard will not be nearly the same level as the mono blocks, let alone in the glass cieling mode.
gary

I second this. Stunningly great amps.

[Philistine]

Phillistine,

I drive my Alon IVs with most satisfying and authoritative results with my Soraya, in a very large room, although it falls far short of the recommended 300wpc. The Alons are a difficult load. And folks who know me will tell you I listen LOUD, but it has to be controlled and undistorted.
It has an iron grip (albeit wrapped in a silk glove) that is simply astounding for its nominal rating. Save for the similarly rated Korato, I've never encountered an amp that punches so far above its weight.

FWIW,
Paul

Thanks for the clarification Paul - it would be great if someone could try the Soraya with the HT3's, owners love Hugh's designs so this would be an interesting match.  If anyone Soraya owner is in the Pittsburgh area I'm to bringing it over and driving my HT3's.

[rydenfan]

Minor bump for AKSA,Plinius amp owners in the Midwest

I had an amazing audition with some Plinius gear lately. I posted some thought about it in another thread. I felt strongly enough about it that I purchased a Plinius SB301. It will be here sometime next week and I will post some impressions once I have lived with it for a bit.

[DTB300]

Speakers Salk HT3's present a very tough load.......

$$ Range 1200-2400 Pre Owned Requirements; Textured and tube like midrange, low level detail, dynamic, fast transients,great bass with good control over woofer, seemingless highs and powerful. Prefer Amp to run in class A most of the time while maintaining Class A/B configuration.  Surely not too much to ask

Amps I have not heard that intrigue:  Plinius P8 or P10, AKSA Lifeforce 55+ Soroya looks like it is out of my range, Moon W5, Pass 150 150.5,250, McIntosh 252, Manley

For Plinius - I own the SA-102 and for me and my preferences and listening, it meets all of your criteria.  I have not had a chance to hear the P8 or P10.  Of course you would have to listen and make your own subjective determination. 

Remember the 102 (and 103) have a switch for you to determine when to run in Class A or A/B.

I listened to many amps (tubes and SS) before purchasing the Plinius (Pass, ARC, Manley, CJ, VTL, Ayre, Theta, Cary, Anthem, etc.).  The 102 was able to control my speakers very well, and in Class A is one of the best sounding amps I have heard (tube and SS) - again my opinion.

My speakers also present a very tough load dropping down below 2 ohms and the Plinius handles it with no problems. 

Getting a used 102/103 in your price range will end up at the top of your scale for a 102 and slightly above for a 103.

[carusoracer]

Rydenfan,


Any word on the Amps in your rig?

[rydenfan]

Rydenfan,


Any word on the Amps in your rig?

The amp is actually due to be delivered today  but I am still waiting on some cables from Gregg Straley before I can hook it up  I am hoping to have it set up by the weekend.

[DTB300]

I see you picked out the 301 model. 

Just out of curiosity, can you expand on why you picked the 301 over the 103 or other models?