AudiogoN Forums: C'mon name that amp ...please?

C'mon name that amp ...please?

Hi All,

For months now I have been considering a new amp. There have been too many choices, but this thread will probably make it worse. Here is the info that you need: Room size 22x40x10 (8,800 ft^3) speakers are 7 driver WWMT with 4 Ohm imp. (min 3 max 5) the preamp is SS with 115 Ohm output imp. I would like an amp with great dynamic ability along with excellent mids and highs. I've been considering amps from ARC, Pass, Modwright. Please, if you have any ideas just a quick reply. My budget is up to 5-6K and used is preferable as I feel most of us Audiogoners take good care of our stuff. I am currently using a Wyred 4 Sound ST1000 which is a high powered Class D amp that does have great dynamics, but is not quite there for me in the highs.

Koestner (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

04-22-12

Responses (1-19 of 19)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

04-22-12 Without knowing your speakers, i can offer suggestions of a ... Sufentanil

04-22-12 Coda model 15 spread spectrum technologies ampzilla/son of a ... Timlub

04-23-12 The speakers are montana xp and it's not that the highs are ... Koestner

04-23-12 Modwright kwa150se pass labs xa30.5 pass labs xa60.5 Mofimadness

04-23-12 I would look to either pass or mccormack both provide ss des ... Czbbcl

04-23-12 Not strictly an esl only amp the magtech is available for a ... Vicdamone

04-23-12 Vic... diy is not really for me. i'm more of a lsedi kind of ... Koestner

04-23-12: Islandmandan
Although you have been warned away from tubes, what has finally done it for me is a VAC PA 35.35 push-pull EL 34 amp. I purchased it here on A'gon, and have recently sent it back to the factory for an upgrade.

Even before the upgrade, this 35Wpc amp had more dynamic power, detail, and resoulution than my Plinius SA 100 MKIII. After the upgrade, it is by far the best sounding amp I've had yet, in 40 years. Tube rolling helped quite a bit as well. The VAC is not big on watts, but its ability to provide large amounts of current, gives it enough oomph to do an outstanding job. My speakers are in the 90db sensibility.

All this superb performance cost about $2200. Quite reasonable, in my opinion. Best of luck with your decision, and whatever you wind up with, I hope you enjoy it.

Best regards,
Dan
Islandmandan (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

04-23-12 What about a moscode 402au;in home trial period and also abl ... Rleff

04-23-12 I have the same speakers --- at least by brand (montana eps2 ... Robsker

04-23-12 You're already used to having a lot of power, so i second su ... P59teitel

04-23-12 Go for a great hybrid amp for the great sound of tubes witho ... Grannyring

04-24-12 What do you guys think of the arc hd220 hybrid amp? that was ... Koestner

04-24-12 Guys, i've been switching back and forth between the ice amp ... Koestner

04-24-12 I have a montana eps2 and pass int-30a combo, which i like v ... Jdoris

04-24-12 The aesthetix atlas stereo is a high powered hybrid amp that ... Martykl

04-24-12 Thanks everyone, i will report back, but it may be a while a ... Koestner

04-24-12 Mccormack dna-750 monoamps. about $5k new. 900 watts (cont ... Jeffreybehr

11-03-12 Koestner i use the coda 15.0 about 9-12 hours a day. it bare ... Tobb