2. amps-preamps
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Best high current high power $5k amp for MBL 121

I've narrowed down my choice of amp(s) to the following to help me drive my MBL 121. The speakers are very inefficient at 82db and with a 4ohm load. I can consider amps for around $5k used but would like to spend a lot less if I can. Amps include:

Spectron Musician III SE Mkii
Plinius SA 250mkiv or 301
Pass Labs 250.5 or 350.5
Cary 500MB
McCormack DNA 500
Bryston 7BSST

I welcome any suggestions, especially from folks familiar with driving these speakers, and also welcome thoughts other amplifier options.

I play a wide range of music and varying volume. I'm typically a tube guy, and I value liquidity, airiness and naturalness above all else. I find I care little for pursuit of a low noise floor at the expense of other aspects of music reproduction. I find I don't particularly mind a sound that some may find colored if it breathes life to the music (I have a Supratek Syrah preamp that I love). I've had one or two highly regarded amps that may be considered accurate or transparenet, but which I found to be dead and lifeless.

Anyways, I welcome advice and input on what is an expensive purchase for me that I want to get right. I may also consider a far cheaper amp (a giant-killer, if there is one) that may not get me all the way there, but which will make do for a year or so as a good bridge to a better amp later on.

Finally, might there be a tube amp option for me? Again, I need a high power solution, and even moreso, I need a high current solution - to drive these speakers properly.

Thanks!
128x128outlier

Showing 2 responses by dob

dob
577 posts
 
If you have preference for tubes and I presume life-like sound then you simply have no choice among amplifiers you listed - Spectron Musician III SE Mk2. Its laso much better (sonically) then CAT and VTL high powered amplifiers.

All The Best
Rafael
dob
577 posts
 
Hello Outlier,

Please be careful with Moscode 401. A few years ago, it was reviewed in Stereophile but John Atkinson noted that this amp will not be able to handle loads below 2 Ohms. to my surpise, the designer, in Manufacturer Respond section, agree.

While, very musical and involving this amp is not for your speakers. If you think about monoblocks then its probably even worse, since bridged monoblock sees only half the load.

Guido - I wonder very much if you have examined NuForce in speakers which are extremely difficult to drive?
As I recall, in TAS Nov 2006 issue - this amp was praised immensely by some reviewers and cursed by others.
So your experience would be of immense value.

Thank you in advance
Rafael
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