Best sounding low power (under 80watts) Class AB amp?


What the world needs is a nice sounding lower power class AB amplifier under 35lbs. I'm tired of power sucking light-bulb dimming Class A designs and 80+ pound Class AB immovable boat anchors on dollies. Tubes and Class D need not apply.

An Audio Research 100.2, CJ MF-80/MF-2250 come to mind. What else is there?

What do you think? I'm I the only one?

--Sensible in Springfield.

128x128hi2alex2

How about a Schiit Vidar? At 100 watts/ch, it is a shade more powerful than your 80 watt spec, but definitely class AB and 22 lbs and a fairly small footprint.  (In my case, I have their class A Aegir which is much lower power, but all of their amps have excellent sound quality.)

I am enjoying Quad 405 amp - has pretty and engaging sound.

Although its an old design, it is an affordable classic British offering...A little over at 100 watts per ch advertised - as you know, this depends on who is doing the measuring and how it is done, so this probably is better than 303 amp - and they offer even more powerful one. 

Its also smaller than most amps. 

Their pre amp is good too - most people match them together - better than adcom, B&K, and other ones at the price point.

 

 

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Naim Supernait 3 gets relentlessly high praise, 80wpc, small normal

size and weight, but comes with Naim’s quirks.