Solid State Power Amps

From your list I’m only familiar with X260.8. They drive my Wilson Sabrina without breaking a sweat. Preamp is Pass XP-22. I tried Audio Research Ref 6 tube preamp as well and the synergy was excellent. What speakers are you looking to drive with the new amp?

Focal Sopra 3 - not a challenging speaker to drive

Mola Mola Kaluga, AGD Gran Vivace, AGD Solo,

Electrocompaniet AW 800M, TIDAL Intra

Thanks - I don’t know these brands. I will look into them. 

Pass should pair well with Focal Sopra 3. The PS Audio should also be a good match based on what I read. You don’t want bright or forward sounding amps with sopras. 

You should throw CODA into the mix. The 16 will drive them with ease.

Get enough power.

JA: "The Focal will play loudly when fed only a few watts, my estimate of its voltage sensitivity being 89.2dB/2.83V/m. However, as fig.1 shows, the Sopra No.3 is a difficult load for an amplifier to drive, with a minimum magnitude of 2.75 ohms at 96Hz and a combination of 4 ohms and a –56° electrical phase angle at 68Hz, both frequencies where music can have high levels of energy. Because the magnitude is considerably higher in the treble, the speaker will sound brighter when driven by tubed amplifiers, with their typically high output impedances."

 

 

When spending that much $ on an amplifier, McIntosh is the way to go.

McIntosh is good gear.  IMHO you pay something for the brand.  But one good thing is they maintain value, and occasionally gain in value (probably not from new price), whereas with most other gear you'll take some loss on resale. 

I know you are looking for Solid State amps, but something else you may want to consider are Octave Audio monoblocs with the super black boxes(a must IMO).   I owned the Sopra 3 and now the Utopia EVOs and originally used the Gryphon Diablo 300 on both.   Worked great and terrific synergy.   I got the upgrade bug again and started looking.  I'm not a huge tube guy but after trying several amps I ended up with Octave Audio with KT150 tubes.    Has a lot of the characteristics of tubes in the mids and highs that I love, but also good authority on the bottom end like SS.  Very good synergy with Focal.

Good luck!   Once you find the right amp for your tastes, I'm sure you will know it right away.

I now own the Michi 8 power amps, check out my review in the Members review section.

Audiogon Discussion Forum

ozzy

Why don't you look at the SIM audio 861 It's in your price range and SIM audio makes some of the best amps out there.

SimAudio and the Be driver on the Focal may not be a great match. I heard the 860A V2 on Paradigm Persona 5F. While I enjoyed the sound I knew I could not listen for long periods.

For a Be driver, I would look at Class A like the KRELL Duo 175XD (or the rumored new model) or the CODA #16. The new CODA S5.5 that people are raving about is also something to consider if the speaker does not need a lot of power. I have the CODA #16 and had the KRELL. Great amps, though I wonder if the SimAudio 861 would be a better match with my slightly warm Yamaha NS5000 over the CODA #16.

JA: "The Focal will play loudly when fed only a few watts, my estimate of its voltage sensitivity being 89.2dB/2.83V/m. However, as fig.1 shows, the Sopra No.3 is a difficult load for an amplifier to drive, with a minimum magnitude of 2.75 ohms at 96Hz and a combination of 4 ohms and a –56° electrical phase angle at 68Hz, both frequencies where music can have high levels of energy. Because the magnitude is considerably higher in the treble, the speaker will sound brighter when driven by tubed amplifiers, with their typically high output impedances."

@hilde45 Its pretty clear that JA has no idea of what he's talking about. If the tube amp employs feedback (and most do) then there will be no brightness.

Especially at this level it really depends on what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you.  Without that info this is just a pure crapshoot of recommendations of amps other people like that may or may not have anything to do with what you’re looking for. 

Anything with a strong power supply. Everyone is suggesting along the same lines- large stiffening caps, lots of output devices and a good sized toroidal transformer. The Coda line is what I would take IF if didn't want gobs of power on tap for lower efficiency monitors. 

 

You have what you need for a tube amp, splurge on some SS and see how it goes. You really can't lose on an S5.5 if you don't like it sell it and you will know better what it is you would like a little cost on the S5.5

yyzSantaBarbara,

but have you heard the 861 amplifier that's a whole different league better than the 860A V2? I have heard the 861 and it's much better than the 860 A V2.

I've owned the PrimaLuna EVO 400 and a couple different Pass amps. While perfectly sufficient I prefer the all ARC REF system I'm running now. Speakers have been Wilson Sasha and now Harbeth M40.1.

@zuesman 

but have you heard the 861 amplifier that's a whole different league better than the 860A V2? I have heard the 861 and it's much better than the 860 A V2.

Last Friday, driving back from LAX airport (a nightmare). I stopped by a dealer on the way home. I wanted to hear the 861 with my Yamaha NS5000. Unfortunately, they had closed early that day. I am heading down to LAX again in 4 weeks and will try to make a stop at the dealer once more.

@soix +1. How often do questions like this get asked here? Many

I have not followed this forum so I would not know. I apologize if it is annoying you. I’m interested in others opinions. Even your unhelpful one. 

I own the BHK 300.  Great amps. Check the return and trade-in policies. 

I would listen to Audionet Max amps, MSRP 30k.  GTT Audio.  In my house easily bested the BHK 300s, Kalugas, Classe CA 2300 and Parasound JC1+s. (To me).

I have not followed this forum so I would not know. I apologize if it is annoying you. I’m interested in others opinions. Even your unhelpful one. 

Ok, here’s an opinion — pairing a $25k amp with a $5k preamp is stupid.  Hope that helps. 

Ok, here’s an opinion — pairing a $25k amp with a $5k preamp is stupid.  Hope that helps. 

I resemble that remark. I usually recommend my $2.5k preamp with any amp. My amp is $16.3k MSRP. I have had more expensive preamps before, and they did not sound as good.

If I had bought the KEF Blade 2 Meta speaker, I would have used the $2.5k preamp with a $36k amp.

Sometimes a stupid is the correct move. A bit of Forrest Gump there.

 

I've been all tube since the early '70s, but recently started exploring very low wattage, high quality SS for my Avantgarde Duos as an alternative to my Lamm ML2 SETs. Valvet is apparently a high quality, grainless, Class A amp and though the model I focused on was a mere 10 watts- they make bigger amps. Made in Germany, not well promoted in the States, but worth looking into. The US distributor is apparently someone who will work with you. I don't plan to replace the Lamms, but want an alternative for summer, and to avoid chewing through tubes when I want to listen to the main system. 

You might consider Krell.   Their 300 XD or the 175 XD should pair well and work wonderfully with your Sopras.   I am a big fan of the Krell sound, which I describe as powerful/tightly controlled bass, slightly warm musical mids, and articulate highs all well blended.   YMMV.

Good luck.

SMC audio. 
steve McCormack is some of the finest hand made gear out there 

call him. 
 

 

Pass is top class

mcintosh top hear

 

 

I go to many audio gatherings per year ,the New Luxman power amp retails for around $20k is exceptional . Call Anthony at Perrotta Consultants 

he is good to work with and fair  pricing , ,he also Carry  Accuphase 

Another very good one is Krell New KSA line which too is exceptional and made in CT U.S.A ,  He has their line also as well as Bricasti which he may have a demo model. Do some research. .

There are many excellent suggestions so far.  If you are casting a wide net;

I just updated my preamp (to Audio Research) and as it burns-in my biggest impression is that my Ayre Amp (V5-xe w upgraded capacitors: 300 W) sounds great - voicing is as-good-as/better than many more expensive SS amps that I have heard in shows and at showrooms: I do NOT feel the need to upgrade my amp to make the ARC preamp sing.

This morning AG has only one Ayre Amp, the higher-line V-1x, for sale (at The Audio Room, below $5k). Refreshed w new Caps, you may find you saved $20K.  

I have no affiliation w Ayre or The Audio Room.

For 25K I would go with the MC1.25

Amp vs Preamp.....Right now my Borresen X-3's are singing. $10,000Tube preamp going into...wait for this....the New NP1 Power amp ( 55 watts into 8 ohm) Van Alstine amp. ( first run is sold out)....What a musical magic amp this is for $1,199.....always spend More on the Preamp than you do on the Amp and Tube the pre with SS on the Amp. Nirvana.

I would recommend the solid state Bryston 14b3 with your tubed Primaluna 400 preamp. The Bryston is very uncolored and neutral, just producing the music quality it is served, nothing more and nothing less. Very powerful with unlimited power at 600w at 8ohms. It can deal with any speaker. 13 grand.

Used Boulder 2160 if you can find one. Good luck! 

@sgordoxyz 

I just recently bought a used pair of the BHK300’s and so far I’m happy with them.  They are not SS, but hybrid.  They use a couple of 6dj8 tubes on the input sections and I must say, I’ve been having fun tube rolling!  Currently I’m using 7308’s and I’m probably going to stay with them. Super clean sound without any harshness.

All the best.

 

If you are planning biamping with PrimaLuna, also consider Hegel 600. It has amazing base control it can improve base tremendously. Also former version Hegel 590 is about 6K for used. I use them for my Sasha DAW, and I love that amp. 

curiousjim

I realize the BHK’s are hybrid. I think the tube input is a positive. The SS part I am wanting to experiment with is the output stage. The currant should be much better with solid state. 

My current combo is a JJ 243 tube preamp with 2 XA60 Pass Labs mono block amps. I love the sound they produce. 

Benchmark AHB2. They will shock you. Read the reviews and check it out! Good luck. Joe

@sgordoxyz Is there a reason you want to spend that kind of money? Just because you did does not mean the amps you get would actually sound better. There is something called the Veblen Effect, in which people will spend more under the illusion they are obtaining greater value, which obviously isn't the case.

High end audio is not drive by price, its driven by intention- how much (or how little) the designer wishes to present state of the art.

For example there are class D amps that are less expensive than the amps on your list that sound a lot more like music. So I would consider casting a wider net.

I’ve used McIntosh MC 611 600 W mono amps. I think a pair goes for 15,000.

In the solid state world these amplifiers perform extremely well. And amplifier is reliable.

If I was planning to spend more money I would definitely pursue a tube amplifier and I’m now using one but the 611 is very good

I would look at a VAC tube amplifier and maybe one from Conrad Johnson. I would definitely consider upgrading your pre-amplifier as I read up above. Spending $25,000 for an amplifier is pretty serious and it’s deserving of a higher level preamplifier

Have you considered buying a puppy?

@audphile1 

+1 Pass X260.8 monos

This is the best amp I have ever owned.  I have electrostatic speakers that are difficult to power correctly and the 260.8 makes them sing.  

Hello sgordoxyz!  You have chosen well regarded and well reviewed power amps. My I suggest an less expensive alternative.  Starke Sound makes great amps and low prices. I have 5 of their AD320-4 amps and one of the new replacements, the Fiera4. I drive everything from Linkwitz XL521-4s to Magnapans with them. They sound wonderful. 200 wpc, four channels (perfect for the LX521's. Perfect for electronic crossovers feeding a 2 way stereo pair.) The have a decent return policy. I think you will be impressed. I have no connection with the company; I am interested in "the most bang for the buck."  I don't build my onm amps any more. I have two stereo Purii Audio amps, and I prefer the Starkes. You don't need to spend a fortune to have good sound. Enjoy the Music!

NYAL (New York Audio Labs) Moscode 600 uses a tube input/driver stage connected to a Mosfet output stage. 300wpc. I have the Moscode 150 - 75wpc. Designed by George Kaye. Go to the Stereophile archives to read the review of the Moscode 300.

I would add D'Agostino to your list.  Friend of mine has Focal Grand Utopia driven by Dag and sounds wonderful.  

I will echo the suggestion for Bryston amps.  They come with a 20 year transferable warranty.  They are built to last.  Of course they perform well.  But at this price point,  you want something you can depend upon.

A close friend used to be the McIntosh repair tech at the House of Music in San Francisco.  He saw plenty of broken Mac gear and knew it wasn't worth the money people were spending.  They made their rep with the old classic tube gear and have been living off of that for the last 50 years.  They don't have a 20 year warranty...  Go with Bryston.

take a listen to Ayre stuff

+1 for Paass (especially 260.8) having owned them and are still mated with a ARC 5se. It has allowed me to get off the upgrade  cycle as they are about as good a pair as I would possibly want. Left Levinson and never looked back....

I do not think you will have any regrets with them

The availability of Chinese copies of some of the great European amplifier designs like Dartzeel NHB108 and FM Acoustics 300A has made spending that sort of money on an amplifier redundant.Class D was supposed to do the same but from what I have heard it falls well short.You are better off buying a Chinese clone/copy and spending the other $23,000 on room treatment and speakers.Plus I suspect the copies will sound better than most of those $25,000 amplifiers.$40,000 might get you something better- [the real thing].

If you must do it at least buy something with premium build quality and service support like Accuphase.