I've owned a Nak PA-7aii for a few weeks and the ML 23.5 twice now for 15 years. It wasn't even close. The 23.5 is the best amp for Maggies and this was the word from Steve Whiney. I have Tympani 1-d's and JBL Hartsfields. Funny thing, I ran the Hartsfields with a Marantz 8b for 10 years straight and put the 23.5 in it's place recently. There was little difference sonically, other than better bass control. Apparently, the 23.5 is biased for the first few watts in class A. It is simply one of the very best SS amps ever made. Look to pay $2,800. Now about those ML2's...
Threshold, Levinson, Bryston, Krell, ?others? used amps
Hi All. I'm looking for a bang for the buck, diamond in the rough, 200-ish WPC power amp that will hang really tough with what's out there today in the vintage or recently new realm. Trying to keep $$$ under 2K. I currently own a Nakamichi PA-7 (Nelson Pass Stasis design). Looking for an amp that is great at doing the disappearing act, smooth sounding, but not colored, and with lots of authority. I realize that there are as many opinions on this as stars in the night sky but thought I would ask anyway. Been considering a Threshold S/500, Levinson 23.5, Bryston 4B family. Any standouts that I should try to find? Let's hear from you.