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Ultimate Amplifier for the next 20 Years

Hello all!
Well, you I am again on the amplifier merry-go-round after my last digital amp(noname mentioned!) let me down in the dumps after a comparison with a Halo A21 amp. I had a keen ear friend who reviews for Stereo Times and he felt the same. Musical instruments more real sounding with better decay. Man was I surprised after thinking that the digital amp was my last! BTW, the most important part, my speakers are a pair of Apogee Studio Grands in beautiful piano black!! Now the digital amp is on subwoofers in which it has ALOT of punch! The perfect(but not cheap) subwoofer amp! High damping factor, runs cool, dual posts to run four(4) subs if you choose to and never runs out of juice!!

Anyway, I want to keep it under $5000 used or new. Prefer 2 channel amp and maybe monoblocks. Amp can't run too hot(very important)! My pre/pro is a Lexicon MC12B.
Here are my amps that I'm considering in order:

Classe CA2200- Runs class A up to 60 watts! Right now I have a dealer making me a killer offer. Probably the one I'm going to buy...

McCormack DNA500- My big second choose!

Theta Dreadnaught II- Since I have a 8.4 sound system but don't need alot of power for the other speakers, this would be the perfect multichannel amp for me(remember the .4 is powered by my digital amp). One BIG problem, it runs tooo freakin’ hot!

NuForce 9.2- Hearing great things.

Krell FBC300Cx- Jason Bloom ran only krell amps with Apogees.

Please add your thoughts on any comparison on these amps or a new one that you think are superior. I want this to be my last amp purchase for a long time! Right.... ; )

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP ON THIS MATTER!!!
Best,
Paul
ptheo

Showing 2 responses by fplanner2000

fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I'll second the DNA-500 - have had mine about 8 months and am continually amazed at its performance. I leave mine on all the time and don't have heat issues at all - it just needs a little room to breathe in my rack. Dynamics are incredible when called for, yet inner detail and transparency are also there in a very involving, musical way. My system includes a VAC Phi 2.0 preamp, APL-modded Denon 3910 and Legacy Whisper speakers.

Maybe you should try the McCormack in your system if you haven't already?
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Mdconnelly: I also heard the Butler amps before getting the DNA-500. The Butlers merely HINT at what the DNA-500 delivers in spades. The McCormack also has a much deeper, tighter and more controlled bass response. The extra power is very noticeable even on very quiet passages, etc. as the amp really controls the speakers exceedingly well.

I would just pick up a DNA-500 used on Agon if $ is an issue - if it doesn't work in your system, you can always resell it without getting hurt. Once you hear this amp, it probably won't leave your system.
Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to discuss further, and NO, I'm not a dealer nor do I have any connection to Steve McCormack, other than being a very satisfied listener.
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