Roddyboy , I think your question is strange , would you not choose the best amplifier to mate with Speakers you use ? I would think most would research this with other owners or even the manufacturer of your speakers , correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t that how it’s done finding the best amplifier that will drive your speakers optimally ?
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Something in the Pass Labs lineup would work very well, depending on your power requirements. I love my Xa30.8. One review says that it competes with a highly regarded SET amp (can't remember the name offhand) that sells for over 20k, plus you get the firm low end punch that comes with SS. It's very conservatively rated at 30 watts. It's easily driving my Vandersteen Quatros. I bought mine used for just under 5k. |
If you’re looking for tube gear, I have a Decware Torii Jr that sounds good and recently upgraded to Audion Siver Night 300b Special Edition. I’m loving the Audion paired with Zu Audio Superfly (101db) speakers. With only 8 watts I usually only dial in 1/4 of the volume and it delivers plenty of punch, dynamics and detail. |
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Of the many amps mentioned and the speakers you have I think I would consider three brands; Pass, Parasound JC1 monos and McIntosh. Pass build great amps for great powerful sound. McIntosh also make very good amps with tremendous resale value. Parasound would offer a great sound, stellar designer (JC) and the best value, most power. My two cents. BTW I own Parasound... Also if those 802s have an internal amp, you can go with a tube amp. ARC and Line Magnetic Audio make some killer tube amps. Line Magnetic SET would be my first choice. |
If I had the money and space, these: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-mono-amps-w-c1-teflon-cap-upgrade-l-k-2017-10-30-amplifiers?a... |
OP…. Congrats on the 501s!!! Although my ‘take’ on them and your own differs somewhat, I read you are well pleased. That’s great. I honestly felt they were the more ttransparent of the two listening to them on Mac Speakers. More lively. A tick less colorful than the Big 602 which was IMHO a very good amp.. therefore, didn’t think on 802s it was the best possible fit. Glad it turned out otherwise in your outfit. Listen long and prosper. |
What speakers are you driving? That should be the determining factor. If your looking for nice amp IMHO you should look for a BAT VK-200 for about a $1000 or Pass Aleph 5 for about $1500 take the remaining $3500-$4k and buy some storeable food because when the North Korean (DRPK) EMP hits you wont be able to eat your stereo... |
Save yourself some money by going on a different path: less known brands that are offering amazing products for fair prices. Most of them are class D, like Class D Audio, Ghent audio and Temple Audio (I just bought the monoblocks from Temple Audio, soon will post a review). Or the small, cheap and extremely fantastic KingKo Audio, a tube integrated amplifier that is also a headphone amplifier. If you want to go boldly I can sell you my Line Magnetic 219ia for much less than 6k. And this is a musical beast! Just check all the reviews. (just too big and heavy for my back and my room, that’s why I go smaller from now on). |
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whatever you choose, when considering costs, don't forget resale value...the Pass X250.8 bought used will probably not lose much, if any value over the next 2-3 years, while homemade, or lesser known amps may lose much more, and cost you more in the long run...just assuming you won't keep whatever amp you buy forever... |
I know this thread is old and you bought the McIntosh MC 501Mono blocks I wonder if you are satisfied with the 501Mono blocks? I have owned mine for 15 years back then I was driving B&W 802N Speakers and before I bought the Mac's I owned a Krell 600c ,I've been very happy with the McIntosh 501Mono blocks they still sound fantastic! Now I have Sonus Faber Amati Homage speakers with ModWright LS 36.5DM Tubed Linestage a killer combination, it's funny I called McIntosh about replacing the caps the rep told me wait about 15 more years! I asked him about the new 611 he said hang on to the 501Mono blocks there way under rated. Happy listening my friend! |