What is the best solid state amplifier you have ever heard?


What is the best solid state amplifier you have ever heard?
jozurr

Showing 4 responses by mitch2

Almost a year ago (June 7) I listed the better amplifiers I have owned, and I said;
I have not yet zeroed in on the amp that makes me want to stop looking.
That has changed.  Earlier this year, I received SMc Audio DNA-1 Ultra G20 Monoblocks.  These are completely rebuilt DNA-1 amplifiers with significant improvements such as large Plitron Low Noise transformers, and a bunch of other stuff Steve now does to these amps, including their new Gravity Base.  
IMO, the word "best" is subjective and should not be considered in an absolute sense because you would have to consider partnering equipment, speakers, room acoustics, and musical/listening preferences.  My top 3 amps (all monoblocks) would all probably be considered really good by many but, in general, the two Class A amps (Lamm M1.2 Reference and Clayton M300) could be considered better for some music that may include jazz, blues, and pop vocals (IMO) but maybe less impactful for rock and roll or heavy rock.  The SMc amps, IMO, would do just fine with all of those listed genres, and particularly excel at providing a dense tonality and impact across the entire frequency range.  In fairness, they are much more powerful (i.e., 600/1200 wpc into 8/4 ohms) than the Lamm or Clayton amps and my Aerial speakers like lots of power.  In any event, the SMc amplifiers are very, very good and have "made me stop looking."

With respect @akg_ca, I do not understand your concern with this thread. While I understand and agree with @ricred1 that "every component, including the room impacts the sound" the OP asked a simple question for respondents to post their subjective opinion of the SS amplifier they enjoyed hearing the most, i.e., the "best solid state amplifier you have ever heard." The answer to the question is certainly open to variations WRT listener preferences, room size/conditions, accompanying gear, speakers, and more, but there were no caveats as to system goals, power rating, monoblocks or stereo, room conditions, or whether the amplifier had to be owned, borrowed, in the poster’s system, in a friend’s system, or at an audio show or showroom.

For purposes of an internet thread, it is a simple question and I am baffled why people don’t either answer the question, or ignore the thread, but rather feel the need to take it upon themselves to "police" the OP as to the worthiness of their post. He/she may simply be looking at purchase options and trying to learn something. Sheesh, it’s no wonder some people choose not to participate here.
@stevea11757 
Are the  Pass 260.8 monos really good - i.e., tone, body, drive?  They are sort of on my short list of amps to consider but would be a downward move in power for me.  Are they warm, lean, neutral?  How about resolution?  Do they have a lot of drive for inefficient speakers....not crazy hard to drive but like 86dB efficiency, a minimum impedance of 3 ohms, and a fairly innocuous phase angle?  I would appreciate any feedback you care to share.
Interesting question in that I have not yet zeroed in on the amp that makes me want to stop looking.   I have owned all of the amps below so I had a long time to evaluate each.

The top 5 in no particular order would be;
Clayton M300 Class A monos
Lamm M1.2 Hybrid Class A monos
Cary CAD 500MB monos
McCormack DNA-500
McCormack SMc Audio DNA-2 LAE

Others that were ok to pretty good include;
Cary CAD 500.1 monos
Clayton M200 Class A 
Acoustic Imagery Atsah NC1200 monos