What stereo amp sounds better than digital monos?


I want to replace a pair of Red Dragon digital mono blocks with an excellent SS stereo amp of approx 150 RMS.I have Acoustic Zen Adagios speakers

I am not interested in tube amps or tube rolling. Need input and/or recommnedations. I CANNOT afford $5000 ARC, Levinson, Krell or other super high end basic power amp. In the past, have considered Odyssey Stratos SE, McCormack DNA-1 upgraded to "REV B" or "REV A" level; also, the better Conrad Johnson SS power amps. Thank you.
sunnyjim

Showing 4 responses by mapman

Boulder might have something different and perhaps better to offer, but not cheap!
IS you pre-amp SS or tube?

If tube, any amp with 60K or greater input impedance might offer an improvement. I seem to recall that most of the amps you have had might not fall into that category for best match to a tube pre-amp but not certain.

IF a SS, you might have to drop more bucks to really upgrade. Not sure. Boulder is the one line I have heard that I would consider in this case.
Yes, me to in regards to expensive amps like boulder.

I would still recommend giving them a listen. I have not heard them on many systems but the struck me as unique sounding and possibly quite good, a useful reference. You might then be able to find something similar and more affordable if that sound floats your boat. I'm thinking something along the bryston or mccormick line maybe.
Good luck. Mccormack is a very reasonable choice.

My strategy is always to listen a lot and listen to the best whenever possible, then buy what I can afford.