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Best amp for 5k used? SS or Tube

Hi I am looking for a new amp for around 5k used. You can view my current system here: http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/vs_user.pl?vevol&1020195264

Any comments on any of the following amps would be helpful. Also, any new suggestions or advice would be welcome as well. I think an amp with at least 150 watts in 8 ohms is ideal for solid state. As for tube I don’t think it makes difference as long as it can go up to 105 db.


My main choices are:

Edge NL 10 – the best choice I think

LAMM M1.1 monos

Gamut 250 monos

A Rowland amp … not sure which one

BAT VK – 1000

PASS X-250 (sounds the same as the 350 on my speakers)

Bel Canto EVO Monos

Tube amps are possible too as my speakers are about 94 db efficient. But SS is preferable because I don’t want to deal with the tube hassle. Comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for all who help.
lordgorian
lordgorian OP
133 posts
 
I also "own" a plinius SA-250 Mk IV... as it is owned by someone else but it is in my house... so i use it regularly and i dont like it. It has a very cold element to it. It is as solid state like as it gets in my oppinion. It is very clear and very lifeless... so its a negative on the plinius. Rowland, however, is supposed to be the opposite so i look foward to hearing some of their product. Thanks
acuujim
207 posts
 
Without Question. Save til you find the Lamm 1.1's
lordgorian OP
133 posts
 
It would be much more helpful if people say why they like certain amps. For instance i know that accujim always reccomends the lamms whenever a question like this arises but it would be far more helpful if they were compared to amps of a similar caliber. BTW - we both have similar systems (i believe you had talon khoruses at one point) so your comments are particularly valid. Thanks, - lordgorian
atlantaallen
1 posts
 
Even though you don't need it with your efficiency, you can still get a Krell FPB 600 for a little over 5k and it's going to hold it's value and be easy to resell. I just sold mine.

Allen
wenterprisesnw
66 posts
 
Well, I have not heard another solid state amplifier that could match the smoothness and involving nature of Clayton Audio.

I have heard similarly priced as well as mega-buck amps from Jeff Rowland, Linn, Plinius, Pass Labs, Mark Levinson, Krell, etc., but none of these have same level of pure musical involvement as Clayton.

That said, their M100 monos should meet, if not exceed your expectations, even if you desire at least 150 watts per side. The M100s will play 100 wpc into 8 Ohms, 200 wpc into 4 Ohms, 400 watts into 2 Ohms, and a staggering 800 wpc into 1 Ohm, and this all in Pure Class A form.

They are built like a tank and seem to last forever with effortless efficiency. They do run very warm (which is normal for class A models), but their huge heat sinks draw the heat away from the amps.

They list for $6,500/pr. new, so I don't forsee any problems getting a used pair for about $5k -that is, if you can find a pair for sale.

But if your looking for the best in solid state, compare the Clayton to any other, and I think you'll find that the choice will be obvious, if pure musical quality and convenience of operation and upkeep are of the utmost priority.

Happy shopping!

Best regards,

-Donald
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