After careful review and 30 amplifiers later I have decided to stick with the Audio Research Reference 160S. As of today there is nothing out there that can come close the $20k plus price point and much above. I will admit that I was never a tube amp guy but after listening to this masterpiece I must say that I was humbled. For those who love the organic musicality and resolution sound along with a large sound stage of tube and Class A with the speed and bass slam of S/S than put this on your next must listen to list!
30 Amplifiers Totaling $428,740.00 In Search of Audio Nirvana
Yes it’s true! I have both owned and auditioned 30 of the top selling amplifiers Totaling $428,740.00 in search of that secret sauce called Audio Nirvana. All though there is no one size fits all, they all have their own special touch of magic for someone at a price point and sound signature that will be a fit for your musical listening taste. With that being said, this long list of amplifiers ranging from $2500.00 MSRP to $85,000.00 is what I experience through trial and error while running the gamut of Class A-AB-D and Tube Amplifiers from a variety of the top Amplifier Make and Models listed below.
Anthem Integrated
225
Adcom 575SE
Audio Research 160S
Bell Canto 600M
Block Audio
Bryston 7BSST2
Divalet Expert Pro 220
Gryphon Diablo
Krell Evolution
Hegel H30
Luxman M900U
Merril Eliment 118
McIntosh 452
McIntosh 601
Octave Audio V110
Musical Fidelity Titan
Parasound A21
Parasound JC1
Pass Lads X250.5
Pass Labs X350.5
Pass Labs XA160.8
Pass labs XS300
Plinius SA-250
PS Audio BHK 300 Signature
Primaluna Premium HP
Primaluna Prologue
Sim Audio W7
I actually couldn't believe it myself until I looked at my spreadsheet 5.5 years later and said WTF have I done? All that said I can truly say it has been one fun ride!
The purpose and goal for posting this long list is of amplifiers was to share my thoughts and experiences with you from a unbiased point of view with Absolutely No Quid Pro Quo :)
Cheers
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- 74 posts total
- 74 posts total