Investigate GaN amps first. There are several threads on AG that should prove helpful (one is mine). As I recall, at least one person preferred the LSA Voyager GaN amp to Nelson Pass, PLUS, GaN runs cool (less electricity) and Underwood sells them for ~ $2500. I have owned one for over a year now, and every upgrade I make around it is immediately appreciated
Question about Class A
So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.
I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.
But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.
I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?
I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.
I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.
Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.
Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.
Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).
Thanks
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I also had the LSA Voyager 350 GAN (modded by EVS). It is not a Class A sound. It sounds more like a Benchmark AHB2 with more low-end and can go down to 2 Ohms. I sold the LSA Voyager -> Parasound A21+ -> KRELL 175XD (happy with the KRELL). I kept the Benchmark AHB2. The KRELL stereo amps are rather ugly and big. The K-300i is not too bad looking. Here is a review of the Parasound A21+ that mentioned Class A and low volume listening. Parasound Halo A 21+ Stereo Amplifier Reviewed - HomeTheaterReview I owned the older Parasound A23 and I was happy to sell it. The A21+ was so much better than the A23. From what I have read the A21 is supposed to be a big step up from the A23. I would imagine the same for A23+ to A21+.
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