Amplifier for Wilson Audio Alexia V
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions!
Getting a new pair of Alexia V in early 2023 and trying to decide on a new amplifier for them. Currently running Mark Levinson 33H monoblocks but given their age I'm assuming a new amp would be a better fit.
I'm trying to scale back the size of my audio rack so a stereo amp is preferred or maybe even an integrated amp.
This system is also used for my main living area TV/Movie watching so I'm worried tubes wouldn't last very long otherwise I would include Audio Research and others
Options Level 1 $10k-$30k
McIntosh MC462, MA12000, MA9500 - House sound and good re-sale value
Luxman M-10X, L-507Z - seem to be trending right now
Pass Labs XA30.8 (not enough power?), XA larger units are all monoblocks - Class A could be too revealing or harsh with Wilsons?
Gryphon Diablo 300 - don't know much
Options Level 2 $30k+
Dan D'Agostino Progression S350 or Momentum S250 MxV - very popular and assume would be the best or very close to the best sound if the budget allows
Lamm M1.2 (I use to see Lamm at all the shows)
darTZeel CTH-8550 Integrated
Boulder 1160, 2160 (probably over budget)
Thank you everyone!
GDNRBOB - yes purchasing from a dealer but I work in the home automation industry so I have access to many brands just don't sell a lot of HiFi systems. Erik - I know I picked the Luxman when Jay's Audio Lab did his youtube video on three amps under $30k. Never heard pass. Have access to audition Mc pretty easily. I know someone with a pair of S250 in storage right now that I might be able to use to audition. |
I'm leery of recommending amp/speaker combos since the results can vary a lot and the final decision must be personal. But i thought I'd comment on tube life. In general you're correct tubes wear out and add the fact the decay is slow so you usually don't realize the performance drop off until you finally put new tubes in. But tube decay does not need to be as rapid as most tube amps. As an example I know Berning amps have a tube life measured in many years. They guarantee 10,000 hours and I happen to know David Berning is always very conservative with all his specs including tube life. Unfortunately while this exception exists I don't know of other examples. And Berning amps are costly and have their own sound like most other amps. |
@chauncey Ok so I own the Alexx Vs and I’ll tell they are truly amazing. The Alexia V is going to be similar just a little smaller scale. The D’Agostino s250 would be an amazing combo. Of course your source and preamp would have to be considered. What is your main source? However if I were you I’d drop them right in with you current system, you may be surprised. If you want to save space there’s nothing better that the D’Agostino MXV, drop dead gorgeous, small and sound fantastic. On the larger side, some of the older Krells do amazingly well if you’re trying to save $$. I’ve been using a Krell 300c but today I just purchased a D’Agostino s250 stereo but won’t have it till January. My vote would be the D’Agostino then the Boulder. Between those its just personal taste and cost. You should try talking to Dave at JS Audio, they carry both D’Agostino and Boulder, Audio Research and more. Dave is very knowledgeable when it comes to Wilson. |
