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Recommendations for an Amp/Preamp combo excellent musically and very reliable

Hello, having often encountered major reliability problems with components that may be too sophisticated in their design and which have taken too many months to be repaired, I thank you for giving me your recommendations for an Amp/Preamp combo that is excellent musically and also solid as a rock. My speakers are Magnepan 3.7i with 2 Vandersteen subwoofers.. My room is 550ft2.  I am looking for a holographic placement of voices and instruments, a 3D soundstage. I want a sound that gives me goosebumps. I do not want the bass to be sloppy. I am looking for a sound that is not tiring after a few hours of listening. My musical styles are very varied from classical music to jazz, pop, world music, rock, blues, rap, hip-hop...Budget is up to $15k and I could consider used equipment. Thank you.

mllc
zx10
145 posts
 

As another commented McIntosh. I have the MA7900 from 2016 you can pick up a nice used one for about $6500. Beyond that then they made the MA8900 and nowdays they also have a combination with a tube preamp. Always the best , parts and service always available , built like a tank and beautiful neutral soundstage.

sls883
1,058 posts
 

I'm very happy with my Coda Continuum No 8 V1 solid state amplifier.  This amp is available in three different output configurations.  The V1 has 18 watts in class A and 150 watts into 8 ohms (300 into 4 ohms). My previous Coda was still doing well at 25 years old, but was going to need new capacitors at some point.

My preamp is a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp level 2.  The technology used in it equates to long tube life 

The pairing of the two sound great together, imo. 

trivema's avatar
trivema
177 posts
 

Audio Research SS amp + tube preamp to drive Maggies. 

acguo's avatar
acguo
6 posts
 

I currently have the Pass Labs XP22 and X250.8. They sound excellent! 
If you want an even warmer sound, their XA amps are for you (like the XA30.8). Don’t let their apparently low power ratings fool you. That’s just the output in class A. They put out a lot more in AB. The Int60 and Int250 are also very highly rated. The Pass amps are well known for all the characteristics you’re looking for. I also own the Parasound A21, which is also great. But Pass is better, and the customer service is exemplary! Check out all the Pass Labs reviews out there.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,937 posts
 

+1 on Pass XP22 and X250.8 

Not fatiguing and has the power to drive your speakers. 
you can also do ARC Ref 6 with X250.8 for a slightly bigger sound. 
 

Coda no.8 is another good option. Faster and more articulate sound than Pass but not quiet as warn
 

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