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Amp Recommendations

Hello everyone, posting this for a friend.  He's looking for a new amp.  The current setup is 

Audiolab 6000CDT (Transport)

MSB Link upgraded (DAC)

Conrad Johnson PV-11

Pair of Berning EA-230 (used as monoblocks)

Martin Logan Electromotion

Interconnects are Pangea Audio Premier XL

Choseal Speaker cables (replaced Kimber Kable 4 TC)

The Berning amp just doesn't have enough power to run the ML.  He's looking for  (preferably) a tube amp that is at least 100 wpc.  Also open to an integrated amp (also tubed).  New or used is fine and budget is $3 - 5K.  He started looking and is eyeing PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP,  Almaro A50125A, or VAC PA 100/100.  Thoughts/suggestions.

 

jbeckley42
incorrigable
203 posts
 

VTV tube amp.

decooney
2,565 posts
 

@jbeckley42 ..."Pair of Berning EA-230 (used as monoblocks)". 

What does he not like about the pair of EA-230 amplifiers now?

Note: A a test, I've driven ML Motion speakers with four different high and low power tube amplifiers just to see what they would sound like. They are fine with my home theater yet did not make a notable impression for two channel audio. They don't operate as efficient as they are rated imo.    If your buddy goes with other tube amps or SS amps, with the same speakers - I'd make sure they have at least 2-3x more power and current than what is being used currently today.   

 

kymanor1
126 posts
 

Look at so of the used CJ amps and used Audio Research amps

paullb
147 posts
 

Quicksilver is a solid choice in that price range. 

avanti1960
1,744 posts
 

@jbeckley42 

I can understand why your friend believes that 30 watts is not getting full potential from the MLs.  

However it is doubtful that a 100 WPC tube amp will fare much better- they just don’t have the reserve power that a smooth solid state amp would have and usually are rated at lower power with decreased impedance loads. 

I suggest a solid state amp that can "double down" as the speaker load is reduced.   With panel speakers I have heard excellent systems driven by the higher wattage Tube D topology of the Rogue Audio DragoN amplifier- 

https://www.audioadvisor.com/radragon-sil?sku=NEW-RADRAGON-SIL&setCurrencyId=1&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21463913452&gbraid=0AAAAAD_hUXXdZejlf3_vbS19HVafxbxeN&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuNOUqYe7kQMVEVN_AB1CBCHJEAQYAyABEgLePfD_BwE  

Another contender is a used smooth sounding Mac amp, this one would do the job nicely. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650271441-mcintosh-mc302/

 

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