2. amps-preamps
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Which Power Amp to buy

Hello all,
I am looking for a budget amp to buy for my MMGs. I took a look around and found these used amps that are in my price range:

SS:
Conrad-johnson Sonographe SA-250
Mccormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe
Yba 3aDT
Classe CA101
Classe CA100
Odyssey Designs Stratos
Mccormack DNA-1

tube:
Aes/Cary Super Amp AE-25
Audio research VT 60
Consonance Ella 50 watt x 2

Which is the top performer in the list? I usually dont listen to music loud and I mostly listen to Jazz, maybe a little rock. My room is not big at all (actually a college dorm room). I am not too sure if I should buy a tube amp since I like my music a little on the bright side, I like to hear a lot of datails. I would really like a clean sounding amp, with great midrange, I am not too worried about bass since I will be buying a subwoofer soon.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks
Lawrence
lawbadman
55dok
162 posts
 
You have listed many fine choices. However, one of the best sounds I got out of my magnepan 1.6 speakers came from a vintage luxman R117 receiver. You could probably get by with the R115 (70/ch) especially for your needs. At $100-150 on ebay. You have little to lose and can always put it back up for sale. The R117 is $200-300 and is harder to come by. Save a small fortune and buy a good CD player and use the CD bypass to go directly to the amp section.
larryken
537 posts
 
I owned the McCormack, great amp but had BAT SS and it was a noticeable improvement....used VK200 and VK500 don't cost a lot of money....the company supports it product.
Larry
velo62
255 posts
 
Having owned the sa250 and the mmg I really liked this combination. Try and find the sc26 matching pre and you've got a fantastic budget rig.
robertbrown
151 posts
 
have you looked at plinius they have very good attack and depth.
bobgates
535 posts
 
McCormack with the Stratos running a close second.
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