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
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.
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
I have a CJ MF-200 which would fit your budget. I will be selling soon. I have had the Stratos and a McCormack DNA .5 in my system. I liked the CJ better and I sold those other amps. The McCormack came close but didn't have as warm mids and upper bass. The Stratos was too foward and analytical for my taste. The CJ is surprisingly very detailed with out it being thrown at you and the high end is very extended without being bright or soft.
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