After 20 years, in the market for a power amp

I know there are strong opinions about class D amps and if you have a strong bias against them, I might as well shut up right now :). However if you don’t, there are a number of class D offerings featuring Hypex and Purifi modules as well as ICEpower amps by OEM manufacturers. While many will poo-poo their sonic signature or perhaps the lack thereof, class D has truly arrived. Their advantages over other more traditional architecture is well documented and quite valid. I just recently got a VTV amplifier (assembled in Ohio) featuring the Hypex NC502 module that is one of the cleanest I have ever heard. Neutral, powerful, cool running and 350-ish clean watts into 6 ohms. Physically attractive in a minimalist kind of way and 759 bucks delivered. Hard to argue with roughly $1/watt of quality amplification. This could save you a ton of money over some choices you could make and you get a 30 day trial period. If you don’t like it send it back for a refund. Warren was great to deal with and answered my questions prior to purchase. No, I am not being compensated for the recommendation. Its based entirely on my own satisfaction with what I got for my money.

@livinon2wheels Well I believe I am qualified to comment on this. I have owned Nord NC500's, a VTV NC500 and I still own IMO the best quality Hypex amp one can buy: an Apollon NCx500. I agree, they are clean, neutral, powerful, have wonderful clarity and detail, tight bass.

And then I heard a class A Coda. No comparison. 

No bias, no judgements, no ignorance, just facts. The Apollon is a wonderful $2000 amplifier that with quality cabling probably out performs most amplifiers under $4000. But if one's budget is 5-7K and one can get a Coda (or similar) don't even consider Hypex. IMO. 

OP: Strange you mentioned maggies, I also have a Primaluna Pre, and Maggies, and like you felt like doing something different, so just picked up another set of speakers, and have some other tube amps coming.

If you are looking at Pass Labs amplifiers, (as many people do) maybe you could ask @audphile1 to add more details regarding his extensive experiences with them compared to Coda and what he has now. 

Your comment above comes across as a little odd, in that you seem to be leaning towards building your system around your Primaluna pre?- correct me if I am wrong. Having said that I am sure it wouldn't be the first time- I think most people build a system around a set of speakers, but maybe just as many love an amp and they get speakers and other components to match? I don't know- just thinking out loud. Then typically the last piece of the puzzle is the cabling to add that last bit of spice into their "meal". Lots of ways to enjoy this hobby and get better sound!

Have you already played with NOS tubes in your Primaluna? It was a HUGE difference for me. 

Pathos makes a great sounding amp...

A Bryston 3B Cubed is in your price range. No worries for another 20 years. The Cubed series is the best Bryston amp ever. 

I agree with those saying try the Kismet.  I have a khartago cased Kismet and it's ridiculous.  I have yet to go back to compare, but at the time while it was still warming up, the Kismet beat my friend's passlabs 250.8 as far as imaging, and clarity.  I'll need to go back soon, as he only had about 70 hours on that amp when we compared (not really fair as my Kismet has many hours on it).  But I have to say, if you want to save some $, I absolutely love my Kismet.  Otherwise yes I hear very good things about the Coda stuff.  Super curious on those vs a Kismet vs a Passlabs.  Also I have a stereo Kismet, and am super curious if you were to run monoblock Kismets.  Probably less expensive than the Coda or Pass gear still!

@mclinnguy Thanks for the data point in terms of the 'high priced spread' you referenced. I appreciate the validation that the VTV punches above its weight so to speak, as while I have as much passion for great immersive listening as the next guy, budget is always a consideration and my focal point is 'bang for the buck' with an eye on maximizing that at whatever limit the budget imposes. The idea that I could spend 5-7k on a two channel amplifier or would actually decide to do so is somewhat laughable as there just isn't that kind of excess in the budget. I don't fault those who would do so, not by any means, I have never had the opportunity to audition equipment in that price range, let alone actually own it. At the age of 72 I am not sure my ears could appreciate the difference, but I'll probably never find out either. GIven the lack of Bricks and Mortar dealers in current times, I don't see them getting anything but more scarce and I don't travel nearly as well as I used to. Anything I buy now of significant money has to come with a home trial as part of the deal so I can live with it a while and see if it passes muster. So at this point conversations with people like you who don't have an axe to grind and my own judgement thru reading reviews and studying features and specs are the tools at my disposal for picking replacement equipment for what I lost in the fire. I appreciate every data point I get from an independent source since it will be considered in the final decisions made.