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Amp Upgrade - 3k to 4k used?

Hi Folks:
I’m thinking of upgrading my amps and would value some advice. I currently have Blue Circle BC2 Monos. I’ve been really happy with them, but the upgrade bug is starting to bite again. I could spend about $3k to $4k on the used market. I’m particularly keen on tube amps (especially low powered SET), but not sure if my speakers would be efficient enough. I know my CD player is a little old too, but don’t think an upgrade here will get me a big bang for the buck. I’ll also consider upgrading IC and SC as well a little later on, but want really really good stuff (FIM or Valhalla likely). Another option may be to get a Shunyata Hydra. The rest of my system is:

Audio Physic Virgo II (89Db efficiency, I think)
Sonic Frontiers Line III – (but expecting delivery of Supratek Chardonnay in a month or so).
YBA CD 1a
Nordost SPM IC & OTA Sakura IC
OTA Sakura Speaker Cable
3 Shunyata Sidewinder Power Cords, 2 YBA Diamond Power Cords, 1 pair of Bybee IC Filters, FIM outlets.

All advice and recommendations welcome. Thanks,
John.
128x128outlier
audiokinesis
2,740 posts
 
John -

You might consider a pair of Atma-Sphere M-60's with a pair of Paul Speltz's "Zero" autoformers. This will give you true OTL magic, and you'll still be able to drive your 4-ohm Virgos. OTL's do some things better than other amps.

Sounds like a wonderfully enjoyable quest you're on. Best of luck to you!

Duke
rwd
695 posts
 
Duke...you just give such great, honest advice!
alliedtvandsound
74 posts
 
Try the Classe CA-201 or CA-301. These amplifiers are musical, dimensional, transparent have row upon row of layering and the uncanny ability to flesh-out varying instrument and vocal tones/color like the real thing. Great staging --depth, height and width. Fully balanced (works great with SF pre's --particularly the Line-3), also SE inputs, bridgeable, gobs of current and simply does not lose control with virtually any speaker or at any volume level --it always remains musical, composed and focused. A great bargain and built to a very high quality --inside and out. You won't be disappointed.

peter jasz
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Ain't it amazing Ric!!! Duke gives great advice- a truly valued member here. ~Tim
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
John, you might consider the Rowland 112. i know it is solid state but i owned one for 6 months and was very impressed by the top to bottom musicality and lack of ss etch.

i am a tube guy (Tenor 75Wp monoblocks) so that is where my heart is but at $3k to $4k used it is hard to beat the overall performance of the Rowland 112.

it doesn't hurt that the Rowland is a built like a tank and is one of the more beautiful amps out there. the older 112s have the polished case (like the #10 and #12) but the newer 112s have a cheaper black case....so try to find one of the earlier models (it was costing Rowland too much to use that polished case for an amp in that price range).
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