Battle of three amps


Well, I've got my front end sorted (mainly vinyl), and I've decided that my Io Sig phono stage is going to get volume controls (hopefully at the end of this month) and a line input, so that's gonna be my preamp.

I already have my speakers - VMPS 626Rs - so now all I have to do is get the right power amp. My two present amps (Dyna ST-70 and Pass Aleph 3) though excellent don't have enough power for the 626Rs or enough bass tautness for my taste.

So I'm down to 3 power amps, and I'd like people's input who have heard them. I'm looking for amps that can control the 626Rs with ease, have tube-like midrange, and bass tautness. And be compatible with the Io's output impedance (300 ohms). Yes I want it all. A good deal of it will have been accomplished by my front end.

The three amps are:

1. Blue Circle BC-28
2. ASL Hurricanes (latest version with green PIO caps)
3. Mcintosh MC402

I'm not wedded to either tubes or SS...

Thanks in advance for your help - Patrick
patrickamory
I have the BC28 and it is excellent! Deep, tight, fast bass. Plenty of headroom, too. I don't know anything about you're particular set up but I think you will be very happy with a BC28. I would try audition one, if possible.
Patrick, your priorities are slightly different from mine (I like transparency and extension above all else) but we've got the same speakers--VMPS 626R. FWIW I'm very satistified right now with my Pass X150.5. The midrange is very natural, and the treble is really something--extended and pure. I don't think you could call the midrange 'tubelike', however.

I will be very interested to hear back from you once you settle on an amp.
Hurricanes. I heard a set and loved 'em! Spent about 4 hours listening to vinyl through them. Since I, like you, and my buddy who has the ASL's are all wedded to vinyl, I have to give them the nod over the others.

That said, I've had no experience with the Blue Circle. But, I spent some time listening to the Mac in a vinyl system and was not impressed.

Joe