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Best Class A / Class AB SS Power Amplifiers between $5000-$10,000

I've been looking for a power amp that pairs well with my Chord DAVE dac/premp which is honestly a world class equipment that may need an Amp of the same caliber to bring out its performance to highly resolving standmounts like Focal Diablo Utopia or Dynaudio Controur 20.

What is in my mind is:
- PS Audio BHK 300 (hybrid)
- Chord SPM Series
- Bryston 2.5-4B3
- Burmester 036
- McIntosh MC302
- Please suggest?

Appreciate your opinions. 
128x128emerald
20 responses Add your response
amg56's avatar
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amg56
887 posts
 

Tale your choice but listen to them first...

Arcam

Luxman

Diavelet

Focal

Pass

Anthem

Rotel

Naim

Cambridge Audio CXA60

PrimaLuna

Post removed 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I vote for the Spread Spectrum Ampzilla 2000 Mono's! The last and best design from the late James Bongiorno!
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
I haven't yet heard the new Pass Labs XA25 (class A), but from the praise it's gotten, the sound of the First Watt I own, and other Pass I've heard, and that would be at the top of my list.

I also like Wells Akasha/Innamorta for A/B solid state if you need a bit more power.


ptss
1,964 posts
 
Simple question. Simple answer. A “used” Spectral amp within your budget. Power,magic,reliability. 
ejr1953
915 posts
 
I have enjoyed my McIntosh MC452 now for about three years, and see they've got a new MC462 coming out this month.  The MC452 pairs really well with my Focal Sopra No2 speakers.
caphill
674 posts
 
Consider Audio Research, Naim, Parasound Halo JC1 monoblock amps, Classe Delta CA-2300 stereo amp, Classe Delta CAM-300 monoblock amps, some used Virus Audio amps, BAT, VAC, VTL, Accuphase, Conrad Johnson, Pass, Mark Levinson, etc.
johnto
1,026 posts
 
Pass Labs 250.8 you won't be sorry.
ellard354darl
12 posts
 
The price is good for the best class power amplifiers. Make sure to have Finance with your bank.
kink56's avatar
kink56
91 posts
 
Can't get them new, but I would choose one of the Nelson Pass Threshold amps.  I have S300 II which is Class A up to 30 watts and then A/B the rest of the way to 150 watts.  I understand their pure class A amps are even better. And the S500 II is also a step up from mine.
russellrcncom
314 posts
 
Kink56: methinks you,re living in the past.  Things have come a loooong way since1990.  Trust me.  My s300 series two has been in my basement covered with cobwebs for 20 years.  Every time I have an urgent feeling to send it to Jon sonderbergfor updating I lie down 
Until the urgency subsides....
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Pass 250.8 great idea the best for your money i second that.
tattooedtrackman's avatar
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tattooedtrackman
884 posts
 
What no Krell FPB 600 ? 
olesno
87 posts
 
Pass 250.8  An incredibly good amp.
bache's avatar
bache
522 posts
 
Cayin H-80 is the best
blumartini's avatar
blumartini
224 posts
 
What is your budget?
blumartini's avatar
blumartini
224 posts
 
Look, no further if your budget will allow the BHK Monos.
erik_squires
16,119 posts
 
With that selection of speakers, Parasound is where I'd suggest, they are neutral to warm, won't accentuate the high end, but provide lots of drive.
jaymark's avatar
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jaymark
512 posts
 
I have a Pass Labs X2t0.5 and the same dac in my reference system.  Excellent sonics.
jaymark's avatar
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jaymark
512 posts
 
Sonics. Labs X250.5 
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