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Best SS 200 wpc amps

I need a high current power amp for my B&W speakers. My system is Sony SCD-777ES into BAT VK-30SE to B&W 803 Matrix Series II speakers. My current amp is a SS Kinergetics Class A 75 wpc (rated at 130 wpc Stereophile). I want to upgrade to something reasonable and probably look for something used. I want something that is fast, dymanic, handles macro/micro swings, sweet mids, airy hi's and controlled bass. The B&Ws seem to love high currrent amps with some watts.

My list so far looks like Krell FPB-200, Sim Audio W-5, Rowland, Pass x-250, McCormack DNA -225 & maybe Edge. What do you suggest?

Thanks.
bigkidz
ohteeel
32 posts
 
Try the Marsh A400. At a little over 2k, it is an incredible bargain. In fact it is the all around best SS amp I have heard. I own one and only very high quality tube amps have been able to beat it.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Hard to believe that Accuphase hasn't been mentioned. I tried a lot of product before settling on the $6000 model P450 which can now be found used for half that or less if you're lucky. Appearance is to-die-for with those big lighted meters & brushed gold faceplate. But the sound; I'm in love at last.
nguyenchiro
92 posts
 
Hi,
I think you should get SimAudio W5 to drive your B&W speakers. I have one and it drives my pair of Cabasse iroise 500 with peak power 840watts easily with no problems. This amp also match with high performance preamp.
rbirke
144 posts
 
Nobody mentions Bryston's 4B? A very powerful high-current number in the 200+ range. Available reasonably and with a 20 year unlimited warranty.
macdonj's avatar
macdonj
118 posts
 
I'd like to second Trich727's recomendation of the Threshold amps. I have an S/500 II and a pair of SA-1s and love them to death. I haven't heard Pass' latest efforts, but they must be good to be selling so well when the stuff he built 15 years ago sounds so good and is available so inexpensively.
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