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Demo'ing Class A amps, Appreciation Suggestions from those who recently been there

I recently sold my Cary S120MKll Amp in 2 days. It was 60wpc triode.
Filling in with Pass Lab, baby DIY Class A Mono blocks. Maxing at 7 wpc.
My speakers are rated 94 Sensitivity older FSMs by Tannoy.

I have sampled so far in order of preference:

-Pass Labs XA25 -Disneyland color the way I like it. $4,900 new
-Leben 300 Int. 12 wpc. EL 84s by Golden Lion-Like an Upscale call girl. Seductive. $4,000 new-Not in the running-

-Lejonklou Boazu Int.-40wpc S.S. Class a/b-Totally Pure. Almost hurts to hear a guitar slide. $4,000 new
-Sugden Masterclass IA 4 Class A to 33wpc. Very smooth but surprisingly not a great match with my Tannoys. $6,000?

What else would you think might be worth a listen?
I want to go Solid State this time. I enjoy the Class A resolution.
Yes the Leben is an outlier someone offered and I said "Sure"! Done with hum otherwise.


I listen from a low of 60 db to high of 75 db.
Room is irregular and medium sized in terms of cubic
feet. Treated as needed.

I want an amp that is satisfying enough to keep for the long run.
Someday I may add the others for a different sound or with less efficient planars, etc.

Price range $5k max.
Used preferred.
Willing to wait.

Brands I am have not heard but read positive comments about:
Ayre, Naim, Linn

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts.
Please do not feel compelled to respond if you
have not been here in the last few years.





chorus
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,874 posts
 
Well, if that the direction you want to go in, SS will be faster and have better dynamics and more control over the music
I'm not ever sure that's the case either. I know of tube amps that are faster than most solid state amps. 'Dynamics' is often a word used to describe distortion, since so often the distortion is most apparent on transients. The ear uses higher ordered harmonics to sense sound pressure, so if that distortion is mostly on the transients (even in small amounts) the reproduction will seem to be more 'dynamic'.

But actual dynamic contrast is a function of the software/media, not the amp!
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Rice,

Thank you so much for introducing me to the 10Audio website.
I had never heard of it. I read his Valvet Int. review and now I
want to audition this product. Along the lines of LTA perhaps?
Do you own one? If so please tell me about it.
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 
I spent a lot of time looking to replace my Mcintosh separates which stood me well for almost 20 years, but once I started to listen the newer equipment I realized the MC’s were dated. Finally went above my price range and got the Luxman 590AX II. The sound is night and day on my Totems. Clean, clear, very very slightly warm. Big soundstage. It’s a keeper for a long time. You can go one step lower in power and that should be in your price range. But I just waited till I had the dough for this one. 
chorus OP
976 posts
 
So you went SS and preferred the Luxman over the Pass?
lowtubes
104 posts
 
Chorus, there is a Fortè Model 4a on eBay now for $650. Class A amp, 50 watts per channel. https://www.ebay.com/itm/114175241726   Exact design as the Threshold “T” series. A killer amp and kicks ass in sound. Highly musical, highly detailed! It is a high recommendation for your system. If you want to spend more money on another amp, I would bet the Fortè would walk all over whatever amp you put it against upward to $4000 and higher.  Lowtubes@gmail.com
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