Gave up my SET----looking for moderate to higher power replacement options


I recently sold my JAS Array 2.1, which is a SET using 805 and 300B producing 45w.  With NOS RCA 805 and Sophia Princess 300B's, this amp produced the best sound I've ever had.  I used it to drive the satellite section of a pair of DIY/Legacy Focus clones using Eton drivers.  I've ran several different solid state amps on the bass drivers.  The inner detail and palpability of images were fantastic.  Images were life-sized and, frequently, sounded as if the musicians were in the room with me (not much of an exaggeration--honestly!)  And despite the modest power rating, this amp had startling dynamics.  It was an exciting and very engaging listen but.....well, aside from the amp breaking down on a few occasions, the cost of tubes and the extreme heat the amp put out,  the amp did run out of power when I pushed it too hard.  

I've tried several other amps during my time with the JAS, typically as warm weather substitutes, and a few more since I sold it but I really am mostly disappointed.  Presently I have an Audiozone Amp1 running the satellite section and a Jaton AV5140 on the woofers.  I was biamping with the Jaton but wanted a bit more detail and transparency.  The Audiozone is better than the Jaton in this regard but still falls rather short of the standard set by the JAS  and also runs out of power occasionally and sounds just awful when it clips.  I have an Audio Alchemy DPA 1 and had the Wyred4Sound ST-500 when it first came out and neither are what I'm looking for in my main system.  The AA amp is better but still a far cry from the sonics of the SET JAS.  Do any of the Class D amps truly approach SET sonics?    I'm considering the Gamut D200 mk iii as well though these are hard to find.   Are there any Class D amps I should look in to?  I really need to keep it at $3000 or less and probably around $2000.  Please make recommendations based on actual experience, that is only on amps you've actually heard.  Thanks!
lcherepkai
boomerbillone---sounds very interesting and what a nice price.  Where did you purchase yours and are you missing any qualities in the new amp vs the Elekit?  Thanks for the recommendation!

speakermaster---with regards to vintage amps, back in the day I had a Krell KSA 100S, Threshold T-200, Threshold SA4e, and Classe 25.  They were all nice in their own way but none were remotely the kind of transparent I'm looking for.  Compared to the JAS, all were rather on the opaque side and, as a result, not as engaging for me.  I can certainly enjoy music from any of those fine amps but that's not what I want.  I connect most with a recording when it sounds real.  Only a highly (for me anyway----financial restrictions at play here) transparent and detailed system really gets and holds my attention.   To each, their own.  That's just my preference.  No right or wrong.  Thanks for your input though.
@audioguy85 Note that the OP was already finding 45W insufficient with his original SET.  That's what makes the change such a tough task... gonna want 90W+ I think.
@icherepkal , you’re a victim of your own good taste 😊. The JAS audio SET established a very high sonic reference point. Tough for many amps to measure up to.
Charles
Check out the Digital Amplifier Company. I have had a number of his amps over the last few years, with the last being a 2-Cherry. They are powerful and clean without any of the negative characteristics attributed to digital amplifiers. The closest sound to SET in a SS amp I’ve ever come across on my 100db horns. There are many former SET guys who are now big DAC fans.

I sold the DAC amp since I was able to score an excellent pair of 300b monos that I had always wanted. Are the 300b amps better? I’ll just say that if I had the funds the DAC amps would still be around and some serious swapping would still be going on.

Reach out to Tommy at DAC he is a great guy to chat with and could make suggestions on which of his creations would suit you best. DAC also has a 30 day no frills return policy, you would only be responsible for shipping cost both ways.

https://www.cherryamp.com/
DAC Forum: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=174