2. amps-preamps
  3. 172681-128566

Higher powered but efficient amp with the imaging of a Pass XA-25?

I had an XA-25 for a trial driving a pair of Spatial X5’s (97db efficiency). That combo produced imaging depth like I have never heard before or since. But my room is big at 25 x 25 feet and the Pass couldn’t cut it at reasonable levels (too noisy). Now the Spatials are gone, using KEF Reference 1 with Rowland 535 monos. The KEFs are NOT efficient (85 db) and require some real grunt from an amp.

Does anyone know of a high powered (200-500 W/C), high current, balanced amp that is reasonably efficient (unlike Pass) and which can produce the layered depth and finesse of the XA-25? I do not want to go all tubes in my power amps. Hybrid is OK.

I have ordered a tube preamp (Rogue RP-7) to replace my Benchmark LA4. I think that will help but I doubt it will get me all the way there.

Thanks in advance.

markmuse
soix
9,769 posts
 

Maybe Luxman?  I’d be on the phone with Clayton Audio to see if they build a balanced version of their S100 amp.  Probably as good or better than Pass, and although it’s a Class A design there’s a high/low bias switch so you can leave the amp on without heating the house or running up your electric bill — kinda the best of both worlds. 

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0314/clayton_audio_s100_power_amplifier.htm

The Plinius SA100 Mk3 operates similarly, and there’s a nice used one available at what I think is a bargain price if you’re open to used. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649797665-plinius-sa100-mkiii-class-a-ab-power-amplifier-updated-and-upgraded-recently/

Just a few other ideas to ponder FWIW. 

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 

I agree with @ghdprentice . You are all over the map You have gone from 25wpc to 250wpc and from 97db floor standers to 85db bookshelf speakers. You are trying to fill a big room but that won't be done with bookshelf speakers. Changing amps isn't going to change that fact.

I too have a big room which is also my LR, & DR which is 15 x 32. I fill it with a 65wpc Don Sachs Kootenay and Silverline speakers with subs..Before that an ST-70 w/ 35wpc.  FWIW Don Sachs also has worked with Spatial audio and has their speakers

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,529 posts
 

@russ69 Your suggestions?

Time to shop for new loudspeakers.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,213 posts
 

Kef likes Plinius sa100 and Mark Levinsons 331 , 332, 333.

markmuse OP
289 posts
 

@russ69 If I do it will be for a pair of Joseph Audio Pulsar2 Graphene, Fritz Cararra Be, Sonos faber Olympica Nova, or maybe Harbeth 30.2. As you can see I like stand-mount speakers. I think you would be surprised at what I am getting from these KEFs with the Rowland amps. The room is more energized than it ever was with the Spatials. But I know I can coax more from them.

@artemus_5 See my lengthy post from earlier this morning. Yeah, I know about Sachs and Spatial. They are excellent speakers, superb really, just can't live with the limitations. I tried.

@soix Thanks for the recommendations. I will look into them.

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