Sasha Allen?
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Sticking with the OP's question, JC1s are monoblocks, which means a stereo pair is $8,000 retail. That's no doubt a high performing SS amp set and would probably get the Sashas to really get up and bark. However, I have heard pretty much the entire Wilson floorstanding line, and while they're technically amp-friendly, they really sound their best with tube amps IME. The best amp matches I've heard are VTLs and tube Audio Research amps, and since the Sashas are fairly efficient, I'm sure you could find an excellent tube amp for under $8K. Unless your room is huge, I doubt you need 400 wpc; 100-150 wpc (especially tube) should be fine. For a third alternative, you might see what Rogue Audio could provide at your budget. Or find a used ARC Reference 150. Great matchup. |
^^^ Yep, that's right. In fact, the first time I heard the Sashas they were driven by the just-released D'Agostino monoblocks ($50K/pair) and the combo was breathtaking. But the ARC tube gear (not the class D SS amp) reached a similar level of magic for a lot less money. In fact, there are a few ARC Reference amps for sale in the A-gon Classifieds. Stereophile measured the Sasha's sensitivity to be 91dB at 1 watt input, so even a 110-120 wpc Audio Research amp should have plenty of power and current to drive the Sashas well. I have no affiliation with any of the sellers listing these amps. |