Need some juice --- High power amps


I am looking for a high power amplifier to drive my 87db / 4 ohm speakers. I am interested in any real experience in comparing the following solid state amplifiers:

o Edge NL-12
o conrad johnson Premier 350
o Pass X-250.5
o Ayre V-1xe
o McCormack DNA-500

I understand the price differential, what I am most interested in is the musicality of the five amps as well as any other amps that should be considered in this company.

FYI, an Audio Aero Capitole Mk II SE will be feeding the amplifier directly.

Thanks for your help and time.....
crozbo
H2o Signature Monoblocks should be added to your list - they are a relatively new startup company. Very primitive website at: http://www.iceh2oaudio.com

There are many reviews, most over at the Apogee users forum. There are a few others out there trying these amps with more conventional speakers, however your 87 db / 4 ohm load looks quite easy to these amps I have witnessed the standard monoblocks throwing around Apogee Scintilla's... somewhere around 76 db with impedance dropping under 1 ohm...

Disclaimer: I am a satisfied owner of these Signature monoblocks. I am in no way affiliated with Henry or H2o. I have owned the McCormack DNA-2 Deluxe (not as current as the new DNA-500) and auditioned the "boss" Ayre amp a model or two back, also not the most current - for what it's worth - neither could hold a candle to the H2o Sigs. Also, both the McCormack and Ayre were stellar in performance then to me - you really don't know there is "that much better out there" until you find it... and it makes what used to be "superior" sound "above average"...
Hi Crozbo - allow me to submit this discussion on the Clayton Audio line of amps for your perusal:

http://www.iar-80.com/page6.html

I think most Clayton owners would support this summary of their amps.
And, this publication's issue also compares the McCormack DNA-500 and the Clayton S2000 to some degree here:

http://www.iar-80.com/page8.html

Sorry about not knowing how to provide these as direct links.
Good luck in your search.
Cheers,
Tom

You should put the Parasound JC-1s in that company, as they are quite happy with difficult loads - certainly more difficult than you have. Good sound and good value.

Regards,
I also run inefficent speakers 87 db carver's and 87 db magnepan's which are both 4 ohms. I have used many solid state amps and have found that Crest Audio amps are very powerful amps. I am running 2 sets of maggies in parallel (2.7 ohms) and they sound great, and the amp has never even gotten the slightest bit warm. No matter the speaker I have hooked to it the speaker gives up before the amp. Carver also makes some pretty stout amps that can be had at a firly reasonable price.
My personal pick would be the Crest Audio, but in the end the choice is yours. Enjoy your music.
Greg