Pure Class A shootout


Hi after doing a lot of research and listening, I think pure class A is still the way to go for me. I'm wondering if you have any opinions on the following amps and how they compare with each other:

1) Gryphon Colliseum (mono or stereo)
2) Gryphon Antileon Signature (mono or stereo)
3) Pass XA 160.5 or XA 200.5
4) Krell Evo 2

They will be powering Rockport Altair's or maybe Rockport Arrakis (still debating that one too).

I see a few dilemmas. For Krell, it seems like the spirit behind their products Dan D'Agostino is no longer with the firm and thus maybe their brand/lineup in the future may be compromised. Also, Krell's preamp reputation is not as good as their amplification. That's similar to Pass as well - great reputation on the amps but not as reputable on the pre-amps. Don't get offended as I'm only talking relative terms (i.e comparing products at very very lofty levels). For Gryphon, their amp and preamps are supposedly top notch, but right now the Euro is extremely strong vs the US$ and I'm thinking I should be picking up something American as it's more of a bargain. Gryphon + Rockport is a "formula" and I know I can't go wrong with it but I'm wondering if there are other options.

So I guess the question is:
1) Have anyone ever compared the best Pure Class A amps? How do they compare with one another? Yes I know they are all good at this level but unfortunately I have only listened to the Gryphons mated with Rockports.
2) Any other options that I should consider? No tubes please as I have no desire to mess with tubes.
3) Should I even compare/consider the older pure class A amps like the ML 33/33H? i.e are the new pure Class A leaps and bounds better than the older reference lines?

Thanks, -Isaac
changster
hello, on your list, i like the pass labs the most, i thought the evo 2 is a preamp.. so i assume you are trying to match,so, depends on what power amp you choose and match the preamp later, most preamps are class A, so, it is easy, and the ML 33/33h is high bias class AB,NOT pure class A. as i recall, only the no.20/ML 2 series is pure class A.. good luck on your search..
Changster,

As you mentioned the Gryphon combo with Rockport is a logical move. I believe Andy Payor voices his speakers using Gryphon electronics. I like Pass Labs as well, Accuphase gear is very well received, although I have not heard it. I know you said no tubes, but perhaps a Lamm 1.1 Hybrid amp as well.

YMMV,

Johnny
I would go for the Colloseum and buy the Tidal - Sunray as a speaker. I think the member "Ozy" had the Colloseum with the Arrakis.
Hah sorry I meant the evo1.

I definitely like the pass xa.5 series too, but I'm not sure about their preamps, and also if they mate well with Rockports. Pass's Xa.5 series definitely seems like a bargain compared with the rest. Paired with Rockports, I've only listened to the Gryphons (mirage, colloseum, sonata allegro, antileon signature all mixed and matched). Gryphons mated with Rockports is almost a no brainer as it's almost like an established formula.