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
You're quite correct Energizer but Koegz has every right to collect and play with dinosaurs.

Everybody needs a hobby.
ok energizer I'll bite, what amps with what speakers did you hear with and with out krell, and what amps and speakers spicifically(brand and model). were these side by side comparissons. come on I challenge you to back up your statement! And audiofeil tell us what is it that makes Krell a "dinosaur"? be spicific. you are obviously very knoledgable, so come on here is your chance, be technical. show us all you know. i am waiting with baited breath, show me how uniformed I am! I DARE BOTH of YOU!

I have evaluated LT or owned amps from Gryphon, Symphonic Line, Clayton, Krell (KSA),NRG, Lamm, Essence, Classe' as well as host of tube and Hybrid designs, Of all the Class A bias amps I've lived with I found the Luxman MA800 (stereo) achieved the best balance between pitch articulation, dynamics and musicality. I tried them with Wilson speakers but have also listened to them with many other speaker designs and still recognized their even-handed nature. I know Andy's speakers well enough to know they would mate well with them. I heard the Rockport Antares with Boulder and thought that was extremely impressive but I believe the Luxman's will be a tad warmer and more musical than that or a Krell combo. I would ask Andy for his opinion as well.

The Gryphons are likely a great choice but at these prices its worth some leg and ear work to test a few contenders and find the best match for you.

Happy listening!

Grant
Shunyata
Samuel; that is an impressive looking room and set up you have. thank you for your inteligent thought out responce. I will say I have done the highend run around a few times and never have enjoyed it. never really what you want under the right conditions or exact equipment to hear. the best is always whats on hand. don't like the feel of pressure either. even when they are acting like there is none. I am a ware there are many ways to get to the same or similar points. find the bashing and put down of obviously well desighn and thought out equipment to be ignorant and repulsive. I never said Krell is the one and only. I have had experiance with a fair amount of high end co, beyond the product is the backing up of said item. i must say that Krell does that better then most/if not all i have dealt with. which if not important to most it should be. i intended to speak to andy this week. thanks again alway nice to hear from a non basher. HNY p.kogan