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
What a lofty selection. I've heard the Evo and few other Krell amplifiers as well as a number of Pass Labs. Hearing these all in different environments I wouldn't give much weight to my opinion of each. I would go so far as to say, at this level I'd be much more concerned with the preamplifier presentation assuming you'd be using the same brand. In the case of Krell's Evo it's a system approach. To some degree so are the other brands your considering.

Big class A watts, talk about a carbon footprint.
i think you can make a cost evaluation on date of purchase,if you think it is useless to spend super megabucks on something like a luxury item ie a sound system, when if you have that kind of cash to throw around ,you can use it for more important issues.
changster---
i owned the rockport hyperions speakers for 3years before selling them, and had the following amps/preamp combinations with them--
mbl 9008/6010
bat their refernce ones/rex
burmester 911/808
gryphon colleseum monos/mirage.
of them all ,the gryphons were simply stunning sounding and really brought the hyperions to life.
i recently repalced the rockports with the tidal sunrays, and the sonic results are fantastic.
the gryphons have that grip and control, coupled with sheer musicallity, that must be heard.
i agree with those who stated that class A is the only way to go.
btw, i had a pair of krell fbp 700 amps several years ago ,and really enjoyed their sound at the time.
My apologies.
Massive power hungry polluting chunky ugly things are best.
If you own a Hummer then of course you also need Class A amplifiers.
My mistake.
Ozy - thanks for the constructive comments. I've listened to the Mirage/Colosseums and I thought they were fantastic as well. I just haven't done A/B comparisons with them which I hope to do.

Compared with your old Krell 700's how would you describe the differences? I'm curious to hear the differences with "old" class A vs new class A.
changster---
in all fairness, my expereince with the krell 700s was 10 years ago or so, with different speakers and set up. so, it is hard to try to compare.
i did hear the krell evo amps and pre 2 years ago ,and was very impressed with their sound.
the gryphon's strongest arm has always been their amps, and with the colleseums, gryphon pushed the envelope even further, imho.
IMO, if you are truly considering the Colliseum, you need to also consider the new Dartzeel monoblocks, the new VAC monoblocks, and WAVAC high-powered SET amps. Forget about not 'messing with tubes' at this level.
The Best Class A amp of all time is the Krell Master Reference Amps which is no longer made -- leaps and bounds better than anything else including Pass, Krell FPB, current EVO lineup, Levinson 33, and MBLs. This is my informed opinion since I own the Krell Master Reference and every amp listed in the previous sentence with the exception of the new Krell EVO (although I have listened to this amp twice at a friend's house). Superlatives in every sense when describing this amp. Downside would be size, heat, and price.
Consider the 60 wpc pure class A Luxman M800A - 60 wpc into 8 Ohms, 120 wpc into 4 Ohms and 240 wpc into 2 Ohms.

The 30 wpc Luxman 590Aii integrated amp is also highly regarded.

Regards,

Mark

Symphonic Line Kraft 250 ot 300, stereo or mono amps. The Kraft 300 mono amps are one of the best amps I have ever heard. They are pure class A. The Symphonic Line Kraft amps are in the same league as the Soulution amps. The Soulution pre amp is in a legue of it's own.
It's not about which amp is the "best" it's about which amp works with your speakers and with your ears. At this level $$ buying by "the label" is a big mistake.
I have the krell EVO , and i ve owned levinson,
The gryphon i have not heard unfortunately ,as there is no representation in holland as far as i know .
If i was going to spend big bucks on class A amps i would not forget zanden audio their watts go a long way , they probably will not have the completely unlimited control/dynamics as the big krells for example , but you will have that enough and that tube (triode?) zanden magic and its very special , real " non hifi"