2. amps-preamps
  3. 170065-139155

Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max

I may have posed a similar question like this a while back, but I'm curious to get any updated thinking from folks, older or newer.

Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).

Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.

I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.

I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.

Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.

I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.
128x128hilde45
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,654 posts
 
+3. For the Benchmark AHB2.
Sounds wonderful with a tube preamp.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 

Bit of an update. I decided to get the Pass XA-25 via Reno HiFi. Very happy with the price, condition, warranty, and service.

So far, I'm finding it a remarkable sounding amp. Never harsh, never lacking power, voices very intimate and present, soundstage complex and articulate. Lots of *depth* to the soundstage, too -- something the Van Alstine SET 120 piece lacked completely (a trial I posted about a while back). I know they're in different leagues, but it was something else to hear that difference.

Very happy with this amp. Don't feel I need more power. Drives my 87 db Salks just fine.

I regret not being able to try the other great amps mentioned here. Someday, who knows…

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

good move ! much happiness to you....

chorus
976 posts
 

I owned a Pass XA25 amp and loved it enough to trade up the INT version.

They sell around $3k used,  test to 60+wpc, built like a tank, local service,

transferable warranty 3 years.

Oh best of all, the folks at Pass tell me if you don't like the sound of

this model, you won't like any of the line.

Is Coda as good or better? Do not know. Will Pass resell faster and retain

better value? That's a definite Yes.

 

 

mesch
3,473 posts
 

Congrats on your purchase of a XA-25. I own one also, driven by an Aric Audio tube preamp. 

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