Suggestions for power amps

It would be most helpful in making more meaningful recommendations if you could share what specific improvements and sound characteristics you’re looking for.

wider soundstage maybe more lifelike energy, little more low end kick

i realize with 7 inch drivers this might not be possible Ive never heard the Fritz with any other amp other than what I have, not sure what they are capable of

Thanks for your response

As always there is probably no end to the number of steps up you could make. I would recommend thinking about going used and getting a main stream high end amp. You should be able to get something that was over $6K originally which in general will have better sound quality in most aspects. Companies to consider are Pass, MacIntosh, Luxman for solid state and Conrad Johnson, Audio Research and VAC for tubed.

Fritz with Luxman would be marvelous.

Otherwise, try out amps that sound different.  Luxman, Mc, Ayre, Pass.  If budget-ish, also try Arcam, but it's closer to Lux.

I drive my Fritz Carbon 7SE MKII with the Pass XA25 as well as with an Aric Audio Transcend PP tube amplifier.  I get a wonderful soundstage, detail with a fine harmonic structure (non analytic), and quality bass in my 11 by 15' room with either amp. Not to say the amps sound the same, however both provide the aforementioned. 

Look into the line magnetics gear.  I heard the integrated amp and I was impressed.  They use excellent transformers also which is key to making a good power amplifier.  

Quicksilver Audio! See here

Mike

As a Carrera Be owner, from your list I would go for the Pass XA-25 with the Wytech Jade tube preamplifier.  Should give you all the power you need along a much for life like presentation than the LSA.  I've tried the Carrera's with a couple of different Class D amps and wasn't thrilled so I wouldn't really recommend trying a different one. Fritz's preference is for tubes with the Carrera's but tube amps may not be something you want to get into. 

wider soundstage maybe more lifelike energy, little more low end kick

If you can accommodate them, adding a couple subs may be the most cost effective and effective way to achieve what you’re looking for.  A pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs only cost about $1100, and they offer a generous 45-day risk free trial including shipping both ways so why not?

But if that’s not feasible I’d look at this Pass Labs XA25 that should give you a lot of what you’re looking for…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650095583-pass-labs-xa25-excellent-condition-less-than-3-years-old/

Just a couple ideas, and best of luck.

I'm at an impass too... have Audio Note AN-e/sp, Aesthetix Calypso Sig paired with a Canary M-90 300b power amp. It's really very good but always wondering about amps. I'm all in on my pre & speakers and have enjoyed an all-tube setup (even DAC) for a long time now. Did really enjoy a Chord, SPM 600 in this same setup at one point but wondering who's had a kit anything like this and what they found to be a winning combo, and why.

If you haven't tried adding a sub, I would recommend it.  A good one should expand the soundstage and fill the room with sound.

Schiit Tyrs?

With Pass X25  for solid state this is an amazing amp.For tubes My friend likes Aric amp. 

Ideally it would be best for recommendations to know if your power is supplied by coal, hydro, wind, or solar. The "greener" the better. Also, do you have any isolation devices under your equipment? Some amps respond differently to granite than they do marble or wood. What about air purifiers? HEPA is best because they remove the smallest particles that could affect the way the amps dissipate heat. A room full or non-treated air is chock full of things that make heat sinks work harder. 

If you (generally) think any of that seems ridiculous, just imagine how you sound asking about the "sound characteristics" of an amp or interconnects or the other commonly heald but wrong beliefs. 

bgross

303 posts

04-21-2024 at 05:30am

I’m at an impass too... have Audio Note AN-e/sp, Aesthetix Calypso Sig paired with a Canary M-90 300b power amp. It’s really very good but always wondering about amps. I’m all in on my pre & speakers and have enjoyed an all-tube setup (even DAC) for a long time now.

If you’re all in on your speakers, then I suggest looking at Audio Note amplification. In fact, there have been some recent reviews of Audio Note integrated amplification that might change your mind about separate preamp/amp. Specifically, Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature, and Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister 300B Integrated.

@katzlar, a Pass Labs XA25 is an outstanding amplifier. You can’t go wrong. Reach out to @Hilde45. He owns an XA25, and I believe he may have once paired it with Fritz loudspeakers.

Atma-Sphere GAN amps would be worth a home audition. Ralph Karsten doesn’t release anything that doesn’t sound excellent, and in keeping with Atma-Sphere's tube amplification house sound.

TVAD yes I heard the armasphere Class D  with Caladan speakers. They sound good. I think the price is over the OP budget for brand new.

jayctoy

3,670 posts

04-21-2024 at 09:03am

TVAD yes I heard the armasphere Class D with Caladan speakers. They sound good. I think the price is over the OP budget for brand new.

Brand new, yes. He specified $3k new or used. I’ve seen used Atma-Sphere GAN amps listed used for $3500--$4000.

There are also two used XA25 listed just above $3000.

As some of us know, budget sometimes increases when we hear something that improves our systems in a significant way.

TVAD yes this hobby not only requires knowledge, time but also money. I agree when you desire good things in life and in audio ? It get expensive.But if you have the money and time and knowledge and it’s your passion my advice GO FOR IT.

Katzlar,

+1 for the Aric Audio Transcend "Push Pull" amplifier. There is one right now on US Audio Mart that is 4 years old for $2,400 including free shipping. It also includes a set of El34 power tubes, a set of KT150 tubes, and various 6SN7 tubes.....just the tubes alone are worth $900. The KT150s would bring power up to 70+ WPC, the EL34s would be lower but more nuanced.

If one were so inclined (and I would), you could use the free shipping to have it drop shipped to Aric.....and have him bring it up to the latest specs. I have one that I just purchased (latest spec), and it's a great great amp....so much so that I'm getting ready to sell my beloved Tubes4hifi VTA ST-120 tube amp that I've adored for the past 6 years. If I hadn't just purchased mine, I would absolutely buy it.....Aric's equipment doesn't seem to last very long on used sites.

I have the Pass X25. Outstanding amp for the price. Very reliable. Warm to neutral sound with lots of reserve. Works best when really warm. One of the last pieces I would upgrade in my system, if at all.

I have an ATI 6000, 2 channel AMP. Purchased from Sound Approach, I believe in Virginia. Outstanding AMP, IMO $3795 New     7 year warranty, Look up info,reviews, you will be impressed. Mine is paired with Fritz carbon SE Mk2 and is GREAT, complimented with a SVS SB3000 sub in a small room, about 13x14'   I listen only to Rock and Roll, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Ps Great place to do business with too    Service is everything to me. Robert TN  ps Great DAC also, Meitner  Be advised AMP weighs almost 100lbs.

Why aren't you looking at Buckeye Purifis? Seems like an easy choice. 

   + 1 for adding sub(s). Then roll in an amp. I run low power tubes to Zu’s , but rotate a 50 wpc SS amp. I back the subs off a tiny bit when going to SS. BTW , I loaned some tubes to a fellow for his pre. He has the same amp as you and loves it. Happy Hunting , Mike B. Oh, and + 1 for the Pass. 

The Benchmark ABH is an excellent amplifier; I used it with my Fyne Audio F-702 speakers and got wonderful sound.  I sought a bit more power, however, and am now using two mono bloc Odyssey Kismet power amplifiers, which put out about 200 watts each, and the sound is wonderful.  Excellent imaging, great tonal qualities for the instruments, and dead silent background.

@mike4597 You could have bought another Benchmark and ran them in monoblock mode and that would have given you over 300 watts per channel.

In your price range, the Kinki Studio monoblock amps at $3700 have enormous power and recommended in a review as comparable to low $10Ks amps.  Todd at Tekaudiospecialties.com is the U.S. distributor, does modifications to make them even better and is a very knowledgeable audio electrical engineer (many decades of computer work).  I just purchased a SOTA CD transport from him (Jay's Audio cdt3 Mk3).  I'm looking to purchase a 10X more expensive amp (Westminster Labs REI monoblocks).  For the price, it could be what you are looking for.  

Audio Research VT 60 or Bryston 3 or 4b SST2. Marantz 8b if u can find a good one. Depends how many watts u looking for.

in your price range,  for the diversity of music you suggest and the qualities you are looking for check out the Odyssey amps.   Klaus is a master and a wizard with these amps and the value is way beyond their price tag.

LSA Discovery GAN 350. A completely different animal than the Warp 1. Not even close. Tried the Warp 1. Did nothing for me. I have the LSA 350 (along with a numerous collection of other great amps), and it is up there. Keep in mind, it did not measure well at ASR, but the ears tell the truth. 3K at retail, Walter was often having sales, and I have seen them available from $1K to $1.5K 2nd, 3rd hand. Best, MrD.