Same amp basically so not much point
Upgrade from my Modwright KWA 100SE
I am considering a KWA 150 SE, but not sure how significant a jump up it is from my current amp. Any experiences shared are appreciated or alternate upgrade paths. My speakers are my own Open baffle design (Satori MW16P and TW29) with a GR research H frame subs with AQ370 Amps. preamp is LS100. Thanks.
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I’ve heard the original KWA-150 & really liked that amp for the money. It had excellent build quality, sounded clean, resolving, tube-like and had excellent low level information, so it is a great choice if you like to listen at low or high listening levels. The SE model improves that further, and is apparently more open, dynamic & has better bass. The other benefit is, if you find you need more power later on, you can add a second amp & use the bridged mono mode. That amp apparently has good synergy with the ARC Ref 5SE and Ref 40th Anniversary preamps which I would prefer to Dan’s pre’s. Fyi, there is KWA-150SE fs on the ’Gon right now asking $3700. The seller has 100% positive f’back & is the original owner - https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis93gc1-modwright-kwa-150se-silver-original-owner-pp-fees-include... In terms of a an alternative upgrade path, I would check out Audio Analogue. They are releasing a new pre & power amp in July fyi. The Maestro Anniversary model is also a very nice 150 watt integrated fyi & is warm and rich sounding - http://www.audioanalogue.com/en/news |
ps: Here are the specs on the Audio Analogue Donizetti Anniversary Power Amp : 2 x 250 Watts @ 8 ohms. 2 x 500 Watts @ 4 ohms. 2 x 1.000 Watt @ 2 ohms. Fully balanced. Dual mono configuration. Zero feedback circuit design. Audio grade discrete components. Power filter 2 x 56.000 uF. Power stage 2 x 1.2 kW transformers. Price : 9.500 € (approx $11kUSD) |
@jimbones Yes auditioning AA gear could be an issue, but you could talk to thier Canadian Distributor, Audio Alliance in Ontario who should be authorized to sell into the lower 48. They might offer a home trial + cost of shipping? Another amp I can recommend is the Audio Flight FLS-4. That amp is well built, powerful, smooth sounding & musical. However you’ll run into the same issue with local Dealers, as the nearest Dealer is in Canada - http://www.audia.it/products/fls-8/stereo_power_amplifier-9/fls4-17.html. Otherwise that deal on the minty KWA-150SE is hard to beat. |
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Personally, I have the Maestro Anniversary, but it’s an integrated, not power amp, even though it works as a power amp too. I have one, and love the sound. For the info you can contact Audio Alliance in Canada, they’re distributors for North America, or in the US contact qaudio.com in Cambridge, MA, or audiowaves.com in California, don’t know the city they’re in. |
JRiggy273 I am VERY happy with my Wells. Although the amp has gotten good reviews it still flies under the radar. I prefer it to Pass as it has character. If you are looking for bold this is the amp. I find many higher end amps to be uninvolving. This amps sucks you right in to the music and wont let you go! |