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What Is Best Monoblocks For Around $10,000 Used?

I'm searching for an amplifier upgrade in my system. My system is presently made up of a Classe CA-401 amp, Krell HTS 7.1 pre-pro, Piega P10 loudspeakers and Mark Levinson No.39 CD player. (The P10's and ML 39 will eventually be upgraded.) I listen to 2-channel redbook CD's, but the system also does Home Theater with a Krell Theater Amp Standard handling the center channel, rear channel and Zone 2.

I'm searching for a pair of mono-blocks that sells in the used market for about $10,000 (plus or minus), to replace the Classe CA-401 stereo amp. I've considered the Krell 450Mcx, but heard it sounds dark. (I don't know what dark is.) I've considered the Musical Fidelity KW amps, but they only have single ended inputs. The Pass Labs X600 may not give me the bass I'd like to have.

Can anyone make any suggestions on a good, resolving pair of mono-blocks?

Thank you.
george3
karmapolice's avatar
karmapolice
256 posts
 
Semi,

Maybe you should read George's post. He asked specifically about the pass x600. I gave him MY OPINION about the pass x600. No I have not tried their latest and greatest but then George asked about the x600 not the x600.5. The x600.5 are over 10k. So if he has has a 10k ceiling then he probably does not want the x600.5. If you think the x300.5 is better than the x600 than maybe YOU should SAY THAT.

I gave the man my opinion based upon what I know not based upon all posibilities. No one knows everything and I gave him my two cents. The fact I have not heard every pass amp does not mean I cannot give my opinion on what I have heard. Apparently, you are very sensitive about pass amps which means either you own it or you sell it.

I think every amp has pro's and cons and if you think the pass is a perfect amp that power to ya
worldcat
160 posts
 
This is easy you should get a pair of THETA CITADELS! If you can find them. Everyone who has ever heard them has fallen in love they are good as it gets. You buy these and your done!
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
I had the Krell 350c's and I liked them a lot. They are basically the same as the newer 450s. I went with the 600c because the sound was very close for less money. I thought the 600 was slightly better.
george3 OP
24 posts
 
.
Worldcat - You are correct. CITADEL's are hard to find. However, with their modest power rating of 425>8 and 650>4 ohms, they don't seem to have the beef of amps with larger power supplies when used with speakers of lower impedance. My Classe CA-401's runs 400>8 and 800>4 ohms; and, I sometimes run out of steam when driving my Piega P10's rated at 4 ohms. I have not listened to the Citadel's, but heard nice things about them. Can you be more specific what it is about their sound that is alluring? Thanks
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Innersound ESL KW, now that's power
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