2. amps-preamps
  3. 1132191452

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
pocketchanged178
1 posts
 
Whatever you spend does not always equate to sonic narvana. Although support from ARONOV is not worth a fart, the LS9100s are a good starting point IMHO. My guess is that since they are no longer in the Manf. end of audio, getting a set for a reasonable amount would be an added positive.

THEN: Have them pass through the hands of "JenaLabs.com" Jena Crock, giving her "Carte Blance" to Correct/Uupgrade according to her design principles. (MultiCaps, Jena's silver wire, etc.) or give drop her an email and ask for her ideas.

What you end up with is a "PP" self bias(ing) 100 watt set of Monoblocks that may not be the top of the heap but whatever would be next would not be too far ahead of the Aronovs.

My interest in the R'Nov's was started with comments made by Mr. Risch and the upgrade path to Jena through her reputation within the audio community.

When I win the lottery, a nice pair "DeHav" 845's will be sitting in my room!

Lots of good tube gear out there, part of the deal is spending the time finding and listening to it.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I really like a small company formed by 2 ex-Chord engineers-Chapter Audio.They offer the Couplet mono's at approx. 800 watts per.But it is not just the power,as the amps are neutrel,dynamic and cast a 3-D halo that makes you feel the spit from the singer on the recording.
213cobra
885 posts
 
Used McIntosh MC1201 pair or new MC501 pair. Higly resolving, highly musical, huge power, deep dynamic bass, just plain beautiful sound.

Phil
mechans
3,048 posts
 
The pure Class A Llamms blew me away in terms of bringing the detail out , fabulous tone as well those are my destination amps. The A/B powered ones are almost as good. Never did hear the tubed Llamms but from what I have read they are great but a different animal.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Since someone mentioned Krell cx series amps - I have had the Krell 700cx in my system for over two weeks. I was VERY happy with this amp. But then Lamm M1.2 Reference came and for me the search was over. They are so much better than the Krell (and other amps I have tried - BAT VK150SE, Nagra VPA, Classe CAM-400, Plinius SA102).
More to discover