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Which is the best solid state poweramp under $9000

I currently own a Classe CA-400 and a CA-301 power amp but I'm getting the bug to upgrade. I'm willing to sell both of these amps to buy one better one whether it's a single stereo amp or a pair of mono blocks. I do need a amp with high power and good current as the amp will be driving my Magnepan's 3.6R's or my B&W N802's. Could anyone recommend a better solid state power amp than what I have at a retail price of not much more than $9000.00 ? I am thinking of the McIntosh MC-501 mono amps, but both my Classe's have a little more power. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Uriah
uriah
teajay
1,700 posts
 
Uriah,I would highly recommend the new Pass Lab's 350.5,which I did a review on recently here on the GON. I won't restate the content of my review,but the the 350.5 is the best amp that has ever powered my MG-20Rs.It replaced a Edge NL-10 that is quite an amp itself but the 350.5 was much better in my system. I do bi-amp my maggies but the Pass should have no trouble powering your 3.6s. The new .5 series is not just an improvement over the original X series but a qualitive shift towards the reference of live music. I hope you at least include this amp in your audtioning process,I think you might be amazed. It retails for 9500.00 but you could get one for less with the right dealer.
glenalan
65 posts
 
Have a listen to Jeff Rowland's 501 mono blocks (500w/ch), they have the power and musicality to suit your B&W802s. Don't let their small footprint discourage you. These sexy looking amps sound wonderfully muscular and refined driving my father in laws B&W803 in a large living room. They also sounded great driving my B&W 804s, however I own the smaller version Jeff Rowland 201s (250w/ch)which sound similar.
artg
362 posts
 
Ayve V-1xe should be on your short list as well.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
McCormack DNA-2 Revision A, Gold, or Platinum. You may be able to find one at about half the $9000 price.

-IMO
loontoon
301 posts
 
That's where I ended up. The Pass will do a good job, but still despite the hassle of toobs, they are still best sounding. Not a lot of choices though. VTL, Manley, ARC.
ARC at 300 watts being the lower powered of the bunch. The Manleys do a splendid job on mine.

Trust me I know what a pain toobs can be.

loon
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