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Which Solid State Amplifier is Making you Happy?

I'm trying to find a new amplifier to replace a Musical Fidelity A3CR. There are lots of candidates: Rowland 501s, Pass Labs 350.5, Levinson 431/432, H2O, etc. What are people using and what has been a good sonic investment? I'm currently driving B&W N803s, so it's a pretty normal load. My MF amp does not offer enough punch or bass control. It flattens out at higher volumes. I'll spend what it takes, new or used. Less than $8K would be nice. All comments welcome.
Peter
pscialli
artizen65's avatar
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artizen65
273 posts
 
I am currently using a MF A308 integrated with B&W N803. You might consider upgrading to the MF KW500.
sheffb
64 posts
 
I have been using the GamuT D-100 Mk.3 for about 2 yrs. and I still love it. I drive it with the DeHavilland Mercury triode tube preamp resulting in very smooth natural full bodied dynamic music.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Gryphon amps - Pure class A - top of my list
Pass X series second

Thats it
mybuddy
16 posts
 
Before you spend big bucks, you must listen to Bryston's 7Bs (ST or SST). Some speakers like the B&W just need to be "spanked". If bass control is what you crave, the 7Bs have it in spades. Except for the bass, it is quite nuetral. You can however probably get away with a lower pwr Bryston amp for the 803s.
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
Scratch the 7b's dude...no! Class C/B at best, not Class A(someone got a good incentive payout to write that review)
You'd be much much better biamping those 803's, using a parasound bass amp on the bottom, and a more refined pristine amp up top for mid/treble. Actually, of all the combo's I've tried with the 803's, biamping works best!
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