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Which stereo amp to try under $30k

Having just made several upgrades to my system, it's now time for the amp. Given the number of amps in the 15-30k range, I'm guessing many of you have experiences with them. To get started, I'll tell you my (1) my guidance (2) my current list of options (3) My current setup. Looking forward to getting more options on my list, as I'd like to pull the trigger in about 2 months and need to start listening.

My Guidance
- Under $30k
- I need to be able to hear the amp before purchase, preferably at a local shop (SF Bay Area)
- New or used ok
- Large sound stage
- Bass
- More Bass... all the bass
- Very much prefer stereo to fit in my rack. I have small children and not enough room for monos.
- Prefer not tubes (already have a tube line stage - too hot for small children and don't fit in rack)
- I'm ok with a colored sound. Prefer musicality and realism over "accuracy" or "neutrality"
- Needs an absolute minimum of 150W based on how loud I listen
- 15/20A or something I can plug into a regular wall outlet

My Current List of options
- Luxman M900u (current top of list)
- Ayre VX-R Twenty
- Pass Labs XA160.8 (doesn't meet all of my guidance)
- Boulder 2160 (a little above budget)
- Audio Research 160S (doesn't meet all of my guidance)

My Current Setup
- AMG Viella Turbo Turntable w/ Koetsu Onyx Platinum Cartridge
- Boulder 508 Phono Stage
- Mytek Manhattan II DAC (next upgrade after the amp - maybe a dCS Bartok?)
- Audio Research Reference 6 line stage
- McIntosh MC452 power amplifier
- B&W 802D3 speakers
- AudioQuest and Nordost cabling or a Symposium Osiris rack

What I listen to: Anything from the 60s on vinyl, some things from the 70s on vinyl. A lot of large orchestral and jazz, also a fair amount of pop, from any decade, on vinyl and digital. Thanks for reading my long post! I'll keep this thread updated with amps I hear. Lots of great shops in the area. My two favorites are The Analog Room in Campbell and Music Lovers Audio in Oakland and SF.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
mrc4u
60 posts
 
Mayoradamwest,

I read that you were in the San Francisco area. Here is an even that you may be interested in?

Philip O’Hanlon, who is the North American distributor for Gryphon Audio will be hosting with Audiovision San Francisco the evening of Friday 9/27 through Sunday 9/29 with Audio Vision S.F. at the Holiday Inn on 1500 Van Ness Avenue for their 20th Anniversary event, presenting a full Gryphon system with choice music. you may want to drop by if you are in the area.

  GO HERE for more info
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mayoradamwest OP
429 posts
 
thanks, @mrc4u 

You guys are a bad influence. I originally started thinking I was going to get the M900u which is only like 15k. Then, I started debating the Boulder 1160, at 27k. Now I've got the 2160 and Gryphon on my radar. I probably do need to keep it under 30k if I want to stay married though ;-)
mrc4u
60 posts
 
mayoradamwest,

LOL!! It's a bug that never stops biting!  I just completed my system after 3 years of matching/comparing/demo'ing/researching/ and I couldn't be happier! 

There will always be matters of taste, so I just do my best to be as well-rounded as I can be.  I've heard the D'Agostino pieces and love them too!  As a matter of fact, my Gryphon seller here locally raves about them too (even though he doesn't carry it, a sign of objectivity to me).  But I highly recommend you give Philip a listen and even if you don't go the Gryphon route I think it'll be worth your time!

Best wishes!

(And let us know what you decide ultimately) ;)
gavman's avatar
gavman
135 posts
 
'I just completed my system'

Keep telling yourself that
 😋
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
mayoradamwest OP
You guys are a bad influence. Now I’ve got Gryphon on my radar.

I've heard this amp, on similar hard to drive speakers Alexia's, what I write below is not exaggerated.

If you bite the bullet just a little now, and get the Gryphon Antillion Evo, it’ll be the last amp you ever get.
As it will drive anything, sound sublime, the bass will be a bottomless pit of drive and information with any speaker, and has adjustable Class-A that will give you mids and highs that are as sweet and extended like you’ve never heard, dynamics that are wholesome and big, so in a way you’ll save.

Cheers George
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