2. amps-preamps
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Best Amp for under 10K?

I'm building a new system and have been away from the audio world for a long time.

So far I've purchased the Sonus Amiti Homage and Sonus Cremona speakers.

I've also purchased the VTL TL 5.5 pre amp, an Aerial Acoustic SW-12 subwoofer and the Transparent cables.

Now I need to select the best amp for the system.

I've been looking at the VTL MB 450, the Levinson No 336, a pair of the Bel Canto EVO 200.2 and the Classe Cam 350.

All opinions and recommendations are welcome.
128x128stanford
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I use and love the McCormack DNA2 Rev.A by Steve McCormack. This amp has it all-- power, finesse, quickness, bass, PRT, dynamics. It's very natural sounding and most of all, musical. The new production DNA500 is supposed to be excellent also. Don't underestimate these amps just because they don't have the Levinson, Krell, ARC names. Good Luck. Craig
kgb540
125 posts
 
The Plinius SA-250MKIII or MKIV. gives you all a person could ask for in sonic bliss. Runs class A up to 250watts and can be mono'ed to 1000watts class A. Also has the ability to run AB at the flick of a switch. SERIOUS audiophile equipment. Good Luck!!!!
buckingham
333 posts
 
Try out the Rogue Magnum M120 Monoblocs. I'm sure you will be quite impressed after auditioning them. And at $3495, you'll have more money to put in your front end.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I agree with Garfish. Either investigate the new McCormack DNA-500 or get a used DNA-2 or DNA-2 Deluxe (about $1800 used) and send it to McCormack for the $2500 Rev A upgrade. There may not be an amp under $10k that could touch it. IMO.

I own a DNA-2 LAE (Limited Anniversary Edition) and the LAE version is everything the (IAR) International Audio Review(er) Peter Moncrief said it was back in 1999 when he rated the LAE the number one ss amp.

The Rev A's and LAE's are very fast and very powerful providing fantastic inter-transient silence, etc..

The LAE being just slightly superior to the Rev A. :)
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