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
keithr
1,306 posts
 
I would check out the new CAT JL2...supposedly phenomenal. After discount, you should be at 10k.

Other cheaper options:

BAT VK75SE
Cary V12 MK2

You can't go wrong with all 3.

I think the VTLs are ok, but they have so many tubes to replace....
findoc
35 posts
 
I think Firebird is a loony bird. Rowland and Goldmund no good compared to awesome Krell, and Sound Factory second-rate speakers compared to all-time best KHARMA LOUDSPEAKER, supreme best. I hear designer Charles is a real nice guy too, he likes the picnics in the park. All-time best Lamm gooder choice too, Vladimir is total GENIUS, you know it.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
The Moon W5 is a very nice amp. I owned one for about 4 months and sold late last year. IMO, my McCormack DNA-2 LAE is a better amp than the W5 though, especially in the lower bass regions. But they are certainly in the same league. I've not heard the Odyssey Stratos but IAR rated it one up from the W5 also and only costs $1000.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Berning ZH270($4500) or Siegfried($7500) OTLs.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
The Pass Labs Xseries or if you can wait a little for the Pass Labs XA which consumates the famous class A Aleph with the X. I'm not a dealer either. An amateur amp builder talked me into a purchase of an X. Its the first solid state that a tubular like me can stand. Absolutely no ear offending ss nasties.
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