2. amps-preamps
  3. 1025277555

Best amp for 5k used? SS or Tube

Hi I am looking for a new amp for around 5k used. You can view my current system here: http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/vs_user.pl?vevol&1020195264

Any comments on any of the following amps would be helpful. Also, any new suggestions or advice would be welcome as well. I think an amp with at least 150 watts in 8 ohms is ideal for solid state. As for tube I don’t think it makes difference as long as it can go up to 105 db.


My main choices are:

Edge NL 10 – the best choice I think

LAMM M1.1 monos

Gamut 250 monos

A Rowland amp … not sure which one

BAT VK – 1000

PASS X-250 (sounds the same as the 350 on my speakers)

Bel Canto EVO Monos

Tube amps are possible too as my speakers are about 94 db efficient. But SS is preferable because I don’t want to deal with the tube hassle. Comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for all who help.
lordgorian
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Lordgorian, Some of your comments do not appear to be as bright as you might be.

Besides your tremendous lack of logic applied above, I really like the comment you make elsewhere where you claim to own the "best college system in the country."
bryans
104 posts
 
May I suggest the following:

Atma-Sphere MA1 MKII.2
Rowland Model 2,6,10,112

If you ever want to try tubes give the Atma-Sphere a listen. The run hot but the sound is so goooooooood. To me they just sound right. The Rowlands are some of the best amps around. All of the amps you mentioned are quite nice and you really need to just listen to as many as you can and buy the one that sounds right to you.
tacs
220 posts
 
no contest...the musicality and accuracy of these amps is the best. forget the ss muscle amps.
if you don't want to deal with replacing output tubes, buy a new Aria WT-100, over 100 w/ch in a hybrid design (tube input, ss output), under $4k new w/ life warranty; you will thank me. Again, once you've heard sound this good you will not return to pure solid state again.
www.altavistaaudio.com
no connection to either company, besides being impressed with the products and the people.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Lordgorian, an error in my above post, the Berning idles at 100 watts not 70. 300 watts at full power.
tweak1
3,721 posts
 
Plinius & Electrocompinet, GamuT 200. I have owned several Plinius' and am considering the new 8200 MkII $2995 (NEW). I have heard EC at various shows over the years- they always sound good.
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