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Class A solid state power amp

Mt system is: Linn LP12/Origin Live RB250 SilverAnniversary/dynavectorD17 catridge
Copland CD266
EC Audio Finesta Pre
Upgraded Quad 606 Power
Living Voice Auditorium Speakers
Nordost Red Dawn interconnect
I've got sensitive speakers,built for low output Valve Amps,but am not too keen on going the valve route.I often have short listening sessions(fitting in around the kids TV
watching),so I do'nt want to be turning the amps on and off every few minutes.How about a good Class A solid state power amp?I would like the valve warmth and rich mid range without the fuss.Too much to ask?
I thought of the Monarchy Audio 70 Pro's,Sugden Masterclass or of course the grandaddy Krell's.
What is your experience? I do'nt mind going for 2nd hand, older models,in fact most of my system is 2nd hand.
Your advise would be very welcome.
David Wise
david12
philefreak
423 posts
 
David 12, look and see which amp has more used listings. This will speak for itself.
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
These are the ModWright modified Hybrids for Response Audio. There is a 30 wpc and 50 wpc currenty available and both are Class A and reasonably priced.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Why no mention of Rowland? The most innovative, best built, least redundant line in the world is perpetually ignored by Audiogon subscribers. Is it because you don't like the sound or because the prices are not competitive on the watt/dollar scale?
I think there is no better value out there than a used Concentra.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Macrojack, because the thread asked for amps that run in pure class A.
labtec
189 posts
 
Any particular reason for exclusively looking for Class A solid state?

While there are alot of great Class A amps, I think you can get the same level of performance from a good Class A/B amp. I've had Class A amps before, and I'm just not comfortable with something generating that much heat in my room. You can fry an egg on some of them. More importantly, I've heard of them baking the circuit board over time and lifting the traces.

Of course, there are tons of people who've never had a problem, but why deal with the extra heat, power cost, and reliability issues if you don't have to. Nevertheless, if you want Class A suggestions, I would check out the Plinius. Also, I haven't heard it, but Bedini supposedly came out with a Class A amp that runs just warm to the touch.
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