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Seeking Great Cool Runnin' SS Amp...

Advice Appreciated! I'm running Proac 2.5's with either a BAT VK30 or Rogue 99 Magnum Preamp, Arcam FMJ CDP, Linn LP12/Itok TT, and a Bruce Moore tube amp. I'm looking for a cool running SS amp for the summer months here in Arizona. Why? I can justify to my girlfriend a spaceheater during the months we heat the house, but she is opposed to excess power use otherwise. Why REALLY? This allows me to play with different amps, different sounds, for fun, seasonally! And I too believe in not wasting energy if not necessary.

So, I'm left with searching for a cool running amp (not Class A). Any suggestions? Right now my short list includes the Oddysey Stratos Dual Mono, the Plinius 102, and the Ayre V3. What would you recommend for this system, and why? Thanks Alot.
peter_s
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Along with the Odyssey Stratos, (which is supposedly outstanding and near unbeatable), the SimAudio Moon W-5 is also quite cool to the touch, good sonics, and good looking to boot.

But when you can own five brand new Odyssey Stratos for roughly the same price as one brand new Moon W-5, it becomes a no-brainer.

Especially when just one Odyssey Stratos is most likely superior in every category to the Moon W-5. And as a previous owner, I know the Moon W-5 to be a fine amplifier.

-IMO
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
I have the Ayre V-3 and it runs HOT! It is billed as a Class A/B amp but runs a great deal into Class A. Two of them running, as in my system, heats my room quite nicely when outside temperatures are above 45 degrees F.

However, if you are looking for one of the finest sounding 100W ss amplifiers made, this IS IT! But, not recommended in warm climates unless you have the air on.

Now for my suggestion. I highly recommend trying a Parasound HCA-3500. It runs remarkably cool while sounding very refined.

Good luck.
bozo's avatar
bozo
93 posts
 
Take a look at the older Threshold amps. I use to have a S150 and it never got warm to the touch. You see a few now and then for less than $1k.
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