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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
peter_s OP
1,340 posts
 
Speaking of cool running amps, I haven't seen anyone mention the PS Audio HCA-2. Like the Evo 2 this is a digital amp (Class D) that runs very cool. I noticed a previous thread where some comparisons were made between these two amps, and the few writers seemed to prefer the PS HCA-2. Time has gone by. Anyone have insights in comparison between these two amps?
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Plinius amps are space heaters in Class A.

I would suggest a GamuT D-200 amp.

The D-200 is the best amp I have had in my system.

KF
hifirush
17 posts
 
I agree with Bozo, the older Thresholds do run cool and are an excellent value. There are a couple on Ebay as well as here on A'gon. I have a S300II and a S150II and couldn't be more happy with them. The 300's run around $750-1100 and the 150 goes for around $500-750. You can still get them serviced, if they ever need it, by Jon Sodenburg at Vintage Amp Repair. He is also a huge resource about the Threshold amps. (http://www.rsvlonline.net/vintageamp/)
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If 100 wpc will fill the bill, McCormack DNA0.5 Rev A+ would be at the bottom end of your range, used, or you could get a DLX for about $700, and upgrade for about $750 to $1200.00, depending on what you want.
grut4
1 posts
 
You might consider the cool running Consonance amps from Opera Audio. These received rave reviews and much attention at the recent Consumer Electronics Show.The 80 watt version will work nicely but if you listen at loud levels the 100 watt amp is a safer bet with your 86 db sensitive Proacs. The Consonance amps are similar to your Proacs in that they provide good detail, clarity and excellent soundstaging.They are a great mix with tube preamps.I understand your energy concerns as I also live in Arizona. Using an excellent power cord such as the Sahuaro Audio will actually reduce your amp temperature 6 to 12 degrees. Another suggestion is to run an overhead ceiling fan on low to add cooling. This should not degrade your sound quality much if at all. All of these products are in the middle to lower end of your price range. Overall, you will find the Consonance amps to be much more natural and musically involving than many of the amps mentioned.You can contact me for more information.
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