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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
woodman's avatar
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woodman
152 posts
 
Llano designs. Check website through AudiogoN. You can actually call and speak with Randy White. I've got an older version rated at only 100 watts and it feel like at least double that. If I had the money right now, I'd go for one of his new hybrids
imin2u
392 posts
 
I'm surprised the PS Audio HCA-2 isn't mentioned more. It is completely transparent and never runs out of driving power. I think it sounds better than the Bel Canto's I've heard. And it costs much less. Oh yeah, it's always cool to the touch.
nalu
22 posts
 
The Plinius might be your amp. It has a bias switch that allows you to run the amp in AB (my 250 runs only mildly warm in that mode) or in full Class A (blast furnace). So you may only need one amp for summer and winter!
The Llanos run pretty warm (I have a pair) as they are heavily biased into Class A. Great sound though, and the ability to switch front end tubes lets you adjust the sound of your amp to fit your system precisely.
The PSA HCA-2 runs very cool, have not heard it.
Good luck in your search.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
With respect to Randy White's new hybrid amps. My Trinity 300 is just barely warm to the touch, but there is a LOT of heat sink area and this baby is heavy (75 lbs). Tube voltage section runs in Class A, ss current amp must run in AB. It is an awesome sounding amp, with lots of current and major cajones! This might be a full-time solution.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,143 posts
 
Stehno every time I read your thread about the stratos
the waiting gets longer, although 2 more weeks maybe.
I think ML they run cool too.I order the xtreme oddyssey.
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