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Which Solid State Amplifier is Making you Happy?

I'm trying to find a new amplifier to replace a Musical Fidelity A3CR. There are lots of candidates: Rowland 501s, Pass Labs 350.5, Levinson 431/432, H2O, etc. What are people using and what has been a good sonic investment? I'm currently driving B&W N803s, so it's a pretty normal load. My MF amp does not offer enough punch or bass control. It flattens out at higher volumes. I'll spend what it takes, new or used. Less than $8K would be nice. All comments welcome.
Peter
pscialli
kana813
956 posts
 
I feel www.aberdeencomponents.com's modified amps are some of the best amps available.
rayd
81 posts
 
Ayre V5X on top, Levinson 332 on bottom of biamped system. Goosebumps and chills and sweet music....
mikesinger
572 posts
 
clasee cam 350 mono's
muse mono's
pse studio v
muddyhouse1
3 posts
 
Try and listen to Chord...I replaced the Nuvista CD and Trivista amp with Chord Blu/Dac and CPA 2200 pre / 1200C power. The difference was astounding. Hooked on Chord, I recently upgraded the pre to the new 3000 which is magnificent - so I am now selling the CPA2200 pre. Im looking for the Monoblocs soon. With your budget you would be able to find a nice used pre/power combination. Try them, you will not be disappointed.
osgorth
109 posts
 
I've got the small MBL mono blocks, 8011AM. Don't let the size fool you, these boys are really powerful. I think these amps are a hidden gem. They've outperformed everything I've heard including some very expensive amps (darTZeel for example), and some hyped ones (ASR Emitter II Exclusive). They work great in other setups as well, an all-MBL setup like mine is certainly not required. For example, another guy in this town bought them for his Wilson WP7 and he claims they are stunning in his setup.

Anyway, if you can, lend them an ear and see what you think. :) They're breaking your budget a bit unfortunately, but if you can find them used they should be right on the money.
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