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Which is the best solid state poweramp under $9000

I currently own a Classe CA-400 and a CA-301 power amp but I'm getting the bug to upgrade. I'm willing to sell both of these amps to buy one better one whether it's a single stereo amp or a pair of mono blocks. I do need a amp with high power and good current as the amp will be driving my Magnepan's 3.6R's or my B&W N802's. Could anyone recommend a better solid state power amp than what I have at a retail price of not much more than $9000.00 ? I am thinking of the McIntosh MC-501 mono amps, but both my Classe's have a little more power. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Uriah
uriah
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
your 9k isn't going the dramatically improve your system. those classe's are nothin' but fine(i'm a mac person too). a change will sound different of course, and the macs are beautiful,but shoot the dough on something else.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Some reading this may be interested in "great-but-cheap". Well the already mentioned Belles; but the older 150a hot rod at about 800,used, is killer. Cool running summer amp. I can only guess how the ref. amp sounds.
kw6
692 posts
 
Try to audition a c-j Premier 350 ($8500).

Good Luck!
raquel
841 posts
 
I do not know about your Maggies, but I know of several dealers who frequently pair Rowland with the B&W Nautilus line.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,645 posts
 
Art SLA 1. New for $175 on Ebay. Can be used as an integrated. I owned it at the same time I owned Parasound JC1 monoblocks. The ART SLA 1 is 90% of the JC1's. I know many will think me nuts. Just need to put a good power cord on it and better speakers posts and RCA's.

Have fun,

Bill
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