Another possibility might be the second generation Krell KSA 200, which I believe ran mostly in Class A. But be prepared to have the amp re-capped, if not done already, as Jmcgrogan2 mentions.
Recommend Class a Amp
This past weekend I purchased some Infinity QLS-1 Speakers and the gentlemen I bought them from was powering them with a Krell KSA-250. I was impressed, how the Krell drove those speakers. Most of my amps are tube and I would like to get me a keeper used well thought of class A solid state amp. I would like to stay in the Under thew 3K price range. Look forward to your recommendations.
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You didn't state the efficiency of the speakers, but a Pass XA-30.5 sounded pretty darn good with our Watt Puppy 5.1's (at the time). While these Wilsons were efficient, they were very difficult to drive. The little Pass is an overachiever by any measure, and they can be purchased reasonably. We liked it much better than the Pass X-250.5 (we still have 3 in our theater) - music was more lifelike - in many aspects. Immediately noticeable. It's only weakness is bass dynamics - it runs out of steam. Even with sustained bass notes, this amplifier was very very good. We're running a pair of XA-200.5's now and I still can't believe how good the XA-30.5 performed. Highly recommended. |
looks like Czarivey is correct in saying that the Krell KSA-250 is not full class-A. you can read a little more about that in the following link: http://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-ksa-250-power-amplifier-when-class-class a cut & paste from that side-bar article in Stereophile: "Looking inside the KSA-250, the emitters of the 12 pairs per channel of output-stage transistors appear to standing on series resistors of nominal 1 ohm value. The average voltage drop across these resistors was 110.5mV, implying a standing bias for each of 110.5mA; ie, a total of 1.33A. This will give a maximum power for true class-A operation into 8 ohms of 28.5W (14.5dBW) rather than 250W." |
I agree that 200 watts of class A for 3k would be tough, except for considerably older equipment -- which might not be a bad way to go. On the Pass 30s, I have the corresponding integrated the INT-30A, and while I love it, I diverge a bit from the commonly stated opinion that these amps are up to driving thirsty speakers: I've not found mine to be a great match for them, compared to more robust A/AB designs. For a very nice A/AB option in your price range, you might also consider Odyssey. John |
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