I’m a vintage kind of listener and my sound could be defined as UK sound, with a clear preference for musicality and refinement over hyper detail or oomph (having lived with Rogers LS3/5a’s for over 30 years should tell you sth).
Having recently moved from ProAc response 3 to Audio Physic Virgo 2 (vintage, told you) I find myself at crossroads with my tube amplification.
Currently using an Audible Illusions M3A pre on ARC VT60 amp (50watts of 4x6550) it sounds beautiful and much to my liking although very different. But I’ve grown the habit of switching from tube to SS amplification to be tube savvy as I can be in and out of my room and don’t fancy leaving the ARC on just to warm up the room (32x19”). As an alternative amp for everyday casual listening I use a couple of Meridian blocks (auto switch on is a blessing) I find musical enough but with the arrival of the unforgiving Virgo2 they clearly show their limit, add to that I’m 80% vinyl and recently added a phasemation MC cart the meridian really sound their age.
As I don’t want to leave the 6550 on at all times I’m on hunt for an SS amp up to the 2000€ mark (but less is more) that would deliver the musicality I’m after and not having to worry about retuning every 6 months. Music wise I’m eclectic from Radiohead to Chet Baker or Beethoven sonatas.
On my radar in my price and geographic range (I’m in Europe) I have identified (but not heard) as possible candidates the Ayre V-5xe and the Belles SA-100, I have also been advised to look at Threshold or other Pass designs even a cheap Adcom GFA555 mk1. I know full class A could deliver but I’m reluctant for the heat and power consumption it implies. So your input is welcome, what would you look for ?
