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Which new amp to get?

I’m thinking of getting a new power amp to replace my 25 year old Audio Research VT 130 SE.  My other equipment includes KEF Reference 5 speakers, Audio Research LS 22 preamp, Audio Research PH 3 phono stage,  Innuous Zenith 3 server, and Auralic DAC. My room is about 24 x 18.  I’d like to keep using the Audio Research preamp and phono stage, and I’m leaning towards a solid state amp more because of convenience than for sound. I’ve received several good recommendations from dealers but am getting confused by all the choices.  So far, here are the nominees: Coda 8, Krell duo 175xd, McIntosh mc312, ps audio bhk250.  All are solid state in the $6-7,000 range, which is my price point .   Other suggestions have been Airtight (tubes and expensive) and Audio Research (more tubes and they make the VT80 for $9500.. possibly not enough power..but the next step up is close to $20,000).  I’m open to considering others.  Mainly, I want an amp that’s long lasting and low maintenance, pairs well with my preamp and phono stage, and compliments the KEF speakers, especially their great imaging and sound stage.  I’d appreciate any input and also hearing from those who own some of these components.  Thanks. 
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jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
578 posts
 
Get a female dog, a make horse and a tube preamp
paired with a solid state amp.

 
BidD's suggestion is a good one in my book! Scoring a DD at $8500
when the progression goes for $22k new is a wise move.

The Anthem gear has a room correction feature which
might offset the absence of tubes. 

Get at least 250 WPC so clipping will be infrequent.

Love to hear it once it is done!!
yyzsantabarbara
4,941 posts
 
The new Hegel 390 maybe a good choice in your $6K range. Though in the review of the Hegel 590 ($11K) the reviewer said it was not dead silent like the Gryphon Diablo 300. I assume the 390 is also not dead silent.

I only mention the Hegel because Hegel is making a big marketing deal about KEF + Hegel together forever in happy bliss.
soix
9,776 posts
 
A Class-A amp that may sound truly special with your speakers is the Valvet A4 Mkll.  They are monoblocks that are rated at 55Wpc and 90Wpc into 8 and 4 Ohms, respectively, but with large power supplies they punch well above their weight.  And according to Stereophile measurements your Ref 5s are relatively amp friendly given forgiving phase angles 89dB sensitivity.  At $7850 new the Valvets are not much above the upper end of your price range. 

Another amp that flies under the radar but would likely make your KEFs sing is the Clayton Audio S100 that delivers 100Wpc of pure Class A power and has a convenient low bias switch so power consumption and heat are reduced when not using the amp for critical listening.  At $8500 MSRP it's a bit above your price range (isn't that always the way?) but is a serious amp and at least worth a look.  Personally I'd take Clayton over a Pass amp, but that's me.

Hope this is at least somewhat useful, and best of luck in your search. 
tweak1
3,679 posts
 
I have a EVS 1200 on order, should ship soon. Dual mono 600wpc newest IceEdge class D a mere $2200, though I expect that to jump soon

oh 30 day money back including return shipping 

How can you lose?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Strapped Benchmark AHB2s was a good suggestion. Of the three you mentioned I would go with the Krell. 

Mike
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