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Which stereo amp to try under $30k

Having just made several upgrades to my system, it's now time for the amp. Given the number of amps in the 15-30k range, I'm guessing many of you have experiences with them. To get started, I'll tell you my (1) my guidance (2) my current list of options (3) My current setup. Looking forward to getting more options on my list, as I'd like to pull the trigger in about 2 months and need to start listening.

My Guidance
- Under $30k
- I need to be able to hear the amp before purchase, preferably at a local shop (SF Bay Area)
- New or used ok
- Large sound stage
- Bass
- More Bass... all the bass
- Very much prefer stereo to fit in my rack. I have small children and not enough room for monos.
- Prefer not tubes (already have a tube line stage - too hot for small children and don't fit in rack)
- I'm ok with a colored sound. Prefer musicality and realism over "accuracy" or "neutrality"
- Needs an absolute minimum of 150W based on how loud I listen
- 15/20A or something I can plug into a regular wall outlet

My Current List of options
- Luxman M900u (current top of list)
- Ayre VX-R Twenty
- Pass Labs XA160.8 (doesn't meet all of my guidance)
- Boulder 2160 (a little above budget)
- Audio Research 160S (doesn't meet all of my guidance)

My Current Setup
- AMG Viella Turbo Turntable w/ Koetsu Onyx Platinum Cartridge
- Boulder 508 Phono Stage
- Mytek Manhattan II DAC (next upgrade after the amp - maybe a dCS Bartok?)
- Audio Research Reference 6 line stage
- McIntosh MC452 power amplifier
- B&W 802D3 speakers
- AudioQuest and Nordost cabling or a Symposium Osiris rack

What I listen to: Anything from the 60s on vinyl, some things from the 70s on vinyl. A lot of large orchestral and jazz, also a fair amount of pop, from any decade, on vinyl and digital. Thanks for reading my long post! I'll keep this thread updated with amps I hear. Lots of great shops in the area. My two favorites are The Analog Room in Campbell and Music Lovers Audio in Oakland and SF.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Mayor,
I'm thinking the X350.8 would do the trick for you. 802's like power and you want a stereo amp. I know the X amps are fairly high bias and in regular listening are mostly running in class A. Another great amp is the Moon 860A V2 made in Canada. The Ayre you already know about. 
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Appreciate the feedback! My concern with the X350.8 is (1) WC didn’t like it much (2) no idea where I can audition one. Nonetheless you’re right that if I can find one to try, I should. I tend to not go much over 40-100W when playing loud but the 802s do drop to 4ohm at times. 
roxy1927
135 posts
 
Well I loved the 350.8 but it was too large for my room. Quite the beast. Very big and heavy. No way will it go into a rack. Or at least I can't imagine it would. Needs space and runs very hot. If I had a large spacious living room I would have kept it. Don't expect to be able to handle it by yourself.
erik_squires
16,338 posts
 
You really should listen to Luxman and Pass. I don't find them comparable, and am sure you'll pick one OR the other, but not either. :)

Before that though, you didn't mention your room acoustics. That has a big impact on bass, more than a lot of other things.

If you listen to Luxman and Pass, the other amp you should listen to which I think fits in your budget is a D'Agostino.

I'll be really interested to find out which of those you prefer. :)

Best,
E
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Good one, I’ll see if I can find the D’Ag. Room acoustics are quite good. Relatively small room, vaulted ceilings and lots of acoustic paneling and bass traps. 
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