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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
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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,010 posts
 
i had the VX-R then upgraded it to Twenty series. A sweetheart of an amp. It needs to be ON or in standby for 24 hours prior to serious listening. speed detail, 3D ( with Vandersteen 7 ) and warmth without fatigue. Bested ( of course ) by Vandersteen purpose built amp.

I would add the Aesthetix stereo amp w eclipse upgrades, that amp has BASS and more....roll the front end tube.

have fun, enjoy your search.
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I misidentified the Boulder. I meant to say the 1160. 
jperry
2,454 posts
 
Nagra Classic - 100 wpc, but you can buy 2, if you decide you need the additional power, bridge them, and have them fit in your rack due to size.

Aesthetix Atlas - Plenty of bass and drive. Will fit in your rack. Get the Eclispe version or buy used and have it upgraded. Great customer service.
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