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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.
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mribob
229 posts
 
How about a D'Agastino stereo 250 Momentum amp, pairs beautifully with tubed preamp, has reasonable sized footprint for rack, is great 'eye' candy, and perhaps can find a refurb unit from dealer for around that price point. Very copious and tight bass, great sound staging...am using it with VTL 6.5 tubed pre running Wilson Yvette's to very enjoyable effect. I had a Hegel H-30 stereo, and this really reveals the differences between the two.
Like the Momentum better than entry model, 
varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
If staging and bass are your game, the new Vitus SIA 030 integrated may be perfect for you. A bit over your price point but may be worth your audition? 
gone
34 posts
 
A nice set of Class D monoblocks might do the trick. They're not expensive enough, but you can hide them anywhere because they don't need ventilation, so you can do monoblocks and put them where the kids can't get to them. I find the Bel Cantos very musical.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Had the Mac 601 monoblocks and moved to the Audionet AMP then Audionet MAX monoblocks. Huge improvements on all fronts. Also preferred them over Soulution when compared on my YG speakers.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Mayer, stay away from D'Agositino products. His idea of customer service is to get your money then leave you in the weeds. If you have a problem you are on your own. He does not support his products by maintaining a supply of spare parts. He wastes money on making his amps look catchy frequently using custom components to fit the chassis. I got seriously burned by him, stuck with a $6000 Krell preamp that became totally worthless when it blew it's volume potentiometer, a custom part which he did not keep a supply of. He told me to go to Radio Shack, get a pot and mount it on the out side of the chassis! The unit was 4 years old, just out of warranty. 

Mike
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