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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
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
The impedance curves shown in John Atkinson’s measurements of your speaker indicate, on paper at least, that the speaker is highly unfriendly to tube amplification. Especially in key parts of the bass region that you are concerned with, e.g. 50 to 100 Hz or so, taking into account the phase angle plot as well as the impedance magnitude.

Personally I would rule out the ARC 160S as a candidate "a priori," based on those impedance curves.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

jperry
2,454 posts
 
“I am not going to buy some amp that needs an upgrade”

I am guessing you were referring to the Aesthetix Atlas. This amp is delivered by Aesthetix as a base model, Signature model, and Eclipse model. The lower models can be upgraded to their top level (Eclipse), you can also buy the Aesthetix Atlas Eclipse. 

The Atlas has plenty of low end drive and will drive low impedance loads. It is worth auditioning, although your other picks may end of being what you prefer. I think your B&W speakers would be better matched to a solid state output amplifier.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
To be sure it's clear, my previous comments about the speaker not being friendly to tube amplification do not apply to the Aesthetix Atlas Eclipse, since its output stage is solid state.

Regards,
-- Al

ron17
607 posts
 
I would also recommend a Simaudio amp.  I have the 870A (300wpc) but you could probably get a 860A (200wpc) on the used market for around 7k.  They are very refined, great bass, smooth yet detailed top end....also runs cool , so kid friendly.
f917025
81 posts
 
get a used arcam delta 120 it's 300 watts bridged ,likes b&w speakers has a very exciting realistic sound giant bass and doesn't cost 30k (maybe 1k in a fantastic condition it's from the 90's british made).krell and pass labs makes amazing amps go second hand on something that is proven to work with your speakers .get the schiit loki or itube 2 they are cheap and give you the ability to tweak the tone a bit.i'm using the arcam with b&w dm580 and ifi itube as a preamp.
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