2. amps-preamps
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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
mayoradamwest OP
You guys are a bad influence. Now I’ve got Gryphon on my radar.

I've heard this amp, on similar hard to drive speakers Alexia's, what I write below is not exaggerated.

If you bite the bullet just a little now, and get the Gryphon Antillion Evo, it’ll be the last amp you ever get.
As it will drive anything, sound sublime, the bass will be a bottomless pit of drive and information with any speaker, and has adjustable Class-A that will give you mids and highs that are as sweet and extended like you’ve never heard, dynamics that are wholesome and big, so in a way you’ll save.

Cheers George
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Someone mentioned the T+A above. I second that. I have the B&W 803 D3 speakers, paired with T+A PA 3000 HV, and it’s a great match. Current (slightly improved) version is PA 3100 HV
ps
763 posts
 
May I suggest the Wells Audio Innamorata II Level II

$15,000.00 USD?

You can audition the amp in either Cambell or San Jose, CA

There are a number of reviews of the Inamorata online.

I think you’ll find Jeff Wells is a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with, and the audition worth the short drive south from SF.  He'll tell you whether or not he thinks his best amp would be a good match for your speakers.

No affiliation except that I own a "basic" Inamorata and Maggies.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
@ps where? I live in Campbell. I don’t know if many shops around that carry hifi equipment. 
ps
763 posts
 
@mayoradamwest
Jeff's cell:
408.376.0861
wells audio dot com
He owned a brick and mortar high-end store for many years and is now building a line of wonderful electronics in cahoots with Scott Frankland and some other very talented folks.  Scott is considered by many to be a legend, starting in the old days of MFA- Moore-Frankland.  I bought my MFA tube gear in the mid 1980s and still have, and love it. 
Hope this helps, and I hope the info is within the bounds of Audiogon policies.  
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