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
Symphonic Line RG7 Mk5, or RG-4 monoblocks ( the RG 4 monoblocks are the best choice in my opinion with the 802D3)..... Rega Osiris integrated (you can compare its line section to the Audio Ref preamp, as it offers a "direct" mode as an amp)... Also the Rhapsody Sound in NYC imports a new line of amps: PILIUM.  The importer (BOb Visintaier) has been waxing superlatives on this brand, and he has a good ear and a nice guy to boot, worth talking to IMHO (just avoid modern day ex demo, or new Goldmund amps he might offer)... Nagra amps suck by the way, for the kinda of money they want for them.... as do Gryphons & Vitus for the same reason.... imho.

There is also a dealer in SF offering the Technics SE-R1 at a good price.... Worth looking into with its companion DAC/preamp... vs your REf 6 preamp....

The new Yamaha Ca-5000 preamp & M-5000 amp, which now only available in Canada, but should be of reference quality at about 15 grand $US..... In fact you can vertical bi amp your speakers with 2 of those M-5000, for almost an "unlimited" reserves....
I'd suggest listening to a Balanced Audio Technology VK655SE.  It is two separate amplifiers in a single chassis (dual mono design).  Each amp in the chassis has its own power supply with its own power cord. The design is fully balanced with zero negative feedback. However, it may not meet your price criteria as the amp only costs about $15K.  I guess you could always buy two...