2. amps-preamps
  3. 151271-109343

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
zprr
306 posts
 
Hi @majoradamwest. Looking forward to hearing about your findings and comparisons.
+2 on the 860a v2. and perhaps you could stretch for a mono pair.
As you may know, audiovisionsf has their demo now broken-in.  They also recently started carrying gryphon and mac so may be able to cobble together an interesting A/B.  That said, would be great to test it at home... 
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Cables are Transparent Reference, specifically chosen to match the Boulder setup. I could get the Boulder pre-amp, but it's 55k and I quite like the little bit of character I get from the ARC Ref 6. The Boulder Phono is wonderfully neutral as well, and now have a Lyra Etna SL (just totally blows away the Koetsu Onyx Platinum).
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I’ll try to get up there to hear the 860v2 but don’t love the idea that it’s only Class A up to 5W. The Boulder 1160 is 17W of Class A and the 2160 is 600! (1200W into 4ohm)
ps
757 posts
 
@mayoradamwest "Cables are Transparent Reference, specifically chosen to match the Boulder setup. I could get the Boulder pre-amp, but it’s 55k...."

I’m a car guy and FWIW, I could get a 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, but it’s 192,00k...."

The eternal question: "When is good enough good enough?"

Your money, your aspirations,  and your ears.

I’ll be interested in how your saga plays out. (no pun intended)

Good luck.


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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Man, I hope that’s Canada dollars for the 4S. I’ve got a 2019 RS and love it. 

Sure, I’ll probably upgrade the preamp like everything else. Speakers would probably be next. Would rather not compromise on the amp though. 
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