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
ps
757 posts
 
@mayoradamwest

I find this thread mildly fascinating.

To reiterate what others have asked: what is it you feel you’re missing and what is it that you’re hoping to find? Furthermore, why is $30K, for an amplifier, your "magic number?" Can you articulate how the level of your existing system relates to the level of musical enjoyment you derive when you sit down and simply listen to that system? Do you wonder how much more enjoyable it would, could, might be, how much better it would sound, if only you had the perfect amp?

I mean no disrespect, and I ask out of curiosity. And I do wish you luck on your journey.




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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Like everyone else, improvement in sound. Musicality, clarity, bass speed, and sound stage. With the Boulder phono and Amp with Transparent Reference cables, I think I will be set up pretty neutral for any other changes I would want to make in the future like cartridges and speakers. That said, I want to make sure I hear lots of options. 
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mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
As for price, it’s simply the most I can comfortably spend on it. The Boulders are 28k for the 1160 and 53k for the 2160. 
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audiofound
81 posts
 
FWIW, I just completed an all day audition of seven different top flight integrated amps using the same exact speakers I own and at matched volume levels. The amps I auditioned included the Luxman 905x, Simaudio 340ix, Hegel H390, NAIM Supernait 3, Pass Labs int 60, Gryphon Diablo 300, and VAC 170i. ALL sounded superb. And I would be ecstatic to own any of them. They all had their respective sonic personalities. However, there was one amp that I kept coming back to, over and over and over again...the D300...hands down. The amp produced the exact sound and characteristics my ears wanted to hear. It sounded absolutely sublime and the craftsmanship was flawless. My amp hunt is over.
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