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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
ps
747 posts
 
I just remembered an astonishing audio experience that I was fortunate enough to have a couple of years ago.  Someone I know, who happens to review for one of the major audiophile publications, invited me to hear his All-Gamut system.  At the risk of being hyperbolic, it was truly mind-blowing.  I mean the musicians were not only in the room but you felt as if you could almost touch them!
One downside for you is that, apparently, the Gamut gear sounded by far, the best, with Shunyata cables.  The price meets your budget, too!

The amps:
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/gamut-m250i-mono-power-amplifiers-preview/
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I've heard several of the amps so far, but none in my system. That's going to be challenging, as no store is going to do a home trial for a new customer. Having listening to halo options from Air Tight, Plinius, Chord, Linn, SimAudio Moon 880M, Mac monos, and a few others, not sure I could make any judgement as they were in different systems.

That said, near the very top of my list was the Gryphon Antileon Evo Stereo. It splits the price difference between the Boulder 1160 and 2160 and provides a full 150W of Class A power.

So, I called a shop I had been meaning to check out for some time, Audio Vision SF. Wow. The person on the phone (name intentionally omitted) was dismissive from the very beginning, seemingly assumed I had no real interest in the amp, and couldn't afford it, even after telling him what else was already in my system. He was as unfriendly as I could have imagined - like a really bad used car salesman. Then, he topped it off with saying I need to pay HIM $250 for the honor of listening to the amp. Yes, you read that right. He wants me to pay $250 to shop in his store. LOL!

Anyway, back to Music Lovers. They have been the nicest, most welcoming audio shop I have ever been in, and really have gone above and beyond to help me out, from the very first phone call. I'd rather settle for not having tried every amp to get the sort of service I get with this shop. Highly recommended. (I have been going to the Berkeley location).
eziggy
137 posts
 
Sadly working with local dealers is a hit or miss I have realized as well.  Sometimes reaching out to distributors help as well.  The good ones will help you figure out a way to try them at home.

If you like the the Gryphon, as mentioned before, I would see if you could try out Vitus as well (if you haven't already).  Their higher end Class A amps are very well regarded. Not as well known yet in the US but has a big following internationally.  They have a new distributor and opened up a service center in CA.

I have been speaking to the distributor to arrange for a in-home demo of the RI-101 integrated.
zprr
306 posts
 
Agree a dealer’s attitude can totally change things.
Was it $250 to have them bring the amp down to your home for a demo or for in store?  If the latter, that would be quite strange...
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
then I would stick with the guys in Berkley and make Chez Panise a must visit ;-) Drop the $250 audition fee there on a leisurely lunch..

have fun, enjoy the search
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