30 Amplifiers Totaling $428,740.00 In Search of Audio Nirvana


Yes it’s true! I have both owned and auditioned 30 of the top selling amplifiers Totaling $428,740.00 in search of that secret sauce called Audio Nirvana. All though there is no one size fits all, they all have their own special touch of magic for someone at a price point and sound signature that will be a fit for your musical listening taste. With that being said, this long list of amplifiers ranging from $2500.00 MSRP to $85,000.00 is what I experience through trial and error while running the gamut of Class A-AB-D and Tube Amplifiers from a variety of the top Amplifier Make and Models listed below.


Anthem Integrated 225

Adcom 575SE 

Audio Research 160S

Bell Canto 600M 

Block Audio

Bryston 7BSST2 

Divalet Expert Pro 220 

Gryphon Diablo 

Krell Evolution  

Hegel H30 

Luxman M900U 

Merril Eliment 118 

McIntosh 452 

McIntosh 601 

Octave Audio V110  

Musical Fidelity Titan 

Parasound A21 

Parasound JC1 

Pass Lads X250.5 

Pass Labs X350.5 

Pass Labs XA160.8 

Pass labs XS300 

Plinius SA-250 

PS Audio BHK 300 Signature 

Primaluna Premium HP 

Primaluna Prologue 

Sim Audio W7 


I actually couldn't believe it myself until I looked at my spreadsheet 5.5 years later and said WTF have I done? All that said I can truly say it has been one fun ride! 

The purpose and goal for posting this long list is of amplifiers was to share my thoughts and experiences with you from a unbiased point of view with Absolutely No Quid Pro Quo :)


Cheers




 

blumartini
Hey, I never accused you of a Quid Pro Quo.  Now, about that favor you were interested in.....

Well, my favor to ask is, which one proved to be your favorite, and why?
Can I also ask you a favor! Can you place retail pricing on each amp, yes can look up but you must have it on that spread-sheet. Also what did you settle on?
My ultimate personal favorite was Block Audio. These monos rang every bell imaginable. 
Holographic, wide soundstage, excellent imaging,  deep and wide detail that delivers backgrounds not normally heard, lots of power and head room, incredible bass mids and highs that will make your speakers disappear.

No question my favorite as of today!

@rsf507 

I do have the prices on a spreadsheet but no way of uploading here on the forum. 

The amp I have settled for the moment is the Audio Research 160S,  my number 2 choice from the list.