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Best monoblock amps for $2000 used

Thinking about going the monoblock amp way. I would like to purchase a used pair
with a budget of $2000. Any suggestions. My preamp will be a Jolida fusion.
markj941
markj941 OP
53 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I see I indeed have a considerable number
of options in the $2000 range.
Quicksilver, Odyssey, Classe’ M700 monos and Jolida jd 3000a to mention a few. Also, there's been comments on solid state as an option.
Honestly, I thought "class D" amps were mostly for car installs and most
receivers. What an education this site can provide. I've looked into both the Jeff Rowland 201's and Bel Canto ref500/ref1000. Can you help explain the pros and cons of a "D" amp hooked up to a tube pre?
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Last year I decided that I really did not like Class D amps.  I have listened to them, but they are just too clean -- they are extremely clean, but they just did not reach out and grab me - it was just not emotionally engaging.  I did not get excited listening to them.

However, there a couple Class D monoblocks you could look at.  These have discrete Class A input stages which will make the amps more rich sounding and engaging.  Keep an eye out for a set of used PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks.  You could also look at the Nord One Up or One Up SE monoblocks.  Choose the Sparkos op amp for this as it is definitely a warmer/richer sound.  I use Sparkos op amps in both my DAC and line mixer from my computer system and they are awesome sounding.

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
I'd be cautious about wired VTA products.

As built by VTA, the M-125's were very noisy, but can be quietened quite a bit. In my case, almost 40db.

Complete instructions:
http://ielogical.com/Audio/VTA_M-125.php
attygerson's avatar
attygerson
2 posts
 

Dayens Ampino monoblocks - about as good as it gets for the $$ and they’re incredible quality 

tweak1
3,679 posts
 

Unless you have a specific reason for 2 amps, I highly recommend a LSA Voyager GaN 350 which is dual mono in one chassis. They come up FS occasionally

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