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Demo'ing Class A amps, Appreciation Suggestions from those who recently been there

I recently sold my Cary S120MKll Amp in 2 days. It was 60wpc triode.
Filling in with Pass Lab, baby DIY Class A Mono blocks. Maxing at 7 wpc.
My speakers are rated 94 Sensitivity older FSMs by Tannoy.

I have sampled so far in order of preference:

-Pass Labs XA25 -Disneyland color the way I like it. $4,900 new
-Leben 300 Int. 12 wpc. EL 84s by Golden Lion-Like an Upscale call girl. Seductive. $4,000 new-Not in the running-

-Lejonklou Boazu Int.-40wpc S.S. Class a/b-Totally Pure. Almost hurts to hear a guitar slide. $4,000 new
-Sugden Masterclass IA 4 Class A to 33wpc. Very smooth but surprisingly not a great match with my Tannoys. $6,000?

What else would you think might be worth a listen?
I want to go Solid State this time. I enjoy the Class A resolution.
Yes the Leben is an outlier someone offered and I said "Sure"! Done with hum otherwise.


I listen from a low of 60 db to high of 75 db.
Room is irregular and medium sized in terms of cubic
feet. Treated as needed.

I want an amp that is satisfying enough to keep for the long run.
Someday I may add the others for a different sound or with less efficient planars, etc.

Price range $5k max.
Used preferred.
Willing to wait.

Brands I am have not heard but read positive comments about:
Ayre, Naim, Linn

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts.
Please do not feel compelled to respond if you
have not been here in the last few years.





chorus
erik_squires
15,814 posts
 
If people are in this price range, my three suggestions, for you to sample different takes are the following:

Pass
Ayre
Luxman

and since you are coming from tubes, might even want to try out the ARC integrated.

I think between the Pass, Ayre, Luxman triad you’ll definitely find your happy place, but if you are coming from FirstWatt, and already know you like the Pass I doubt you'll go any other way, still, worth you to listen to them and come back and tell me what you think of the other two.
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Thank you all for the ideas. 
Yes I left out the 4 ohm situation.
Luxman is available here. Triad?
Will investigate, thank you all.
erik_squires
15,814 posts
 
Hi OP,

Triad: Three of something.  I meant if you listen to Pass, Luxman and Ayre (that's' the triad) you'll have a really good idea of what you want.

Best,

E
Post removed 
herman
2,215 posts
 
some of the First Watt amps do double down into 4 ohms. Even if they don't, that doesn't mean they aren't a good match for your speakers. Depends on if you drive them into clipping and how much headroom you need. 

I have a Pass XA30.8 that I believe is going to be here for the long haul. Stays in Class A up to 30W at 8 ohms and does easily double down. Puts out much more if you drive it past class A but doubt if you ever would. 

If class A is a requirement then I suppose you know Ayre, Naim, and Linn are all out. I have had the Naim 250DR for extended periods and it is a wonderful amp,  worth a listen. Should be able to pick one up in the $3000 range.

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