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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
16,675 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
2,281 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.

Post removed 
soix
10,159 posts
 
A new Clayton Audio S40 is $4500 new. I’d also look at a Valvet E2, and although it only does 20wpc @ 4Ohms it’s said to be capable of driving speakers like yours and may be fine as you don’t tend to listen too loudly. Last, there’s a used Plinius SA103 available on US Audio Mart for about $5k, which conveniently has a low-bias switch for non-critical listening or if you just want to leave the amp powered on to stay warmed up and ready to play. I think the Valvet May be the best sounding overall, but if you’re looking for a little more warmth/bloom I’d get the S40. Anyway, just three more options FWIW, and best of luck.
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