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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
herman
2,273 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
9,809 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.
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Thanks for the ideas. I will check them all out.

Class A not required.

Only seeking musicality.

The 12 wpc Leben I am listening to now is
more than enough power for my use.
soix
9,809 posts
 
Ah. So here’s another idea — there’s a McCormack DNA 0.5 available on eBay for $575. If you buy it and send it to SMcAudio for full mods you’ll basically have a new SOTA amp for well under $5k with great musicality. And your energy bill will thank you. Just another option since Class A not a necessity.
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