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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
kirk9
43 posts
 
Save your money and buy a modern Class D. The Benchmark AHB2 is the one to beat. Even the run-of-the-mill Hypex models will blow away nearly any Class A. I know, I'll catch a lot of flak for this post, but just give a listen.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,006 posts
 
Have you thought about thie Sugden class A amps? In particular the signature A21se? It goes well with my tannoys, and considering you are not listening loudly, it could be a very good choice for a reasonable outlay, only $3250. It is all analog with 5 line inputs plus a fixed tape out, and a variable pre out. Other than that just a simple remote. It is all I require and has a very nice tube like sound signature. 30 watts into 8 ohms, and 40 watts into 4 ohms. It does get hot during use but that does not present any issues for me. It has a beefed up power supply to achieve the above power output. My tannoys are 90 db efficient and seem to pair very nicely with the Sugden.at only 9 or 10 o’clock. I’m getting a very decent volume in my room which Is about 16 x 14, but also open to another area or space. The Sugden company has been around for a very long time and are based in the UK, Scotland, same as tannoy, and Linn. 
lowtubes
100 posts
 
Hello, tricky question you presented. After listening to tubes on your Tannoy’s, you might find SS to be a bit edgy and not as smooth and refined. Well, if that the direction you want to go in, SS will be faster and have better dynamics and more control over the music but I definitely do not feel you will stay happy over the long haul with SS when your speakers work well with tube amps. I’ve been in this hobby for 30yrs and and a lot of amps. Tube and SS.  I see some good recommendations suggested here by some audiophiles.  Put my suggestions also on your list. Threshold older SA series and T series SS. Good luck. 
krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
94 posts
 
If you can find a great price on a used Krell Duo 300 XD I’d grab it in a heartbeat. You cannot do any better in Class A than the latest generation of these Krell amps. Luscious, syrupy sound, Beautiful sound staging and the famous dynamic punch at the low end  Krell is so famous for.   
askmjo
4 posts
 
Wilson Shen, claytonamp@aol.com I have dealt with him several times. 
l find it hard to believe he is no longer in business. I am using a Clayton  S-40, 2 pairs of M-100 monos, and 1 pair of M-300’s.
Super Performers. My favorite system features Avantgarde Trios with Class A mono blocks custom built by David Berning. These are OTL tube beauties which put out something like 10 or 15 watts each. I have 2 pairs of Omtec CA-25 mono blocks, built in Germany by Manfred Baier.  About 30 watts per block, class A solid state. They are available for a song if you are interested, as I am near the end of my life. Some advice, seek out the individual designers with small dealer networks, and work one on one with them. This is the heart of our hobby, individuals.  It is where the fun is. We all go defunct at times, and usually we rise from the ashes.  Good luck.   Joel 

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