2. amps-preamps
  3. 155722-143982

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
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 

chorus OP
976 posts
 
Lowtubes,

I must admit this thread has done more to my considerations than
I had expected. Particularly as to whether I will find the SS route a 
mistake.  Threshold is Pass's first company's Class A Amp. Is this not
"edgy" as the XA25? 
I like the extra dynamics and bass of the SS Pass but it does burn
a little bit on the top end over time. I adjusted my Tannoy treble settings
downward to help this. 
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Audioguy,
I did try the Masterclass IA4 by Sugden last week.
It was fine but not anything exciting to listen to.
Odd as I had higher expectations for it.
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Joel,
Thanks for the contact info.
I could not find a website for Clayton when I checked.
I had hoped to hear about some good options and certainly
have. Thank you to all for contributing to this thread.
I know nothing of the Omtec brand but it sounds interesting.
Can you pm me some info?


jetter
3,050 posts
 
Well as long as you have opened the door to a tube integrated, you might want to check out the Raven Audio Nighthawk MK3 if you can live with 20 tube watts per channel 
https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/
People seem to think they are very good in the $3k range.  Made in the  USA if that matters and from what I have read a great company to deal with.

I have not heard this integrated, just watched the show footages.
More to discover