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
I have been counselled to avoid the Krell brand due to breakdown
issues. I am intolerant of anything needing regular repairs.
Life's is too short.  
That said several people have suggested Krell in this thread.
So it must have good SQ. But the repair question is offputting.
Smooth Class A, try the Belles SA-30, I just got one and it is sounding wonderful 
@gryphongryph 
Smooth Class A, try the Belles SA-30, I just got one and it is sounding wonderful

A photo of the inside, 2 large torrids, clean layout, 4 OPTs per side. Never got a chance to hear one to compare. Nice.  Does it sound fairly neutral to your ears, or extended in any way?  


https://www.hifisentralen.no/forumet/attachments/hi-fi-generelt/393431d1470850201-klasse-klubben-sol...
I was in your boat last week... Went from separate pre and class a mono into tannoy arden (new legacy) and wanted to simplify. Got an ex demo luxman 550ax2 for £3k about $3700 looked as new and it beats my more expensive setup in every regard. Effortless layered and a wicked MM MC stage built in to boot.

I've had linn magik dsm in the past... I'm not a fan of their amplification... Detailed but. Leaves me cold. 

If the 550 this good makes me wonder what the 590 does. I always sniffed at intergrated but there is a Synergy there difficult to beat.

Only problem going to one box is being left with phono stage, interconnects and an excess of kimber power leads....