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 just realized I had my my speaker's treble settings were  maxed to high side when I used the Cary. When I auditioned the Pass XA25 I did not change them. I think this is why the ear burn was felt.

I think after reading the many well made suggestions -for which I thank each participant's contribution-  I will most likely buy the XA25.

Then I will buy the Supratek Chardonnay as a preamp.
Not only do I like the 6SN7 tube, I also like the name Chardonnay.
Further I love the appearance of this piece of art. It is likely
a true fool's errand to buy something made on a continent I will likely never visit, but it seems the most musical piece $2,000 will buy.

Anyone visiting Phoenix from June on that would care to hear
my system, please get in touch.

Best,

Jeff
Pulled the trigger on a 12 month old Pass Labs XA25 at $3k
today.
Nice! Please let us know how it goes. I've been eyeing this amp as well. Do you mind revealing where you got it?
I bought a First Watt F6 from Reno Hi Fi as it doubles down into 4 ohms . 25 wpc into 8 ohms and 50 wpc into 4 ohms . My speakers are 6 ohms nominal and around 93 db . It is glorious .