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Building new system starting with power amp. What would you choose ?

This is not how it usually happens, but what if you simply must have a particular amp and then move with upgrades in both directions? Let's assume that the only source will be RTR deck, so no preamp will be needed.
The price range..how about $15k new or used ?
This is a hypothetical exercise, I am personally not prepared for that yet. However, it would be, theoretically, perfect minimalist audiophile set-up. 
I myself would probably choose either Lamm monoblocks or Gryphon stereo power amp, both used of course.
inna
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
This is not a theoretical exercise for me.  I'm there.  I didn't exactly start with my amps, which are Atma-Sphere M-60s, but anything I do going forward will start with these amps.  I might as well pour concrete around them.  They aren't going anywhere. 
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,196 posts
 
A ZOTL amplifier of David Berning....

No question, what else?

It is the only tube amplifier, with almost illimited tube life, no heat, and the qualities of tube amplifier+ S.S. design.... Price at low level /high quality

Pairing them with a pair of speakers i dont know which to chose yet...
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Good luck with that i will always have great preamp(Audia Flight Stremento #1 mk2) and tube phono stage(TW ACUSTIC RPS 100).
helomech
1,730 posts
 
Gryphon is what immediately came to mind as soon as I read your notional budget. The Diablo is hard to beat for overall sound quality in a neat package, especially if you have no desire to fuss with tubes. Solid state really doesn’t get any better at that price point.


erik_squires
16,375 posts
 
I personally might do an Ayre or a D'Agostino.  however, I'd definitely have speakers in mind.

What I normally suggest people listen to are:

  • Ayre
  • Luxman
  • Pass
  • D'Agostino

This gives a nice spread of amps and sound qualities.  Luxman and D'Agostino more similar than not, Pass and Ayre taking decidedly different approaches.

If I was going to use a high efficiency Klipsch, Tannoy or Altec type of set up Pass would be high on my list, but honestly I tend to stick to small footprint conventional multi-way speakers. Wilson's being among the largest I'd consider.
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