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Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max

I may have posed a similar question like this a while back, but I'm curious to get any updated thinking from folks, older or newer.

Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).

Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.

I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.

I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.

Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.

I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649783884-hegel-h90/ <-- right in colorado, integrated, but you will hear what the hegel sound is, and can resell at that price in a jiffy

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649747636-ayre-ax-7e-evolution-integrated-amp/ <-- same idea as above

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649780498-yba-2-alpha-hcdt-stereo-amplifier/ <-- very sweet pure power amp, soundstage champ

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649778517-mccormack-dna-1-a-legendary-amplifier/ <-- worth a try, could easily resell if doesn't float your boat, or if it does, send to smc steve can make it sound even sweeter
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hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,072 posts
 
@jjss49 I saw those and am wondering if it might be better to wait for an amp-only Hegel or Ayre, AND I'm wondering if those models are a bit too low in the lines. I can wait for bigger brothers to come along, used. Not in a hurry. If an H20 came along, e.g....
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tweak1
3,680 posts
 
Forget all these suggestions, they’re all old tech.


This is the 21st Century where GaN amplifiers are about to make all these obsolete, but not all GaNs are built the same, or sound the same. LSA took almost 2 years of R & D before releasing the Voyager 350. I have owned many high quality SS and tube amps but NONE compare. And the best part it’s only $3000. There are several threads on Agon that will validate what Im saying

https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics
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