2. amps-preamps
  3. 170065-139155

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.
128x128hilde45
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
@hilde45 , 

It sounds like you're leaning towards lowering the budget but like the Pass Labs, so consider Nelson's First Watt brand which are more affordable, high-value performers. One suggestion is to watch the recent youtube interview where he discusses the varying design goals and characteristics of a number of the models. They widely vary, so be sure to focus on what fits your personal preferences. I think that may be on Steve Guttenberg's Audiophiliac channel. Cheers,

Spencer
unsound
7,333 posts
 
conrad-Johnson MF series ss amps.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,072 posts
 
@tvad and @sbank -- I may have miscommunicated. I’m looking for a certain performance from the piece, with a maximum of about $3k. If I can get that performance with an expenditure of $1k, then that’s just a better value. If your view(s) is that the Hegel would not accomplish that, then I would just be wasting $1k, though, as @jjss49 comments, I’d be learning about the Hegel in the process and probably re-selling without a big loss.

Regarding your comment about the wattage being sufficient, here’s a nice recent confirmation of your claim by the maker of Pearl Acoustics: https://youtu.be/4yZRdVXT8U0?t=554

@djones and @yogiboy -- thanks for the threshhold suggestions and the Benchmark, too.
@unsound I'd consider CR, too.
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
As a Monarchy Audio owner,I can highly recommend them. I run the a pair of SM70mkII's. They are the little guys of the line up,however the sound great,and have no problem driving Graham Chartwell LS3/5's. (83db)  I also run a couple First Watt amps. I would recommend them as well, but I don't listen at big SPL levels like others do. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
If you're buying new, then it would be hard to get better value for money than from the Belles Aria stereo amp (2k) or the monoblocks (3k the pair).  I own the monos; they run cool and together take up less space than many stereo amps.

I glanced over at USaudiomart.  Offerings from BAT, T+A, Pass, and others.  Here on the 'gon, you're got Goldmund, Simaudio, Coda.  Perhaps too many options.
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