2. amps-preamps
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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's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
Hegal H190 should be on your short list. That is about as high as you can go on 3,000 but i would not settle for anything less in the Hegel line and there is no need to do so. I’m shooting for the H20 power amp myself

overly simplistic view imo for the op’s needs

hegel’s line has a very consistent sonic signature up and down the line, leaving aside the onboard dacs which have seen the updates over the last few years ... all units with the sound engine 2 amp circuit from rost to h90 to current line up up to the h190 sound remarkably similar when driving speakers suitable for the power levels of the amp sections - the notable exception is h390/590 duo which have a slightly richer/warmer sound signature due to a change in the preamp circuitry

in the last 3 years, i have had the h90, 160, 190, 390, 590, rost and h20 in my own system(s) - currently still have the last 2, so my statement above is from direct experience


jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
970 posts
 
+1 on the PS Audio M 700s. YOu can do a try and buy and they take trade ins. I ran and S300 for several years and like it very much . Sold it to a person on here who was very happy to get it. I moved to a Quad Atera Stereo and that amp can be had for ~$3k

Hegel good suggestion as well.  I demo the Rost (very impressive for a small integrated) and would like to own one of there power amps some day.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@jjss49 Thanks. I don’t listen that loud, so if my speakers are not bears to drive and the sonic signature is effectively the same, I prefer not to spend more, needlessly. The 190 appears to be overkill.

Incidentally, I saw a Hegel 160 out there, used. Possibly better than the H90?

@jbuhl Perhaps you missed my comment to donniewn below, "Steering away from monoblocks."
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
970 posts
 
yep missed the "steering away from monoblocks"

Wyred4Sound might work SX-1000R might be an option, gets good reviews.  Never owned there amps but have had some of there other products with satisfaction.
The PS Audio S300 is also a solid piece (single amp, Ice power implementation) and is also part of the try and buy program. Coming in at $1.7k
The Rogue Hydra might be an interesting option. Hybrid Class D/ Tube topology.
my previous setup was a Rogue Tube pre and a PS Audio S300 amp. I think a Tube pre and class D setup is great for lower listening levels if all the specs match up for your speakers at it comes in right at $3K.Rogue:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rogue-audio-hydra-amplifier
Just throwing out some stuff and companies I have had experience with.


hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@jbuhl No worries! Clearly you like their stuff. I am open to Wyred4Sound, PS Audio S300, Rogue -- but I want to ensure I hit a level *above* Atoll, Van Alstine, etc. I know that sounds vague, and that price isn't everything, so I'm relying on folks who've heard these things and know what I mean by a level above. I have few doubts that Pass or Ayre or Hegel could do these things.
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