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.
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,090 posts
 
Another for CJ. Benchmark -- are $3k new, whereas Pass, Ayre, more like $5-6k new. Bel Canto S300 about $2k new. So, folks feel they're equally good, I take it.

Not interested in integrated at the moment because I have a preamp I like.

Never heard of Robertson but will look.

Sony -- my Walkman maker! I take that back. Too snarky. Perhaps a find. Will look.

Very much heading toward Pass, I think, at a lower model. Still in process.
unsound
7,333 posts
 
When I suggested the c-js, I did so because I think they are really quite good and in part because they fit in well with systems that are otherwise built around tubes. If you want an amp that demonstrates distinct ss prowess, there might be some other candidates that might be somewhat  better in that regard.

 A word of caution, some otherwise outstanding recommendations are designed and built to be their best with balanced inputs, something your Quicksilver pre doesn’t have. It might be prudent to seek out gear that will work optimally with the rest of your system, rather than choosing gear that spent resources on tech you won’t use.
safebelayer
66 posts
 

Pass or Ayre, pick one and you’ll be happy and satisfied.
FWIW, Ayre has a service department second to none.
It’s a no-brainer with either of these two.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,090 posts
 
@unsound thank you for the very good advice and I do understand about looking to find a match and not just follow advice blindly. in part, there is a bit of experience I need which might only be gained by trying things. I understand that this is an iterative process but it can be embarked upon in a more or less intelligent way and the advice here is helping.
hayw
13 posts
 
I recommend Plinius  solid state 200 watt amps, e.g., SA-100, mk3, SA-102 or SA-103. These amps can play both class A and Class A/B.  Class A the amp plays hotter, which is not unusual for class A.  Class A sound is simply a class above A/B.  30 reviews of the mk3 at audivoreview.com and the average score:  4.9 out of 5.0.  I have matched it with Pass Labs and McIntosh solid state preamps and got an excellent presentation and this amp also matched well with the Hovland tube preamp HP-100.  Recent amps of this vintage can be picked up on ebay for approximately $2K and around that price point at Audiogon and other outlets.    
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