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Best SS Amp - Pass Labs X350.8 vs. Luxman M900u vs. Ayre VX-R Twenty

I’m in the market for a used SS Stereo amplifier for about $8k-10k range, in the used market.

Source: Oppo BDP-105
Speakers: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II with 89db & 8 ohm.

The next step would be to add a Tube Preamp to connect my Nakamichi RX-505 tape deck.

Out of the following, which one do you recommend & why? I would prefer feedback from anyone who has compared any of these combination of Amps.
  • Pass Labs X350.8
  • Luxman M900u
  • Ayre VX-R Twenty
  • Jeff Rowland 625 s2
Later on the plan is to build a HT system & will add Amp for surround & center.

hitsofmisses
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
any of the amps will drive the speakers just fine, and sound great doing so

my personal faves would be a pass or an ayre, you may also consider a hegel amp, although most of them are integrateds which you may not prefer

you did not talk about your room and setup - unless it is a very very large room, those amps will be overkill in terms of power needed, you could scale back substantially, save $ and invest it in the rest of the system, and/or getting the room to sound good

good luck
vinylvalet
868 posts
 
I'd replace your Oppo first.

Try to audition a Coda Continuum No. 8 ($5k retail without meters).

I haven't heard any of the amps on your list. There are some comparisons of Coda and Pass if you search the internet.
joeyfed55
82 posts
 
If you find the Luxman in your price range let me know! My 509X is fantastic.
ghdprentice
6,511 posts
 
I owned a Pass x350 for fifteen years… actually amps designed by Pass for 35 years. When I needed to upgrade, extensive research and listening would always bring me back to Pass. Wonderfully neutral and powerful, excellent transients and micro dynamics. I actually got 95% the money back in trade in for my x350 after 15 years… so it’s cost to me was $30/year.

If I was in the market for a solid state amp, it would be a Pass. It will take on the character of the input signal.
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