Sad to say I need a new amp…


My twenty year old Mesa Tigris went up in smoke last week. It’s so thoroughly overbuilt I thought she would last forever. Lots of smoke and strong pungent odor, actually has to air the house out. I’ll call Mesa but think it’s time for a change…

The Mesa was hooked up to some Totem mites and a small REL subwoofer in my bedroom/office. So far, I’ve done some reading and have come up with some possible replacement. After my smoke out, I’m thinking solid state in the bedroom… I use a little audioengine Bluetooth receiver for my source in my office..

Exposure 2510, VanAlstine SET 120, Belles Aria and Rega Brio all sound like they would work well. Appreciate any input on these or others. Hoping to keep the cost under 2500.  I listen mostly to jazz, classical music..



 

 

wb27

Even the older B&K amps are closer to throw-away at this juncture. Enjoy as long as you can. Best NOT to leave them on, bakes the bits inside. I was sad to see my dual mono EX-4420 and later 3030 go for parts after the boards and MOSFET OPTs were no longer available, or in short supply. Repaired mine multiple times extending life longer. Pick up spare amps for parts if you must, some of the earlier amps and boards are simpler and easier to repair than the later side-mount/longboard units. A guy bought both my amps and hacked them back together with spare parts he had. Its possible if you are handy with spare parts.  

ATI bought B&K Components name, kept no parts around, and shelved the name for a while. At one point they were supposed to bring back a piece or two. No dice yet. Use sparingly and turn them off after you are done, they might last a while longer.

UPDATE :  spoke with Mesa and they advised I send it in.  The rep sounded like they are confident they can fix/restore the amp, it’s going to take a few months bit jazzed they were so positive. Btw, the rep noted that many of their guitar amps are more complicated than their Tigris stereo amp. He also advised new coupling caps and electrolytic as needed… I’m here for it… amp weighs 50+ pounds so USPS OR UPS I guess… thanks all..

Fellow at Mesa said they made a couple hundred of these… gotta keep it going. Thanks.

Have a look at Orchard audio amps. Class D, very powerful, well within your budget, very efficient and using the latest GaN transistors which make class D almost better than class AB.