Pure Class-A Amp under $2000 (USED)


Hello everyone,

There are so many brands out there that I couldn't catch up with, so I opened a thread about Class-A Amp for discussion. My budget is around $2000 for a Stereo Amplifier (No need for Pre), could you guys help me to suggest me some?

- DAC: Exogal Comet

- Pre/Amp: Yamaha Intergrated A-9 (My current, but want to update)

- Speaker: Sonus Faber Venere 2.0

- Cable: Acrolink (Power, Interconnect, Speaker)

=> I think the wattage range between 30-60WPC for Class-A is powerful and popular. The production date of amplifier should not too old, I think after 199x is nice.

128x128darkknight8586

+1 Schiit Aegir(s) x2 monoblocks.

I currently run a pair of Schiit Aegirs into my Wilson Benesch speakers which are, I believe a 6 ohm speaker with no difficulty at all, 80 watts per monoblock and I never have it over 25%. Lovely sounding class A, first 10 watts are pure class A, balance of the wattage is something called class A "continuity". You will have to check with the website to get the details, listed as Class A in Sterephile. I beleive they cost me $ 2,500.00 new delivered in Canada so you should find a pair used well within your budget. 

+3 Schiit Aegir, I have one it drives my speakers with finesse in stereo mode. 😎

Mike

+4 on the Aegir. I have one in my main system for my 88 dB 6 ohm Ohm 1000 speakers and it easily goes to my loudest needed volume (about 85 dB average) without strain. (Full disclosure, I also use a sub.)  And, I love the sound -- previously had a Bel Canto amp and then a VTV Hypex that were both higher wattage but didn't sound as good. 

Schiit offers a 15 days trial with a 5% restocking fee if you try and don't like. $40 to try it out (plus returning shipping) which is a pretty good deal. And, there is also a solid used market for Schiit gear -- you can use it for a year or two and not be out all that much if you choose later to move on.

The Sonus Faber would like power, especially if you play loud.  Most Class A amps are small 30 W or less.  I had a Schitt.  Sounded good but not enough grunt.  You need an amp with some weight, a big transformer, etc.

There are several AB amps that would sound quite nice. Parasound, Anthem, etc.  Look on here or other places you will be set.  

PS.  I personally will always own a class A amp but high efficiency speakers make it easier.