Best sounding low power (under 80watts) Class AB amp?


What the world needs is a nice sounding lower power class AB amplifier under 35lbs. I'm tired of power sucking light-bulb dimming Class A designs and 80+ pound Class AB immovable boat anchors on dollies. Tubes and Class D need not apply.

An Audio Research 100.2, CJ MF-80/MF-2250 come to mind. What else is there?

What do you think? I'm I the only one?

--Sensible in Springfield.

128x128hi2alex2

Motif MS50, early B&K ST140, Bryson 2BLP, Acurus A80, Spectral DMA50, PS Audio 2C+, Hafler DH120, Robertson 4010, Quad 303 & 306, GAS Son of Ampzilla, McCormack Micro Power Amp, Linn LK85, Classe 70, Superphon SA-120, Musical Design D75, Metaxas Ikaras, Metaxas Iraklis, Meridian 555 

 Benchmark AHB2. Reputed to be the quietest amp on the market. Around $3000 used.

Always liked the audiosource amps when I had them, pretty reliable, even when driven hard.

May get flak from this, but they were nice amps at a great price point.

50w up to I think 150-200wpc

nice little amps

always did me well

or find a used one of other brand check the Gon

 

 


Adcom 6002 is a nice low power amp with great headroom  

 

still wish they made their preamp-one. Great preamp, still have one wrapped in storage in basement somewhere.

You might like the Konus Audio Integrale (integrated amp) or Robusto (stereo or mono power amp). Fast, natural, alive.

 

Here are a few professional reviews:

 

 

What’s the budget? 
 

LTA has fancy pants tube amps that weigh next to nothing for 4K+ and are supposed to sound excellent. I can’t see the value there but I don’t know what goes into it but they are pretty much universally praised.