I recently purchased the Van Alstine SET 120 control amplifier for a den system paired with a Naim Uniti Atom headphone edition preamp/DAC/streamer and am over the moon about the sound quality. Van Alstine punches WAY ABOVE its price point and the recommendation above should be considered highly as a truly great amp. You are not paying for a middle man. You might think because the price is low that you compromising, but trust me you will not be disappointed.
recommendation of amps
Just looking for a little guidance. Starting to look for an AMP. Most likely solid state. I listen to R&R only, high 80's low 90's Room 13x14 bathroom to one side hallway to another, normal furnishings, wood floors. Speakers, Fritz carbon 7se bookshelf, SVS SB3000 Sub, Currently Peachtree amp 500 running system (not Bad) Benchmark Dac 3B and LA-4 Benchmark Line Amp, Audiolab 6000 CD Transport, Everything Balanced, with the exception of the Transport. Stream Qobuz also. System sounds really good. Just looking for a TOP SHELF AMP. Budget maybe 6-7 k new or used, (Less preferred) Prefer new with warranty??? Have a ATI AMP 6002 in main system, in another room, much bigger room, and kicks ass, in every regard. Would like something different (maybe) Current set up feels a little neutral, and analytical, maybe looking for something a little warmer. Have been looking at a used Pass Labs 250.8 for example Maybe a little overkill though? Always a little nervous over tubes (scared even) Afraid of NOT ENOUGH JUICE to listen at my levels. Very open to your suggestions. Thanks as always Robert TN
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@robshaw I have the Pass XA30.8 driving my Wilson Sabrina (4ohm, 87db that dip into 2ohm) without breaking a sweat and without leaving class A most of the time. It will be fine with your 8ohm 88db speakers. |
@Robshaw - it sounds like a bit of a Pass fan club here, but I second the various comments about Pass Labs amplifiers capacity for musical engagement - and tonal refinement. Pre-owned, I would suggest a pair of Parasound JC1s. They are quite similar in character to the .8 Pass amps. In a room like yours, they will probably never leave class A, but they also have that sense of power and slam that works very well on rock music. |
Hi Robert, You have received numerous good amplifier recommendations. I believe that a good quality push-pull tube amp would be an excellent sounding option for your audio system. However I do acknowledge your reservation regarding tubes. Keep in mind that the Pass Lab XA30.5 and.8 are a full 30 watts of class A power into an 8 ohm impedance. When these amplifiers cross over into class B (A/B) you’ll have much more available power into 4 and 8 ohm impedance loads. IMO, in your 13x14’ room you’ll probably remain in class A operation the “vast “ majority of the time. Your speakers aren’t difficult impedance load challenges for amplifiers. Best wishes, Charles |
+1 charles1dad. I also have the Fritz Carbon 7SE speaker. I use it with two amplifiers a Pass XA25 (rated 25wpc class A) and also a Aric Audio Transcend push//pull tube amplifier (rated 20-40wpc depending on output tube and mode used) in a room somewhat larger than yours. These are driven by an Aric Audio 6SN7 tube preamplifier. A single ended system. You won't need anymore power than these amplifiers provide. Good luck in your search. |
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