Looking to downsize and for suggestions for amp(s)


I currently have a pair of Pass 260.8's and I am considering to start downsizing my main system. While I really like the amps, considering something a little more flexiable. I currently have them on platforms in front of my rack so they take a lot of real estate. Hoping for suggestions that might actually fit back in rack.

I curretnly use an ARC 5se with and I am not curretnly thinking about changing that or other sources or speakers, just the amps.

Mostly looking at SS amp(s) as I have felt that they usually mate pretty well with tube pre's.

Have a ML 23.5 in second system that I still really like, but that also requires a platform so that might be an upgrade to something a little smaller down the road.

Speakers are 87dB  Shahinian Hawks, also not currently looking to change.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

128x128stevea11757

Then maybe a stereo version. I used Pass amps for decades.
 

Although once I heard an Audio Research Ref tube amp in my system (with ARC Ref 5SE at the time) solid state was out forever. My listening sessions went form less than an hour to more than two. I am sorry I hadn’t made the change years before… but better now in retirement than never. Also, not surprisingly, ARC preamps mate spectacularly well with ARC tube amps.

we are a coda dealer

 the .8 will give you much of the sound of your monos with a little less warmth

in a smaller package

the .16 should outperform your pass monos

 

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

Coda dealers

Going used Audio Research is a great value proposition. I switched to Audio Research SS D240 MKII. There are many models around this design. Its fully balanced dual mono configuration offers highly musical (full range) transparent and powerful audio. Until recently, I was driving PMC MB2SE and they sound great from bass mids to highs. Like a few others have said here going Audio Research, and I’ve come from Pass XA25, Esoteric F05, Line Magnetic 518ia, and Krell, AR is the best overall sound I’ve heard in my systems.

I don't know about the Hawks but I once had Obelisks which sounded terrible with my 300wpc expensive power amp. I later heard them with a smaller McCormack amp and they were so good I regretted selling mine. The guy demonstrating indicated that the Shahinians were particularly sensitive to different amps and didn't work well with all. So if the Hawks are the same be careful which amp you eventually buy.