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

+1 for@laginz. I acquired a used SST Son II as an interim move towards perhaps mono blocks, but I am so pleased with it that I am staying with it. It is sonically really good, quite compact and biased to approximately 10 watts Class A. They drive my ATC’s really well. Simple box, but a great-sounding amp.

As an aside, I had a long conversation with James Bongiorno about the amp design shortly before he died. He was in a partnership with Wyred for Sound to finish the amp. I built the original Ampzilla in 1975.
 

I have taken the cover off and replaced shorted rail fuses (my bad) and the internals are quite tidy.

@stevea11757

Big Pass Labs fanboy here…

I simplified my system couple of weeks ago. 
Bought a Coda CSiB integrated while I still had my Pass Labs separates - XP22 and X260.8. After several rounds of very thorough evaluation, the Pass separates were sold.

What I did was just downsize/simplify without losing any aspect of what my system is capable of. I know it sounds like a fairy tale, but it isn’t. I’m extremely happy with the results! I would recommend as one of the options in your quest to system simplification is look into the best Coda amp you can buy and confirm with Doug Dale if your preamp will gel with it based on pre output impedance and gain.

Good luck!

You didn't state your budget, however you could consider some stereo amps such as the Coda S5.5, the SPL Performer S-1200 or S-900 amps. You will likely need to get new speaker cables though if you want to put the amp in your rack.

Being being part of a large multi state audio club 

AGD audio, small but  packed  with the best in gan Fet technologies 

the $11500 monoblocks imo beat any amplifiers under $20k

see the reviews then get a demo ,Highly Recommended.