Amplifier recommendation

@highend64 

sorry, but I do not own.  However, the last 8yrs I’ve been deep researching for my analog + digital chain so I have extensive lists (OCD?) of good/great mostly current components. Demoed much gear at audio stores and audio shows.  My goal was to find the “subjectively” best sonics, then try to build my system to match within budget.

There is a lot of fantastic gear..for a price, also high value gear.  But gear that meets “bargain” sonics that punch way above their price point, is scarce.  I can maybe think of 5 or so I would truly classify as a bargain.

What I do know, is that Magico’s Alon Wolf, who makes some of the very best speakers, uses the Khartago  here

I am going to throw in 4 to the mix. All different:

1. Gato Audio. To get to the budget you have look at their DIA 250. Used. This is class D. I have their AMP150 - Class AB. From Denmark.

2. Hegel. Again for your budget I would say H390. I think from Norway.

3. Vincent Audio. From Germany. I have SV200. It is their smallest integrated- hybrid. You could look at some of their other models. They are affordable even new.

4. Akitika. This one is a curve ball. Made in the US. Usually a DIY amp but also available fully fully assembled. I acquired one recently - assembled- with volume control. It works like a dream. Very very affordable- around $600. You would be surprised.

regards,

Manu

Audio Alchemy and Elac Alchemy - both designed by audio guru Peter Madnick with extensive experience working for other brands including the Constellation Audio cost-no-object project with other noted gifted designers.

Cabasse Abyss here earned TAS’s 2024 Golden Ear Award in September 2024 issue#352

The Acurus amplifiers used a small, cheep, 10uF aluminum electrolytic capacitor as the input signal coupling capacitor.  If you are handy with a soldering iron you can replace this 3 cent AL part with a polypropylene or polycarbonate capacitor of similar value.  To keep the new capacitor small you could use a 5 uF, 50 Volt poly part..  The poly part will be 20 or more times larger than the AL part, so i may need to have the leads insulated as not to touch other parts.  I think you will be very surprised at the improvement you will hear with this simple modification.

Regards,

jac122555  

a step up from the Acurus line is Aragon. Both were made by Mondial back in their original days.I had a wonderful Aragon 4004 (with 24K Pre-amp that I still own). I bought it new for ~$1,800 in early 1990's. Lot's of dual power supplies and bass slam, with a smooth mid. I sold it around 2000 for a used Krell 200-S (which originally sold for $7,500). It took that big of leap to beat the Aragon. I see their newer models for sale (8008 MK. II, I think) for about $1,500 on the used market.