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Best Solid State Amp For 10k Or Less

I'm auctioning off my Aragons to put towards the purchase of 'my last amp'. Wondering what people think. I have a Krell HTS as a preamp and Dynaudio 3.3's as mains. All I'm concerned with at this time is two channel sound...home theater can take a back seat for a while. My 'short' list is made up of Mark Levinson 335 or 336,Krell FPB300C or perhaps the FPB600c if I can find a deal,Classe 401, Plinius SA250. My musical tastes lean towards classic rock and jazz.What do you think?
sg69
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
there are any number of accuphase and jeff rowland design group amps (new or used) at the $10k pricepoint that will better any of your current selection of alternatives. they may not mate well with you krell pre, but then what does? well worth hearing, nonetheless.
scot_m
25 posts
 
I agree with MikeM .... go to Llanodesign.com and look at the Llano's. They have lots of class A power, lots of current and sound fantastic. You can either go solid state or go to their Trinity design which is a hybrid design with a tube front-end and solid state back-end.
philefreak
423 posts
 
Power Modules 350A,Dave Belles makes a winner here. 250 watts per channel. They sell for $3500.00 new and I doubt you will find a used one. Best solid state i've heard. E-mail me for info. on how to get one, if interested.
subaruguru
1,376 posts
 
Hi John! I'm using Red Dawn throughout: 1m RCA Rotel 855/AlephP, 4.5m XLR between P and 2 monos, and 2.5m revII to Verity Encores. Spectral balance is great, but top octaves "clicky" and gritty, probably due to the Rotel. I was surprised to find that the BelCanto DAC sounded uptilted and "whitish" up top in this system. I decided to return to my Rotel rather than band-aid the BelCanto system with a "warm" IC. Still not sure how to upgrade the front end....suggestions? Local dealer's Rega Planet 2000 MAY be worth a demo--can't get anyone to respond to that thread, however. I know some have characterized the Nordost as wimpy in the bass, but I notice NO difference in bottom slam if I parallel-in some 12 gauge in an A/B test, so in my setup the 13 AWG-equivalent RD revII works fine (it's only 8', afterall). Nonetheless do you think the Red Dawn IC exagerrates treble transients...that "clickiness"?...or is that my Rotel CDP? Sorry to sidetrack the thread...happy holidays to all. Ernie
celery
33 posts
 
I listen to mostly classic rock myself and I have really enjoyed my Electrocompanient amplifier. The AW180 dual mono is ss bliss. I have the AW120 and it sounds equally as good but with a little less power. I listened to alot of the amplifiers you mentioned and I personally liked the character of the EC better to my ears. It really shines with great IC's. The EC sounded right on rock and roll and alot of gear does not. If you are in the market for a ss amplifier don't overlook EC. Gryphon is also quite nice. No advertising budget either, just quality gear that sounds great. My 2 cents
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