First foray into Class A amp -- recommendations

@Dave 72,

I actually have a close dealer who sells Accuphase, Krell, Pass, and ML, but, of course, then I am looking at new or demos, which are going to be more than I want to spend. I'd like to listen to his stuff, but I don't think it's right to take up his time if I am most likely going to buy used.

@ all,

I ran across a Krell FPB-300cx close to my price range, but upon investigation, I found that it does not have RCA inputs. It was suggested that I could use XLR to RCA adapters, but I did some reading on that and many caution against trying to do that. The statement was made that this could result in cutting the power output of the amp roughly in half. Does anybody have any experience with using XLR to RCA adapters with a big Krell amp like the FPB-300cx?

I wonder how much difference in sound quality there is between the FPB-300cx and the FPB-300, which DOES have analog inputs?

Most of the amps recommended here are in general good amps, however if you really want hear something special, check out the Symphonic Line Kraft amplifier. Even their slightly lower models like the RG7 would make most of the typical class A amps sound really ordinary. The Krells and Plinus-es dont even stand a chance. I have heard them and even owned couple of Plinius amps for extended periods at some time. I like them but Symphonic Line was way too superior to even compare.

Pani-Finding a used Symphonic RG7 could prove difficult. The current MK4 version sells for 8000 Euros, could a used RG7 even be had for under $3k?

I heard a Belles SA-30 driving a pair of $100K Focal in a massive room to unbelievable levels; couldn't believe it was 30 watts...

Does your local dealer take in trades? Ask him to keep his eye out for you. Then your not wasting time, and if they also have a service department, it's a lot easier to not have to ship a large power amp if repair is needed.

I picked up my pre amp, and amp this way.