First foray into Class A amp -- recommendations


Thinking of checking out a Class A(or quasi) amp just to see if the sound is really better than a nice Class A/B amp. I want to buy a used amp and my budget is $2500-3000. My current class A/B amp is a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe, rev. A.

I've been looking at a lot of amps here on A'gon and what I have come up with so far is the Krell KSA-200S, which, from what I read in reviews, operates largely in Class A into 8 ohm loads up to 200 wpc.

Considering that my McCormack is a pretty decent amp, do you expect that the Krell would offer a significant upgrade in my priority areas of bass slam and control, mid range transparency, and natural high frequencies? I also welcome any other suggestions or ideas. Thanks!
mtrot
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.
Mtrot: That's cool, it's hard to find a dealer that carries all of those brands. Yeah I wouldn't do that either if you're going to buy used.