2. amps-preamps
  3. 1132191452

What Is Best Monoblocks For Around $10,000 Used?

I'm searching for an amplifier upgrade in my system. My system is presently made up of a Classe CA-401 amp, Krell HTS 7.1 pre-pro, Piega P10 loudspeakers and Mark Levinson No.39 CD player. (The P10's and ML 39 will eventually be upgraded.) I listen to 2-channel redbook CD's, but the system also does Home Theater with a Krell Theater Amp Standard handling the center channel, rear channel and Zone 2.

I'm searching for a pair of mono-blocks that sells in the used market for about $10,000 (plus or minus), to replace the Classe CA-401 stereo amp. I've considered the Krell 450Mcx, but heard it sounds dark. (I don't know what dark is.) I've considered the Musical Fidelity KW amps, but they only have single ended inputs. The Pass Labs X600 may not give me the bass I'd like to have.

Can anyone make any suggestions on a good, resolving pair of mono-blocks?

Thank you.
george3
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
I highly recommend the Levinson 436 amps. See my ad on Audiogon.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?
ampstran&1136401085
I've used them for several years and compared them to Krell monos, Classe, and several others. In my system (all Levinson and Revel) they have been magnificent. I can provide pictures on request. I have given this advice to many even before I've decided to upgrade to 33s. These amps do some phenomanal things and in the right system can really bring it to the next level. How do they sound? Well they are chameleon like, in that they don't have a sound of their own, but reflect the surrounding cables, sources, and components. Highly nuetral and have let me know the right or wrongess of ever tweak or upgrade I've ever tried. Revealing but very musical, and unfatigueing.
I'd be happy to talk with you, and my phone number is included with my ad.
karmapolice's avatar
karmapolice
256 posts
 
As a new owner of the lamm 2.2, I can assure you that its got plenty of power to drive a big room.

Comparing the lamm to the pass is like comparing a ford mustang to a jaguar. They both have their fans and they are really different. My friend has the pass labs and if your room is well treated then its a very good amp but its not in the lamm's league ordinarily.
george3 OP
24 posts
 
I've hear nice things about the Lamm 2.2 amp. What types of speakers would be suitable for this amp?
karmapolice's avatar
karmapolice
256 posts
 
well lamm often showcases with the wilson speakers at show so that is another reason I got the lamm amp.....so the wilson watt puppy 7 is the best bet unless you got mad cash for the maxx 2
semi
649 posts
 
I am sure a lot of people will disagree with Karmapolice. Calling Pass a Ford is like calling M-B or BMW an econobox.

But maybe Karmapolice is referring to Lamm's reliability when he uses Jaguar as an example.

I have heard both Lamm and Pass, I will not claim Lamm is in a different league.
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