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Help me pick an amp for under $5,000

So I finally have the scratch for an amp and I'm looking for some help. My system consists of a Sony SCD-1, Music Hall MMF-7 (new table in the works), Aesthetix Janus Preamp, and Totem Forests. I posted a thread a couple of days ago but only got one taker (I think I posted it too late at night, or it was too specific).

When I initially heard the aesthetix it was with a Bat VK-250SE and JM LAB 926BEs. I loved the BAT's sound (although find the look of it to be questionable, but I could get over that) but I'm wondering what else I should be looking at in this price range (slightly over is okay too) that would mate well with what I have, and with any possible speaker upgrades, since the Totem's aren't the last word for me (new listening room is 17x20 with high ceilings, so I worry about them dissapearing).

I'd like to stay with SS, and realistically think 150wpc into 8 ohms and above, just to cover myself incase my next speakers are power hungry. So what else would mate well? Parasound JC-1s have been mentioned, but can't get a ton of input on the match with the rest of the gear. Pass X250.5? Something from Simaudio? I feel a bit at a loss since I've not been able to hear the aesthetix with my speakers or other amps, so help is much needed.

FWIW I listen to everything, but concentrate on Jazz, folk/acoustic, Indie rock, soul. and classic rock, with some avante-garde classical thrown in.

Thanks a ton!
mimberman
pardales
652 posts
 
Here is a nod to the Pass Labs .5 series. You can find some nice prices on demo units here on Audiogon. You can get the 250.5 for $4500 or less and you can get the 150.5 for a lot less than that (and it would probably be all you need). Of course, if you can demo an amp in your system it would be well worth your time.
mac10
34 posts
 
Another vote for the MC 402! I own an Aesthetix IO into a Plinius CD LAT driving my MC402 with great results. Leaves little on the table.
digsmithd
913 posts
 
sim audio 5 le would be my choice of indulgence!
bigjoe's avatar
bigjoe
693 posts
 
i gotta go with the reccomendations for a mcintosh amp,the power gaurd feature cant be beat as it allows you to use full power without adding distortion or endangering your speakers from overpowering or distorted power plus if you ever want to upgrade amps again you dont loose any cash at resale time :)

while the mc252 & mc402 (suggested above) are both great amps i would go with a mc500 instead,ive had all 3 in my home & the mc252 & mc400 were very close in power & performance but the mc500 was a much better amp in every way,the mc500 had what seemed to be an endless power reserve & was the most dynamic mac amp ive ever heard maybee even a little more dynamic than the 1201 monoblocks i have now.

the damping factor on the mc500 is double that of any mac amp other than the mc1000 monoblocks which really pays off in bass response at lower volumes & gives the amp a huge amount of head room,the mc500 is rated at 500 wpc in all ohmages but it pushes about 600 watts & has both single ended & balanced inputs.

you also mentioned wanting a good looking amp to replace your bat,i personaly think bat gear looks fantastic but to each his own,i put up a pic of the mc500 so you can judge its looks,i think the mc500 is one of the best values in hifi & at a average used price of $3,800 is extremly hard to beat.

{http://mcintoshlaboratory.com/aa/mc500.htm}

mike.
stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
Rowland Model 10. It replaced a Levinson 331 and Pass Labs X250. I recently posted a question asking whether anyone had upgraded from the 10 and, if so, to what. The question was more out of curiosity than anything else since frankly, I don't see where this amp can be bettered. Apparently, no one who has responded has followed this specific upgrade path. The going price for the 10 is $3200-3500 and worth every penny. So far it has held its value for as long as I've owned it.
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