2. amps-preamps
  3. 1217960327

What amp to replace BAT VK-250 w/Dali & Aesthetix?

I'm looking to replace my BAT VK-250 (w/bat pak). Speakers are Dali Euphonia MS4; preamp is Aesthetix Janus. The BAT is not as musical or as present as I'd like--not engaging enough. I feel like it's putting the recording studio in my house, instead of the musicians, if that makes any sense. I listen to rock (no metal), folk, jazz, electronica, and classical.

I'm looking for an amp in the $3,000-$5,000 range, that will give me an organic and warm (but not overly-tubey) sound, while still having great imaging, dynamics, detail, presence etc.. I'm also nervous about going all tube (my DAC has tube as well) because I don't want things to get too syrupy, so I'm leaning toward SS or hybrids.

My Shortlist is as follows:

Moscode 401HR
Pass XA-30.5 or X-250.5
McIntosh 402

If you have specific experience with these amps and my other gear that's great! I'm worried the Pass XA-30.5 won't be enough to power the Dali's (recommended 50-350 @ 4 ohm) in my room (17 x 20); I am also a little nervous about the cult of McIntosh. Any help is greatly appreciated!
mimberman
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
Ahh, that actually would be a problem. Not for me, but i have this wife who....
azmoon
126 posts
 
I went for "the cult" MC402 with Dali MS5 speakers and was converted. Great amp IMO.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
If you have heat concerns and you still want to get a liquid, extended sound and keep in the 5K range, you may want to consider a 'green' amp like the latest Spectron Musician 3 stereo or the newest NuForce monoblocks. As they have a very high damping factor, they should drive speakers of any load. Guido
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
I've heard the NuForce mono's and wasn't very impressed. I've heard other Class D from Rowland and Bel Canto and can't say I love it. Could just be a prejudice against digital amps, I know. Heat isn't a huge concern, but I don't want to start with amps that I can fry an egg on. The Moscode gets somewhat warm, but not terribly so from what I understand. Same deal with the Pass, I've heard (although I am also under the impression that pure class A amps run very hot--what gives?)
winger
19 posts
 
I have the Dali MS5's currently paired with a McIntosh C38 and MC7300 (1992 vintage amp and preamp). I will be upgrading to the MC402, and I'm glad to read the comment above from Azmoon. And I'm curious as to which preamp Azmoon is using? Thanks.
More to discover