2. amps-preamps
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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
hieule5
115 posts
 
Gentlemen

I do not mean to hi jack the thread but anyone Dali fans here happen to own Dynaudio before? What's the difference between the Dynaudio Audience and Dali Ikon sonically?

Thanks,
moemoney's avatar
moemoney
158 posts
 
Mimberman

I had the 75se then upgraded to the 150se but went back to SS BAT 600se because of the heat that the tubes were putting out. Kept the 600se for about 3-4 months, and went back to the 150se for the same reason that you stated above.

“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 you can try a 75se. Very Musical, detailed and very engaging, and half the tubes of the 150se. IMHO you will not fine what you want in a SS Amp. Also I own a pair of Class D amps, Channel Island D 200 and they are just not in the same league.
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
When I would have to go to transistor amps, I would get Lamm units. From those the 1.2 Reference.
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
Mimberman,

I owned the Pass 250.5 and it is an excellent amp. I now own a Tube Research Labs M-225 mono blocks and they are the best amps I have ever heard. I have owned tube, SS, Class D, expensive and moderately priced and TRL is in another class. The M-225 is their solid state product and it runs very cool. They have produced some of the best tube equipment including their $140,000 mono blocks for the past 20+ years and now their SS competes with their tube amps. Check them out, very little is ever discussed about TRL but Paul & Brian know what they are doing. If you can get past not impressing your friends with a brand name then you will find a hidden treasure.
mimberman OP
299 posts
 
Bobheinatz: heh, you think my friends know any of the brands in my rig? Jeez, I'm surprised, given my audio problem, that I even have friends.
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