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The Most Musical Class A/B Power Amplifier??

Although I would rather have a used Mark Levinson, Pass Labs or Krell driving my new Maggies 1.6's I don't think it can happen. At my age I've got to think ahead to if/when one of these heavy monster amps will need repairs. Plus buying used, the likelyhood is that at minimum there will be capacitors that need to be replaced. I don't treasure having to pack up and ship one of these heavy amps for repairs. I don't think my back can take it.

So, my new focus is to find a class A/B 150 to 250 watt (8 ohms/double at 4 ohms) power amp that is musical with depth, produce voices and choral music well, has plenty of detail, is tube like, weighs less than 100LBS and can produce a wide sound field. I would also be interested in info regarding a pre-amp that would work well with the power amp in the most supportive and musical way. I am mostly analog but I do have a great CD player and many CD's. However 90% of the time I will play records and "Tape Project" reel to reel tapes. Thank you so much in advance for all of your great comments. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
rbwinterlink
dusty
60 posts
 
Why all the power? I use 3.6R maggies and can get by with a 75 watt tube amp for about 95% of my listening. Sources are vinyl and CD/SACD. I would suggest you spend a few sessions with one of those Radio Shack SPL meters to get a good idea as to how loud you listen. If it is less than 95db, 50 to 75 watts may be all you need. Sure, if you decide that you gotta have that last 5% loudness, then get a cheap class D pro amp for the party times. Email me if more questions.
Cheers!
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I second Cary 500MB monos - I have owned a pair in the past, and they were trully spectacular driving Auiostatic electrostatic speakers. Dynamic, articulate, unlimited reserves of clean, undistorted power, with excellent stage depth. Do not heat up the room like Krell or Pass offerings.
krell_man
827 posts
 
There's a Karan KA S-180 for sale right now on Audiogon that will do everything that you want it to do.

Chuck
paulficarella
43 posts
 
bryston 4b st, aragon 8008bb, bat vk-200, classe ca-201, you cant go wrong with any of these pricing ranges from 900 to 1500.

Cheers.
dawgcatching
139 posts
 
An upgraded to Platinum status McCormack DNA-125 will be pretty darn good. Only rated at 125wpc, but with that Piltron transformer, tons of current and could drive the Maggies very well. Mine is the same w/o the Piltron, and boy does it sound good for what the upgrades and used unit cost.

I also second the Karan! A little pricey, one of the best amps though.
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