Power Amp..opinions please

Hi Milpai, I was not suggesting a new Bel Canto Ref 1000 Mk.2 at $6K. . . rather, there are a couple of Mk.1s on Audiogon for approximately $2K. Given the times, you might be able to negotiate the final price down a few $$s. The original Mk.1 has most of the sonic characteristics of the Mk.2. . . and some people prefer Mk.1 over Mk.2.. Guido

Mamboni,
I am glad that the Wyred 4Sound delivers the sound that you want. What other Class AB did you use earlier before you settled with Wyred? In my system I have never heard a stand alone power amp. So I can only "imagine" the "ultraclean, dead quiet phase distortion, zero audible distortion" when compared to my NAD. One thing that got me looking for a separate power amp was I need to set the volume control on TVC to position 12 (from 1-24 available) for a decent sound in my 12X14 listening room. Though I love the sound I think a more powerful amp can eleveate the sound to a higher level - I believe.

Tholt,
My Quads have sensitivity of 88dB and a nominal impedance of 6Ohms. So this seems to be a speaker with low sensitivity and I would need more power than what I currently have for better dynamics at lower volumes. I almost decided to buy the Marantz SM-11S1 on Audiogon that is available. But found that it's low sensitivity (2V) would not match my TVC and the input impedance was alo on lower side (22kOhms). I see the spec on Wyred site that the SX-1000 has an even lower sensitivity (> 2.5V) but the input impedance is high at >64kOhms. So I am looking for other amps as well - like the Parasound A21. The sensitivity of this amp is 1V and it has a high input impedance. Besides, it has a high power ratings and that would mean very good dynamics at lower volume. I also want to check on other SS amps with higher sensitivity and input impedance. I will have to rely on the published specs and experience of users on the forum.

Thanks,

I've owned several Rotel amps, B&K and Classe amps of mid 1990s mintage, and SUMO Polaris and Andromeda II. Of these, I thought the Andromeda II (240W into 8 ohms; 400W into 4 ohms; 80 Amps peak)best, having a warmish sound for SS and a sweet top though the bottom end was a bit soft and ill-defined. The Wyred4Sound amp sounds very similar to the Sumo, but the bottom end is now completely fleshed out and solid and defined. I hear subsonic info that was barely discernable before. The top end is sweet like the Sumo but is more pure and detailed. I am driving Ohm Walsh 5 (Mk III) which have a moderate 87 SPL and like a lot of current. The Wyred4Sound ST-1000 is the first amp to truly push the Walshs to their full measure of output, and then some!

Mamboni,
Thanks for your inputs. I like the warm sound of the NADs and I am looking for amps which will retain that character. To give you an example - when I was auditioning integrated amps 4 years back, I found the NAD to be warm while the Rotels were cold (not in a offensive way) and too forward for my taste. The Rotels had an "in the face" presentation while the NADs had a laid back presentation.
I was initially drawn to the power ratings of the Wyred4sound SX-1000, as the Quads like some more power than what they get now. But looks like it's input sensitivity is a bit high - greater than 2.5V which might prove to be a mismatch for my (passive preamp) TVC. What preamp do you have in your system?

My preamp is a vintage Pioneer Elite SP-99D preamp/processor. It is an active unit which I believe puts out more than 5V at max. I never have the volume dial past 11 o'clock and that is for low-level classical CDs. I believe the sensitivity of 2.5V on the W4S is for maximum power output - you'll never need anything close to this under normal use I think.