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Pure Class A shootout

Hi after doing a lot of research and listening, I think pure class A is still the way to go for me. I'm wondering if you have any opinions on the following amps and how they compare with each other:

1) Gryphon Colliseum (mono or stereo)
2) Gryphon Antileon Signature (mono or stereo)
3) Pass XA 160.5 or XA 200.5
4) Krell Evo 2

They will be powering Rockport Altair's or maybe Rockport Arrakis (still debating that one too).

I see a few dilemmas. For Krell, it seems like the spirit behind their products Dan D'Agostino is no longer with the firm and thus maybe their brand/lineup in the future may be compromised. Also, Krell's preamp reputation is not as good as their amplification. That's similar to Pass as well - great reputation on the amps but not as reputable on the pre-amps. Don't get offended as I'm only talking relative terms (i.e comparing products at very very lofty levels). For Gryphon, their amp and preamps are supposedly top notch, but right now the Euro is extremely strong vs the US$ and I'm thinking I should be picking up something American as it's more of a bargain. Gryphon + Rockport is a "formula" and I know I can't go wrong with it but I'm wondering if there are other options.

So I guess the question is:
1) Have anyone ever compared the best Pure Class A amps? How do they compare with one another? Yes I know they are all good at this level but unfortunately I have only listened to the Gryphons mated with Rockports.
2) Any other options that I should consider? No tubes please as I have no desire to mess with tubes.
3) Should I even compare/consider the older pure class A amps like the ML 33/33H? i.e are the new pure Class A leaps and bounds better than the older reference lines?

Thanks, -Isaac
changster
changster OP
40 posts
 
Hah sorry I meant the evo1.

I definitely like the pass xa.5 series too, but I'm not sure about their preamps, and also if they mate well with Rockports. Pass's Xa.5 series definitely seems like a bargain compared with the rest. Paired with Rockports, I've only listened to the Gryphons (mirage, colloseum, sonata allegro, antileon signature all mixed and matched). Gryphons mated with Rockports is almost a no brainer as it's almost like an established formula.

mitch2
3,969 posts
 
Others to consider are Lamm M1.2 (a hybrid Class A monoblock design with only one 6922 tube per amp), and Clayton M200 or M300, both fully Class A and SS with either 200/400 or 300/600 wpc into 8/4 ohms, respectively.
argyro
438 posts
 
And buy fast, cause due to the energy problem I can not see us using Class A amps in a few years.....lol
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
The Krell Evo amps are not class A either.
rtn1
535 posts
 
I have the Pass XA200.5. I would merely suggest that the reviews are accurate.

You probably could go with the XA160.5 based upon the 92 db sensitivity, unless your room was huge. I like the XA200.5 because it has tremendous control and ease over the woofers. Orchestral climaxes are clearly delineated without any strain or congestion.

The only downside is the 360 lbs of metal that is too hot to touch for more than a few moments. However, that is the case with most class A and high-powered tube amps.
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