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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
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
"The Krell shouldn't be in the list with all the other fine amps listed and the Pass has a metalic glare at the top end."

Pure crap. The Krell FPB series are some of the finest amps ever built. Pass .5 series are also among the best sounding amps available.

Duane, my Krell FPB-600C amp will soundly spank whatever it is that you are listening to. Exactly which Krell amps have YOU OWNED?? Pass??
duane
189 posts
 
I have owned and played with many Krell products and have known Dan since 1983.

His stuff is sexy and well built and he stands behind his product but Dan has high frequency hearing loss. That is why he auditions amps with headphones.

The reason I have had many of his products is because I have worked in the high end business for 29 years and I have upgraded over 100 people from Krell to better sounding equipment.

Inside the industry they are known as the Sony of high end. This is why when Sony ES introduces a new design they show how it holds its own with Krell.

These are all facts you can check out.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
Yeah, buts it's easy to make audiophiles believe something else sounds better. I've been in the high end audio business for a long time too and I've seen and heard a lot of super expensive and high quality equipment. I still like Krell's amps. There are other amps that sound great also but Krell has amazing control over almost any speaker. Which is an important aspect of sound quality. I am not saying there is no better sounding amp in the world. I just think Krell can get the best out of almost any speaker made. I am open to something smaller and less expensive in the future.
changster OP
40 posts
 
Back to the original topic..

I don't think anyway has compared the best pure class A from the Pass pre/post amp vs the top Gryphon pre/post vs the top Krell pre/post. I'm sure all are great. I guess I will just have to coerce these dealers to bring it to my house and test it A/B/C.

Would be also awesome to compare these with the old best pure class A (or at least very high bias) i.e Krell FPCs, ML 33/33H. I don't think anyone has the luck/resources to do it though.

If I find anything out I'll post it here.

Cheers.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>12-19-09: Dlcockrum
Duane, my Krell FPB-600C amp will soundly spank whatever it is that you are listening to.<<

Well that's foolish.

The speaker is critical in evaluating any amplifier. I can list a dozen amps that will outperform your Krell with certain speakers. Many of which cost far less. Does that make them better than your Krell?

Without knowing what amplifier he employs, your assertion is pure bravado/bluster.

Step back, take a deep breath, and re-think your position.
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