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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
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.
koegz
317 posts
 
audiofeil,so you are saying that the quality of an amp is dependent on the speakers and not the other way around? i thought it was the closer to the source? don't the amps make the speaker sing? please explain. oh and i do like(love) krell, that is not to say there are not other options.
nglazer
846 posts
 
Spanking aside, 35 years of audiophilia, my own tastes and 6 years of "cohabitation" tell me Krell FPB 300cx, properly matched with the right cables and preamp, will more than hold its own with any amps near its price range, regardless of Class.

neal
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
Why limit yourself to Class A?

There is a perception they sound better,and of course they look like they should,but that does not mean they do.

Audiophiles seem to get really sucked in by banks of heat sinks for some reason.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Audiophiles seem to get really sucked in by banks of heat sinks for some reason.
Yes, I read that a lot. (Facetious)

My guess is you are being a bit tongue-and-cheek here, but your post is a simple statement with no follow up. Why do you feel this way? Positive comments I have read on Class A amplification have been consistent in specific qualities.
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